Key Takeaways: Insurance & Disability Fraud Investigations
- Insurance crime costs the Canadian economy $3–5 billion annually — even a small percentage of fraudulent disability claims can result in millions in losses for employers
- We investigate the legitimacy of injury and disability claims using surveillance, OSINT, and background research
- Evidence gathered includes video documentation of the claimant’s physical activities contradicting their reported limitations
- Court-admissible reports prepared for insurance companies, employers, government agencies, and legal proceedings
- Serving insurance corporations, WorkSafeBC claims, and self-insured employers across British Columbia
- Free consultation: 604-657-4499 or submit the contact form below
Last Updated: March 7, 2026
The Cost of Insurance Fraud to Canadian Businesses
In 2024, Canadian life and health insurers paid out $10 billion in disability benefits supporting over 12 million Canadians. Insurance crime costs the Canadian economy an estimated $3 billion to $5 billion annually. Even a small percentage of fraudulent disability claims can result in millions in losses for employers, driving up premiums and threatening the sustainability of workplace benefit programs.
Shadow Investigations helps insurance companies, employers, government agencies, and self-insured organizations identify and document fraudulent claims through surveillance, OSINT research, and background investigations. Our evidence is professionally prepared for use in legal proceedings, insurance dispute resolution, and internal disciplinary actions.
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Why Work with Shadow Investigations for Fraud Cases?
Shadow Investigations has conducted insurance and disability fraud investigations across British Columbia since 1990. Our surveillance investigators specialize in discreetly documenting a claimant’s physical activities, daily routines, and social interactions — capturing video evidence that either confirms or contradicts their reported limitations.
We serve insurance corporations, WorkSafeBC claims, law firms, and employers of all sizes. We are BBB A+ accredited since 1999, a recipient of the 2025 Consumer Choice Award, and fully licensed under BC’s Security Services Act.
What Evidence Do Insurance Fraud Investigations Produce?
Our insurance fraud investigations produce court-admissible evidence documenting a claimant’s actual physical capabilities, daily activities, and lifestyle — often contradicting the limitations they have reported. Typical evidence includes:
Surveillance Video & Photographs
Time-stamped HD video and photographs capturing the claimant engaging in physical activities inconsistent with their reported injury or disability — such as exercising, working, lifting heavy objects, or participating in recreational activities.
Activity & Lifestyle Reports
Detailed written observation reports documenting the claimant’s routines, movements, employment activities, and social interactions over the course of the investigation period.
OSINT & Social Media Documentation
Screenshots and preserved records of social media posts, check-ins, photos, and online activity that contradict the claimant’s reported limitations. This evidence is captured before it can be deleted or hidden.
Background & Financial Research
Findings from database research that may reveal undisclosed employment, hidden income sources, or assets inconsistent with the claimant’s reported financial situation.
All evidence is compiled into a professional report suitable for use in insurance dispute proceedings, civil litigation, WorkSafeBC hearings, and internal employer disciplinary processes.
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What Methods Do Private Investigators Use to Detect Insurance Fraud?
Surveillance for Insurance Disability Fraud Investigations
Surveillance offers real-time observation, documentation, and video evidence gathering to verify the authenticity of claims and determine the claimant’s level of activity and physical capabilities in an uncontrolled environment. This method can decisively expose fraudulent activities, such as exaggerated injuries or fabricated incidents, ensuring that insurance resources are allocated fairly.
OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) for for Insurance Disability Fraud Investigations
OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) leverages publicly accessible information to uncover discrepancies in claims. This method can reveal a claimant’s activities posted online that contradict their submitted claims, offering a non-intrusive yet powerful means to detect fraud.