Private investigators are not entirely hired to catch adulterous spouses, find missing persons, or examine paper trails. Sometimes, they are hired for their specialty in unveiling fake designer items.

Private investigators choose to develop a niche for themselves for various reasons. Some do so because they can earn more money that way while others simply prefer investigating certain cases. If you wish to be known as someone skilled in unveiling fake designer items, you need to focus on the following factors.

Firstly, they must familiarize themselves with the differences between fake and authentic designer items. In most cases, fake designer items have inferior quality and craftsmanship and sold for remarkably lower prices. A practiced eye, however, will also be able to detect the smallest differences in the product’s appearance to correctly distinguish authentic items from fake ones.

Secondly, private investigators must acquaint themselves with the various modus operandi used by individuals intent on selling these knockoff items. Last July 19, 2007, for instance, over four hundred counterfeit leather-made designer jackets had been confiscated in a warehouse raid in Australia.
Investigation revealed that the jackets were sold by guys with Italian accents. The men were selling them while in cars, driving, and explained that they were selling the items at extremely low prices to avoid paying export duties.

The items had the label Reportage and a counterfeit certification of authenticity to support the belief that the said label is a division of Armani. They had nice packaging but a closer look would reveal noticeable difference in quality.

Thirdly, private investigators must train themselves on how to follow paper trails. Any item sold must have proper documentation such as official receipts or sale invoices. Manufacturing companies would usually be able to confirm authenticity of these products through these documents.

Lastly, keeping updated about the latest news on counterfeit items could also clue in private investigators when and where to expect these items are selling.

Unveiling fake designer items could mean big business for expert private investigators. Last Friday, September 7, 2007, news reports surfaced regarding fake designer handbags being sold to suburban women. A woman named Michelle Bunfill was detained on Thursday but did not face arrest after an inquiry resulted to the discovery of over five hundred fake jewelry, sunglasses, wallets, purses and other items in the woman’s home. According to news reports, private forensics investigators calculate loss of companies due to fraudulent sales amounting to over $500,000.

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Unless you have a photographic memory or can memorize information better than a tape recorder, it’s best to learn how to take notes properly if you’ll be working as a private investigator.  In the absence of a camera or recording device, you will need to master this skill if you want to succeed as a private eye.  Here are ways you can take note of important information and data:

Learn to identify data.
You cannot take note effectively as a private investigator if you can’t recognize data when you come across some.  Names, dates, addresses and phone numbers are some of the most common data you’ll have to write down. 

You will also encounter plenty of references such as gender, age, race, build, height, weight, distinguishing marks, landmarks, names of buildings, streets, plate number, make, directions, etc.  Learn to take in all the information but to use only the most important ones as part of your notes.  

Remember the Ws and an H
This is something you’ve learned in grade school that will come in handy as a private coordinator – take not of the who, what, where, when, why and how.  Remember other information such as frequency, physical description and witnesses’ perception.

Use your powers of observation.
To be an effective private investigator, you must be a keen observer.  Take note of things that can affect information and data such as changes in the weather, shifts in behavior, differences in documents or items, unusual colorings or markings, inconsistencies in presented data or evidence, etc. 

Learn to compare.
You can’t always bring your videocam or a measuring tape during your investigations so you will have to make do with what you have or what’s available.  If you can’t make a good estimate of a person’s height, for example, try to compare them with an object nearby, such as a door post, tree or car.  You can then take note of your observations on your notepad.

Keep it simple.
The more complicated you make your notes, the more difficult they can be.  Keep your sentences short but concise and keep your information intact.  Don’t try to corrupt your data by adding your own biases or using your emotions.

Common sense tips on taking notes
As a private investigator, data and information are very essential to your business.  Write them down clearly and accurately.  Make sure the information is complete and if you must take note of exact quotes, make sure they are, in fact, exact.  Even slang words and profanities must be noted. 

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We cannot call the series of gun-related violence in schools as an epidemic but being too complacent about the events can prove dangerous and even stupid.  Who would have thought that children will still be unsafe within the very walls where they are taught to plan for their future?  As a form of prevention, some schools may even opt to hire security and private detectives just to ensure that students, teachers and school facilities are safe.  Here are reasons why schools just might need their own private eyes:

You don’t know whether your school is at risk or not.
Granted, there are schools that are considered high risk compared to others, but who would have thought that Virginia Tech or Columbine would be targets for violence?  And then, there are the unexpected dangers. 

In 1996, for example, an escaped psychopath threatened a school in Cornwall attended by his two children.  Although recaptured, his threats were enough to prompt the school to hire plainclothesmen, install spy cameras and fencing to protect their students.

Certain threats may also be directed towards a school due to its religious or cultural leanings.  Certain campuses, for example, have beefed up their security and restricted access to protect against anti-Semitic attacks.

