What are the typical initial investigative steps when fraud indicators are present in a property/casualty claim?

• A. Accept all documentation at face value and close file.
• B. Ignore discrepancies and rely on adjuster intuition.
• C. Verify facts, request documentation, and apply for forensic review if needed.
• D. Immediately escalate to law enforcement before any evidence.

Answer: (C)

When fraud indicators appear, start with a fact-driven verification and documentation collection. Gather and request supporting documents, invoices, policy details, statements, and any claim history to establish what happened and what’s supported by records. Compare the information for consistency and look for discrepancies or patterns that warrant deeper review. If the initial review uncovers gaps or more complex signals, apply for a forensic review of documents, metadata, and financial records to obtain expert analysis. This careful, evidence-based approach protects the integrity of the investigation. Jumping to accept everything as true or ignoring discrepancies bypasses essential checks and undermines fraud detection. Immediate law enforcement involvement isn’t the default step; it typically follows a structured internal investigation when there’s substantiated evidence or a statutory trigger.