Fraud Investigator Job Description & Career Outlook
With the never-ending growth of technology and electronic communication, the possibilities for fraudulent activity increase as well. Due to this circumstance, many people have acquired positions in the profession of fraud investigator.
>>Find Fraud Investigator Related Degrees.
A fraud investigator plays a part in the criminal justice system by performing a variety of tasks for both civil and criminal investigations. They can investigate cases of fraud involving the use of credit cards that have been reported as lost or stolen, including interviewing and working with postal officials when the offenses have occurred through the mail. They interview various people who are touched by fraudulent activity, including complainants, employers, and witnesses. They research records and transactions, particularly those that are electronic. They may even serve and execute search warrants and conduct surveillance to collect evidence of fraudulent activity. Finally, they work with members of the criminal justice system, including prosecutors or attorney generals, presenting investigation results and testifying in court.
How to Become a Fraud Investigator: Education & Other Requirements
To become a fraud examiner, formal education is important. Those who earn degrees in economic crime, fraud management, accounting, criminal justice, law, or business administration are the most highly qualified to become a fraud examiner. Some states require that fraud examiners are licensed, and some require that they participate in seminars, workshops, and other forms of continuing education.
>>Find a Fraud Investigator Related Degree.
In addition to formal training, those applicants who have experience with criminal investigation or with investigating the background of individuals, suspect business practice, or insurance casualty claims are most likely to be the first hired as a fraud investigator. Skills that a potential fraud investigator must possess include the ability to interview and take statements, the ability to write reports, and knowledge of how to collect and preserve evidence. In addition, fraud investigators must be ethical and excellent communicators.
>>Find a Fraud Investigator Related Program.
Fraud Investigator Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of 2004, the median annual salary for fraud investigators was about $45,000. The lowest 10% of fraud investigators earned about $27,000 and the highest 10% earned about $73,000. As you can see, the variance is significant; this depends on education, experience, geographic location, and specific employment situation (e.g., government job or private sector job).
Fraud Investigator Career Outlook
Through 2016, the employment of fraud investigators is anticipated to grow about a rate of about 9%. Due to the frequency of fraudulent activity through online and electronic means, the outlook for this job is positive.
Fraud Investigation Related Degrees from Accredited Criminal Justice Schools
Kaplan University
Popular Forensics Accounting Degrees:
- B.S. in Accounting - Auditing/Forensic Accountancy
- Advanced Start B.S.in Accounting - Auditing/Forensic Accountancy
Southern New Hampshire University
Popular Forensic Accounting Degrees and Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Auditing-Forensic Accountancy
Jones International University
Popular Forensic Accounting Degrees and Programs:
- MBA in Forensic Accounting
Test Drive College Online
If you are thinking about online college but you’re not sure if it's for you, you should apply for Test Drive College Online. It is the only program that provides students with the opportunity to "try" online learning by taking a real college course online at no cost or obligation. Plus, the credits you earn may save you up to $2000 in tuition when you apply them toward a full degree. Get Started!
Kaplan University
Popular Degrees:
- A.A.S. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
- M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Computer Crime
Grantham University
Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
- Certificate of Learning Computer Forensic Investigations
- Certificate of Learning Criminal Investigation
- Certificate of Learning Juvenile Justice
American InterContinental University
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Special Populations
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Law Enforcement
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Forensic Science
Ashford University
Popular Degrees:
- BA/Social and Criminal Justice
- BA/Social Science - Psychology
- BA/Organizational Management - Homeland Security
- BA/Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- BA/Environmental Studies
Walden University
Popular Degrees:
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) - Homeland Security Policy
- M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
- B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security
- M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Psychology & Legal Systems
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Administration
- B.S. in Psychology - Criminal Justice
- PhD in Public Policy/Admin - Terrorism/Mediation/Peace
Tiffin University
Popular Degrees:
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Administration
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Justice Administration
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Crime Analysis
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Criminal Behavior
Test Drive College Online
If you are thinking about online college but you’re not sure if it's for you, you should apply for Test Drive College Online. It is the only program that provides students with the opportunity to "try" online learning by taking a real college course online at no cost or obligation. Plus, the credits you earn may save you up to $2000 in tuition when you apply them toward a full degree. Get Started!