Professionals are better at tracking unusual activities.
Private eyes have the right training and mindset to see beyond a quirk, abnormal behavior or a change in pattern.  They can also determine whether something is a false alarm or a real threat.  They can also investigate without disrupting school activities or raising students’ suspicions because they are capable of observing a site inconspicuously. 

Private eyes can perform background checks for you.
Background checks to confirm a person’s employment or criminal record is something that private eyes do best.  They have access to many resources and data that most institutions don’t have.  This comes in handy if the school wants to check an employee’s past. 

School bus drivers, for example, might have drunk-driving or drug-related violations and still be hired by schools.  This is because states usually offer information about a driver based only on the last 3 years prior to his application.  In 100 school districts in Columbus, Ohio alone, there were more than 160 drivers who had license suspensions due to DUI convictions and/or drug charges.

Private eyes can assist schools in creating effective security measures.
Although most schools must have security and emergency measures already in place, it might be necessary to perform updates or correction in order to ensure that they are current and relevant.  School administrators, teachers and student representatives can work with a private eye to come up with a more effective protocol to ensure school safety and manage emergencies.

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Although many private investigators work solo or with a partner, they also rely on other people to make their jobs easier and more effective.  If you’re planning on becoming a private investigator, there are some professionals you should befriend now that you’re still starting.  Other than police and other private detectives, here are the people who should be your allies:

Lawyers
Whether you’ll be working freelance as a private investigator or with a firm or company, there will be times when you will be assigned to work with a legal team.  Lawyers are professionals you should befriend because they know the twists and turns of the legal system. 

Of course, you probably will be studying a bit about legal stuff but there are certain things that lawyers can inform or teach you that you won’t find anywhere else.  Plus, they’re insiders in many police, security, government and corporate environments, making them one of the best allies you’ll make as a private investigator.

Newspaper editors or journalists
Mediamen can be excellent allies to private investigators because they are naturally curious, resourceful and have numerous contacts.  Befriend at least two of these people.  For evidence gathering, interviewing sources and giving you a heads up on the breaking news, these are people who are in the know. 

They are also great sources of new jobs, since they are often the first ones on the scene.  If someone needs your services, you’ll be the first one available to offer your expertise.

One or two computer geeks
Unless you’re a computer expert, you will need someone to help you collect information online to help you during your investigations.  Computer experts are great allies for private investigators because they speak a totally different but highly valuable language.  Befriend someone who can help you sort through electronic data or help you make sense of encrypted files or help you trace electronic accounts.  You’ll be surprised at the difference a computer expert ally can make in your job.

Service professionals
These are the people who work in many government and private offices and agencies.  The librarian who handles the town records, the utility man who makes repairs and installs the telephone or checks the meter, the records personnel who guard those valuable records and data, the county clerk, the chaplain, pastor or priest, etc.  These are incredibly useful allies in your job as a private investigator because they are privy to certain information that no one else knows about or maybe even ignores.  If there’s a group of people you must befriend, it is this group.

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The Internet is indeed becoming a threshold of different kinds of people. Students and researchers seek new information online. Businesses set up websites so they can tap international markets or widen their customer base. For hackers, meanwhile, it’s a “playing ground” where they can spread viruses in other people’s PCs and, worst, obtain confidential information.

Banks, for one, are never exempted. They are usually victims of what is commonly referred to as phishing. It has been used by fraudulent individuals to gather important bank information, such as your account number, your name, and even how much money you have in your bank. Attempts in phishing would usually present themselves as an e-mail coming from your bank. The message will sound so harmless until you reach the part where you are made to click on a fake log-in page, which can save your details. This is to trick you to enter vital information such as your name and your bank account number. Worse, you are threatened of closure of bank account if you do not comply with the instructions. These e-mail addresses could have been bought from some suspicious individuals.

One perfect example of bank hijacking is the Bank of India. Its website was put in a terrible compromise as it has sent about 30 kinds of malware. This was after Sunbelt Software happen to research on a particular malware concern and was led to the bank’s website. Tracking down the communication or the traces of the malware, they believe that this has been implemented by a Russian Internet syndicate called RBN (Russian Business Network). They are also responsible for other illegal activities found online.

The problem appeared as an IFRAME in the Windows 2003 server, which is being used for the website of the Bank of India. It downloaded multiple types of malware such as Trojan viruses and rootkits to computers that were not patched or with no updated security settings. The TSPY_AGENT.AAVG virus gathers information from any active windows of unpatched end-user computers. They can also collect keylogging information, usernames and passwords for different e-mail clients, and network configuration settings. Russia will then upload these files into the FTP servers and shall be used for illicit transactions.

