The Privacy Puzzle An Investigative Dilemma
Friday, September 15th, 2000 Fraud Life & HealthWant to rile up a group of investigators? Get them talking about privacy issues. There are myriad opinions about the topic within investigative circles and likewise within the insurance industry. Although much of the concern is the stuff of urban legend and does not add up to statutes and court decisions on the matter, areas of concern do exist for those conducting insurance investigations, as well as those who contract for such investigations. Privacy, for our purposes, relates to the investigation of insurance claims where there may be misrepresentation, criminal activity, deliberate nondisclosure or fraud. The next step, therefore, is to examine where any of us might cross the line in the process of investigation or examination. The list includes database searches, interviews, pretext attempts and surveillance.
