strategic-intelligence-services-pi-blog

Google selects us as a Favorite Place!

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:36:58 +0100

We got great news from Google today - our Strategic Intelligence Services PLLC business was selected as a Google Favorite Place! We were given this recognition as only one of less that 250,000 businesses in the United States. What a an awesome recognition.

Visit our Google Places Page now!

"Cold Case" is now being thawed!

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:40:39 +0100

We are excited to be able to assist in the thawing of a "cold case". Our firm has been retained to investigate a suspicious death case after the original investigators failed in this regard. We have already uncovered multiple leads that give the family members hope that the "whodunit" will be solved. Stay tuned for more.

Goodness - Where Has The Year Gone?

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:36:21 +0100

I can't believe that it is April already but it's nice and Spring is here in Scottsdale. We are still suffering the economy in Arizona but that has been a boost for us private investigators as the greed, scams, and absconding are running rampant. It seems that everyone is trying to get something for nothing and the government claims it is understaffed and unable to do anything about it.

If we can help you with anything, please let us know. Of course we always recommend checking someone or something out before getting involved AND if it's too late and something fishy appears to be going on...let us investigate is for you.

DNA Testing Services Now Offered - Paternity, Maternity, Infidelity, Forensic & Immigration

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:56:36 +0100

With the start of the New Year, Strategic Intelligence Services is now offering a new service: DNA Testing.

We offer Maternity, Paternity, Relationship, Infidelity, Forensic and Immigration testing as well as DNA Storage, Human Remains Testing and Expert Witness Testimony.

We also offer Child DNA Services such as our CSI Profile (Child Safety Identification DNA Profile) and DNArt.

We will take these samples and conduct the testing for you here in Scottsdale, the Phoenix Metro area, Arizona or Nationwide.

Please see our DNA Testing page for pricing and more details or call us (480) 588-0511.

U.S. to Audit 1,000 Firms To Check For Illegal Hires

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:08:06 +0100

Says the AZ Republic in today's news article.

Didn't I tell you it was coming and to be prepared? Many businesses in Arizona do not know about this law and do not feel it applies to them based on informal surveys I have conducted. It's a shame because something so simple can jeopardize your livelihood.

Learn more here.

Christine Burke
Strategic Intelligence Services PLLC
Private Investigator
Scottsdale Arizona 85260
480-588-0511

Arizona Prosecutes It's First Under the Legal Arizona Workers Act

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:03:36 +0100

Do you use E-Verify in your business? Do you know it is required by law in Arizona? Apparently Michelle Hardas did and she skirted the system anyway, says The Arizona Republic in their recent report.

Don't risk your business license and ensure that you use E-Verify to check your employees. If you are unable to do so yourself, or do not feel comfortable about it, we can set you up and do it for you. It's quick and inexpensive.

Christine Burke
Strategic Intelligence Services PLLC
Private Investigator
Scottsdale Arizona 85260

Important Information If You Own Your Own Business

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:06:32 +0100

Ladies and Gents,

October 31, 2009 is the deadline for your business to have completed it's Federally mandated Red Flags Rule Plan. Starting November 1, 2009, you could receive up to a $2,500 fine for non-compliance.

Yes, I was shocked too, when I found this out. This little known rule has actually been in place for a while but the government is now stepping up efforts for enforcement to urge compliance in the wake of how widespread Identity Theft is.

Per the rule, you are required to "...develop a written program that identifies and detects the relevant warning signs – or “red flags” – of identity theft. These may include, for example, unusual account activity, fraud alerts on a consumer report, or attempted use of suspicious account application documents. The program must also describe appropriate responses that would prevent and mitigate the crime and detail a plan to update the program. The program must be managed by the Board of Directors or senior employees of the financial institution or creditor, include appropriate staff training, and provide for oversight of any service providers."*

The Red Flags Rule applies to "Financial Institutions" and "Creditors" with "Coverd Accounts." That's easy, you say, as you do not see yourself as a bank or creditor. The problem is that most of you, like me, ARE actually creditors. Basically if you do any type of transactions where the customer does not pay "that moment" when the product or service is being delivered, you are in effect extending credit and are a creditor under the law, and subject to fines for not having a plan in place.

An example from my business is that sometimes I charge customers with "half down - half upon completion". When their work is done, I send them an invoice. I don't do this all the time but I do it SOMETIMES and that makes me liable. Because the customer has not totally pre-paid or paid at the moment the service is done or product delivered, you become a creditor.

Yes, I know, it's one more thing to do! Being a good business person, and looking out for your customers and clients, you should secure your data and do everything you can to prevent identity theft. When you shop or buy, you expect that from the retailer, right?

As part of my business, I can help you create a plan quickly and cheaply. Most plans are able to be delivered in 72 hours and I will discount 20% for Little Pink Book members.

You can see more information on the site I have created for this www.RedFlagsRulePlan.com

Whether you create your own or get help in making one - please do it! It's not worth the fine and the exposure (liability) if you are caught without it.

Sincerely,

Christine Burke, MAOM

www.StrategicIntelligenceServices.com

Wanted Man Guarding Others = Background Checks Not Being Done Properly

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:23:39 +0100

The Associated Press reported today that Michael Preclik was wanted in the Czech Republic - WHILE he was working here in the United States guarding our prisoners. What's up with that?

Well, I'll tell you. Folks are not doing background checks or are not doing them the right way. No ifs and or buts about it.

I find it unacceptable when a simple Google search turns up the outstanding warrant. Businesses should hire a licensed private investigator to conduct their background checks and ensure that all areas of a subject's background are verified.

I recently presented to the Board of a local Synagogue regarding the effectiveness of background checks. As I told them, most people want to go with the $19.95 internet special and are not concerned with the huge gaping holes that these processes leave out. You can spend the money now or you can spend the money later - rehiring another employee, or paying the lawsuit when issues arise.

We offer seminars to the public on the importance of a proper background check. You can learn about these seminars here. We are also happy to provide free consultations on this subject or any area of interest.

Scottsdale police warning residents of banking scam

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:16:14 +0100

Per the Arizona Republic, Scottsdale Police are warning against a text message scam. Con artists are using text messages to direct you to the web to provide account information.

You can learn about this scam and others in our Secure Your Bottom Line seminar being taught by local private investigators tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. at the Scottsdale Arabian Library. This seminar will discuss background checks, identity theft and cyber crime. Learn more and register here.

Congress Extends E-Verify Program For 3 Years

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:11:15 +0100

Arizona businesses, are you using E-Verify to check your employees? If not, you could face sanctions.

According to the Gannett Washington Bureau, Congress has extended the E-Verify program for 3 years.

Did you know that in Arizona it is MANDATORY to run all newly hired employees through the E-Verify system? If not, you now do. If you are confused or concerned about this, please give us a call. We provide E-Verify services for businesses nationwide. You can learn more here.