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If you are a James Bond aficionado or if you have watched a couple of spy films, then certainly you have been awed by the many small spy gadgets they’re carrying. But then again, you thought it was merely make-believe.

Thanks to technology, however, nothing becomes too impossible. In fact, there are already numerous convert spy cameras that you can install in your homes or in your offices. They can be in the form of tiny camcorders to sunglasses, screw heads, buttons, or even earphones.

Misumi, an electronics corporation based in Taiwan, is introducing into the market what could possibly be the smallest camera every produced. It appears like a mere cylinder with a diameter of 4.4 millimeters and a length of 15 millimeters. Yet despite the size it can capture images of up to 320×240 resolution. It includes a CMOS camera chip that is only 1/18 inches in size. The MO-R803 is referred to as a snake camera that is integrated into a bendable wire. There are two kinds of lenses that you can choose. One gives you a limited vision of only 55 degrees. The other provides wider view of about 105 degrees. Because it is literally very small, it can get into places that are hard to reach. They can also be a convenient tool in inspecting pipelines, a spy camera, as well as a medical device.

Nevertheless, before it can gain its clout into the market, it has already found fierce competition in OmniVision. The company developed OV6920 CMOS. Unlike Misumi’s camera, however, this is rather taken orally—literally. This devices contains a camera sensor that is only 1/18 inches in size. It is mixed with a pill which anyone can swallow. For those who cannot take in tablets, they can opt to have these devices injected with the help of a large syringe.

A potentially hit spy tool can be a digital camcorder that is only the size of a matchbox. Yet it can monitor 6 hours’ worth of video, capture hundreds of still images, and play 256 hours of sound. All these systems are incorporated into only a single micro unit. You can also receive an optional SD memory card with 1 GB size. It has a dimension of 3 inches in length and 1.25 inches in width and generally weighs at 38 grams. It is very easy to save the files to your PC as it is equipped with USB connection.

Want to be a James Bond? Get any of these ultrasmall spy tools.

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It’s been a constant battle between parents and teens: how much freedom can mothers and fathers give to their children? In the meanwhile, though, parents are relying on new gadgets and hi-tech techniques to monitor their teens’ behavior, especially when it comes to driving.

The American Family Insurance company in Denver is offering the parents a new mode of monitoring how their teens are faring with regards to driving. Their program includes setting up cameras in their cars. The camera can capture 10 seconds prior and after an extraordinary driving circumstance such as speeding or swerving. It cannot record any collision or even full stop. Only parents are granted the permission to watch the video as they are the only ones who possess the password. The camera could have cost them around $900, including $50 for installation. The insurance company, however, is giving it freely to their customers.

Just when teens thought that it’s the only system in town, think again. In fact, there are already several of them, in different varieties. For instance, parents can monitor not only swerves and overspeeds but also hard turns and sudden stops. The device is somewhat small, like that of a 9-volt-battery, and can be placed under the dashboard of the car. It collects data which can be downloaded to the PC. The gadget will also sound an alarm every time the driver goes for overspeeding or fast accelerations.

In Florida, Teen Arrive Alive provides cellular phones equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System). This is an online system which help parents track down the speed and location of the car to which their children are driving or even riding in. Alltrack USA, on the other hand, can monitor the speeds and location of teens. For any violation or extraordinary situations, they can call or e-mail parents about them. Drive Cam will soon be offering monthly service plans to both parents and teens. The camera will allow them to capture their driving habits. The video clips can also be used for proper mentoring from driving experts.

These systems received both acclamations and disgust from teens. Normally, a portion of them felt that their rights to privacy are violated. They can no longer enjoy sudden joyrides with friends. Male teens cannot bring in ladies into their cars, for fear of being watched by their parents. Others, however, became more open to the idea. As a matter of fact, these devices have taught them valuable lessons. They help them to drive properly and carefully, as well as to be honest at all times.

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Espionage has gone hi-tech. Soon gone will be the days of Mata Hari, James Bond, and Jason Bourne. After all, they will be in the guise of what is known as “policeware.”

Policeware is basically a software intended for the police. It will be used to monitor interactions and discussions of its people. For how it works, think of spyware. Normally policeware present themselves as e-mail monitoring software that manipulate ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to monitor communications among its users. Sometimes policeware act as keyloggers and Trojan horses. Others can convert audio conversations to searchable text files.

This technology was first used by the United States. Germany, however, is already caught in haywire. A scandal will soon erupt once the millions of Germans knew that there was indeed policeware installed into their computer systems. The initial plan, which was leaked around the last week of August, was to use legitimate e-mail messages (such as those from licensed businesses and government agencies) so it can set up policeware in the PCs of their suspected terrorists so they can track communications and search remotely for any contents found inside the computers.

