Using these tools and platforms provides information, training, and real-time data to help financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement detect and prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities. Whether you’re an investigator, compliance officer, or financial professional, understanding and utilizing these resources can enhance your ability to combat financial crime effectively.
| Sr No. | Investigative Research (US and Australian) | Purposes | |
| 1 | Pipl | https://pipl.com/ | Pipl is a search engine that specializes in finding people by searching the deep web, including social media, public records, and other online sources. It’s widely used by investigators to locate individuals and gather information. |
| 2 | LexisNexis | www.lexisnexis.com | LexisNexis offers comprehensive legal, regulatory, and business information services. In the context of investigative research, LexisNexis provides access to vast public records, legal documents, news archives, and more, allowing professionals to conduct thorough background checks, fraud investigations, and identity verification. |
| 3 | IRBSearch | www.irbsearch.com | IRBSearch is a data provider for investigative research, offering instant access to billions of public records. It is widely used for skip tracing, asset location, background checks, and due diligence by private investigators, law enforcement, and legal professionals |
| 4 | LocatePlus | www.locateplus.com | LocatePlus is a public records search engine that delivers information for skip tracing, investigations, and background checks. It provides access to address history, phone numbers, criminal records, and other public records data. |
| 5 | Tracers | www.tracers.com | Tracers is a data provider that specializes in delivering public records for investigative purposes. It is used by private investigators, legal professionals, and businesses to perform background checks, locate individuals, and uncover information related to people, assets, and businesses. |
| 6 | InfoTrack | https://www.infotrack.com.au/ | InfoTrack offers online search tools for legal professionals, providing access to land titles, corporate records, and personal property securities. It’s used by investigators for asset searches, background checks, and legal investigations. |
| 7 | CrimTrac (now part of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission) | https://www.acic.gov.au/ | CrimTrac provides information-sharing services for law enforcement agencies, including criminal history checks. Investigators can access this data for background checks and criminal investigations through authorized channels. |
| 8 | National Tenancy Database (NTD) | https://www.tenancydatabase.com.au/ | NTD is used for checking tenancy histories, including any records of defaults or issues with rental payments. Private investigators often access this database for background checks related to tenancy and property matters. |
| Sr No. | Anti-Fraud websites around the world | Purposes | |
| 1 | Association of Certified Fraud Examiners | www.ACFE.com | The ACFE is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. It offers certifications, such as the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential, and resources to professionals dedicated to detecting and preventing fraud. |
| 2 | Identity Theft—Privacy Rights Clearinghouse | www.privacyrights.org | The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is a nonprofit organization focused on consumer privacy issues. It offers educational resources and advocacy on privacy rights, particularly concerning identity theft. The organization provides advice on how to protect personal information and recover from identity theft. |
| 3 | Internet Crime Complaint Center | www.ic3.gov | The IC3 is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). It serves as a centralized place for individuals to report internet crime, including online fraud and identity theft. IC3 forwards complaints to appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation. |
| 4 | Scambusters | www.scambusters.org | Scambusters is an online resource that provides information and tips on how to avoid internet fraud, scams, and identity theft. The website offers advice on how to recognize common scams and protect oneself from becoming a victim. |
| 5 | ACAMS | https://www.acams.org/en | ACAMS is an international membership organization dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and expertise of financial crime detection and prevention professionals. It provides training, certification (such as the CAMS credential), and networking opportunities for professionals working in anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime prevention. |
| Sr No. | Australian specific anti-fraud tools | Purposes | |
| 1 | Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – Scamwatch | https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ | Scamwatch is run by the ACCC and provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognize, avoid, and report scams. |
| 2 | Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) | https://www.cyber.gov.au/ | The ACSC provides advice and support on cybersecurity threats, including fraud and scams. They help individuals and businesses protect themselves from cybercrime. |
| 3 | IDCARE | https://www.idcare.org/ | IDCARE is Australia’s national identity and cyber support service, offering free assistance to individuals and organizations affected by scams, identity theft, and cybercrime. |
| 4 | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – Moneysmart | https://moneysmart.gov.au/ | Moneysmart, provided by ASIC, offers information on financial scams, including investment scams, and advice on how to avoid them |
| 5 | Office of the eSafety Commissioner | https://www.esafety.gov.au/ | The eSafety Commissioner provides support and resources to help Australians stay safe online, including guidance on avoiding scams and fraud. |
| 6 | Crime Stoppers Australia | https://crimestoppers.com.au/ | Crime Stoppers allows individuals to report fraud and scams anonymously. It is a partnership between the community and law enforcement to solve crime. |
These are a few resources that I have listed, and there might be several others I have missed. However, in the pursuit of a fraud-free and scam-free community, every action counts and every bit helps. Vigilance today ensures the security of tomorrow.
Did you contribute in reducing fraud or scams this week?
