A man employed as a concrete cutter in California filed a workers’ compensation claim, alleging injuries so severe he had lost the use of one arm. After missing 3 months of work, he was videotaped giving skydiving lessons, showing zero ill effects from his supposed injuries. The man was observed boarding a plane, carrying skydiving equipment and landing a parachute with a student attached to his body.

A recently hired sales representative is charged with sexual assault against a fellow sales rep. The ensuing investigation reveals that the new employee had a prior rape conviction, but because the company failed to conduct a criminal background check, the hiring manager did not know this before making the job offer.

Business investigations can bring significant stress and agitation, disrupt the workplace environment, erode trust and put a damper on morale. When confronted with allegations of fraud, embezzlement, discrimination or harassment, or a need to verify workers compensation claims, many companies try to handle things themselves.