Advocates of human rights are, of course, against it; nevertheless, Germany has only the United States as a perfect example of how policeware can be used in curbing crime. For example, in 2001, FBI broke into a suspect’s home and set up a keylogging software in order to track and convert cryptic messages contained in his PC. Moreover, its software called CIPAV (Computer and Internet Protocol Address Verifier) was able to discover a suspect for bombing who is living in the state of Washington. The process, though, was still kept confidential. The software is also able to gather present username, the version of the operating systems, the running computer programs, and even MAC addresses. These data shall be forwarded to the FBI.

An alliance between the United States and Germany is never impossible. The former has all the technologies and procedures in place while the latter possesses the technical knowledge in order to improve the current system and allow it to function more than just collecting data or search files remotely. For anyone, this can be potentially dangerous. Yet as long as judicial power has teeth, then it will ease the tension a little bit. For example, before CIPAV could be installed into someone else’s PC, the police agency needs to obtain a warrant. It will also take a while before they can perfect the system so it can search any type of operating system.

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Just how far can you go for a friend? Perhaps more than enough to become victims of fraudulent e-mails.

Such is the case of Rudolf Ludwig, a Goa resident and a prey of e-mail hacking. He was living a rather average normal life working as a musician and art gallery owner. But this soon stopped once his friends began receiving frantic messages in their e-mail accounts. It mentioned how Rudolf got stranded in Nigeria and that is he is in dire need of financial support. Yolanda, his wife, telephoned friends and family about the real situation, explaining that that e-mail is completely untrue.

It was when there were incessant phone calls that Rudolf himself realized that his Gmail account was hacked. He can no longer access it using his own password.

The scammer could have been one from Nigeria, who was trying to extort his friends with $3,500, in the hope to help the “victim” find his way back home.

This kind of e-mail is not entirely new. In fact, there are hundreds of different versions of it. The problem can range from losing important valuables such as money or passport. This may mean that the prey has no other method of returning home after attending a conference than by asking his good friends some cash. The letter will begin with a picture of what terrible condition the victim could have been in. This will be followed by an advice to transfer money to a particular account who, surprisingly, is living in Nigeria.

Another popular e-mail scam circulating has similar thrust as the other two but with a different flavor to it. Perhaps you’ve also heard the story of Barrister Richard Okaya, a desperate Nigerian man who long wanted to withdraw his money from an overseas bank but needs your “help” to do that. The reward appears to be really great, worth millions of dollars, but that is, of course, in exchange of some of your vital information.

Numerous individuals who have some background in Internet Technology can blame the weak security settings of PCs belonging to end users. Others may see the keylogger as the ultimate source of confidential information. The problem, however, goes beyond that. Nigerians are becoming clever enough to remove usual terms such as “wire payment.” They keep changing the names of their victims, and they can even modify their stories. This is to further prevent online authorities from tracking them or to motivate their victims to bring their guards down.

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If you’re the type who is inquisitive, observant, have a good contact network, discrete and capable of making strong deductions, becoming a private investigator may be a great career for you.  There are certain requirements you have to meet, though and in case you’re wondering if a college degree is required to become a private investigator, the answer is no, not really and not always.

When a college degree isn’t required
If you’re planning to become a private investigator, remember that there is no such thing as a single course or background to lead you to this type of career.  Of course, many private investigators and detectives have some sort of college degree but most of those who work in the field have background experience in law enforcement or private security. 

If you only have a high school degree, that should probably suffice, provided you have the relevant training and experience in related fields.  Many employers prefer to hire someone who has completed at least a high school degree, as long as you have completed courses in fields like criminology, law enforcement, criminal justice, security administration and law enforcement.  You can then comfortably shift to a career as private investigator.

It will also help if you’ve completed at least a two-year associate’s degree or program related to criminal justice or law enforcement.  By the time you train as a private investigator, you will have the right kind of knowledge to do your job efficiently.

Your specialization matters
Although you don’t usually need a college degree to embark on a career as a private investigator, it also depends on what type of work you will be involved in.  Corporate investigators, for example, are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree in business or have a master’s or law degree.  Others even enter into an investigator career as CPAs.

Many private investigator firms also prefer that their employees have knowledge about certain areas related to private investigation, such as criminal investigation and insurance.

You will need this knowledge in order to know what to do in a certain situation.  If you work in a casino, for example, you will need to know how to perform loss prevention in order to protect your turf.

Most people who become private investigators usually work in other agencies or occupations.  Many private eyes, for example, used to work as private security personnel or as investigators and paralegals in government positions and insurance companies.  Without a college degree, you can still meet the requirements to become a private investigator provided you receive relevant training and certification to prove your competency in a certain field.

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