PI News Round-up - July 9, 2009

PInow.com Weekly News Round-up

July 9, 2009

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Are New PIs Yesterday's Writers?
LOS ANGELES, CA - As newspapers and other media outlets are cutting employees due to budget cuts, some investigative journalists and writers are making use of their research skills and investigative skills in the PI industry. Many former journalists note that investigative work allows them to use the skills honed in investigative journalism classes and jobs.
	Read full article and comment	Source: NPR, July 8, 2009

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Madoff May Be Creating More Jobs for PIs
NEW YORK, NY - The recent scandal involving Bernard L. Madoff, who duped investors through fraud, has many investors worried. As a result, more investors want to look into the credentials of people entrusted with their money. Forbes suggests Googling the name of your investment adviser or contacting your state's securities regulator to determine whether your professional adviser is qualified. Hiring a PI can also be a smart move, since PIs can find potential red flags.
	Read full article and comment	Source: Forbes, July 1, 2009

PI Helps to Recover Stolen Painting
SALEM, NH - When a stolen painting by Douglas Van Howd appeared on Craigslist, the rightful owner had a PI bid on the piece. The painting, which was worth $20,000, was eventually "purchased" by the PI for $700. When the work was over, the seller, John McCulloch, was arrested. McCulloch had been staying at the Florida home of William Shoemaker, the rightful owner of the piece, when the painting was stolen. McCulloch stole approximately $47,500 in collectibles, art, and antiques from Shoemaker and gave these away or sold them.
	Read full article and comment	Source: The Eagle-Tribune Online, July 7, 2009

Finances Might Be Cheating Spouses' Downfall
LONDON, ENGLAND - According to new research out of England, cheating spouses spend an average of £291 monthly on their new partners, which is significantly more than they spend on their retirement pension, which is only £59 monthly. Money spent on new partners includes money for gifts and flowers, as well as money for weekends away and hotel stays. It adds up to about £3,500 annually.
	Read full article and comment	Source: Telegraph, July 8, 2009

PIs Busy With Counterfeit Work
LONG ISLAND, NY - Fake designer jeans, purses, and other items are sold daily all over Long Island, according to authorities. Now, authorities and PIs estimate that 85 percent of fakes come from China. Penalties are low for trademark counterfeiting and most law enforcement authorities have limited resources to pursue these cases. Legitimate manufacturers concerned with lost profits are increasingly hiring PIs to break up counterfeiting operations.
	Read full article and comment	Source: Long Island Business News, July 2, 2009

Government Contract/RFP of the Week

Fraud Investigation Services - California

Investigation of suspected fraud activities against the Social Security Administration's Title II and Title XVI Disability Programs.

To view more details click here. Please note: To view this you must be a member of the PInow.com Yahoo! Group - membership is FREE! State and government contracts can provide investigators with steady, recurring revenue. Many PInow.com advertisers have been awarded contracts such as these as a result of being listed with us.