Corporate Investigations: Protecting Your Business from Internal Threats
As a business owner or HR professional, you understand that trust is the cornerstone of a successful operation. But when suspicions arise, relying solely on trust can be costly. Internal threats such as fraud, theft, and misconduct can quietly erode your business from the inside out.
At Westbrook Investigations & Consulting, we help protect Michigan businesses by uncovering internal threats before they spiral out of control.
📉 Common Scenarios We Investigate
Employee Theft or Misconduct
From stealing inventory to time theft or policy violations, internal misconduct is more common than most employers think.
Real-Life Scenario:
A small business in Ann Arbor noticed irregularities in cash flow. Our investigation revealed an employee was issuing unauthorized refunds and pocketing the cash. The business recovered its losses and improved internal controls.
Q&A: Q: What signs should I watch for? A: Unexplained inventory loss, shifts in behavior, frequent overtime with no clear output, and reports from coworkers are all red flags.
⚖️ Breach of Non-Compete or Confidentiality Agreements
Sensitive business information is valuable. When former employees violate agreements or share trade secrets, your competitive edge is at risk.
Real-Life Scenario:
A Metro Detroit marketing firm suspected a former executive was working with a competitor. We tracked online activity, monitored business affiliations, and documented violations that helped the client win a legal injunction.
Q&A: Q: Can I legally investigate someone after they leave my company? A: Yes, if you suspect they are violating a signed agreement. We ensure all surveillance and documentation is done legally.
💼 Workers’ Compensation and Insurance Fraud
False injury claims can cost your company thousands in insurance premiums and lost productivity.
Real-Life Scenario:
A Westland business had an employee claiming a back injury that prevented physical labor. Our surveillance showed the individual lifting heavy objects at another job.
Q&A: Q: Is it ethical to surveil an employee? A: Yes, when done legally. We only conduct surveillance in public areas and never trespass or break laws.
📊 Vendor or Contractor Fraud
External partnerships can also present internal threats. Overbilling, kickbacks, and double-dealing can compromise your business integrity.
Real-Life Scenario:
A contractor in Novi was suspected of inflating invoices. We uncovered a side agreement with a procurement manager who was getting a cut of every padded bill.
Q&A: Q: Can a PI investigate third-party vendors? A: Absolutely. We can perform audits, background checks, and gather evidence of any misconduct that affects your operations.
🔐 The Value of Proactive Investigations
It’s not about paranoia—it’s about prevention. Our investigative services can help you: - Enforce workplace policies - Verify compliance with contracts - Uncover fraud early - Support legal action with solid evidence
Why Businesses Trust Us: - Discreet, legally compliant investigations - Court-ready reports - Collaboration with HR, legal, and security teams
Q&A: Q: Do you offer ongoing support or just case-by-case investigations? A: We provide both. Many of our clients retain us for ongoing compliance checks or pre-employment screenings.
📍 Protect Your Business—Locally and Legally
Westbrook Investigations & Consulting proudly serves businesses throughout Michigan, with a focus on Metro Detroit. Whether you’re dealing with theft, fraud, or policy violations, we’ll help you uncover the truth and protect your company from within.
