While there may be variations in human motive and behavior, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. And a criminal investigation may prove to be a vital tool in helping you gather the necessary documentation to verify the nature of a person's motives and behaviors.

As a fraudster hones his art and becomes experienced at his criminal deceptions, he often makes mistakes. He may leave behind valuable information such as a record of criminal convictions, bankruptcies or a host of other available documents. Unless, of course, he's new at it, in which case there may not be an abundance of information or records on file.

But you can still make judgments based on the data you find. You have to study raw investigative information and perhaps keep in mind mitigating circumstances, but certain behaviors can be identified and studied more closely in a proper investigation.

For example, if the subject of your investigation has demonstrated a continuous disregard for motor vehicle laws, if his driver's license has been suspended, if he has a poor credit history or if he's moved around a lot without having any sort of logical explanation, that history may indicate more irresponsible behavior in the future. These patterns speak about a person's character.

Sad as it is to say, everyone, even a once-trusted family member, business associate, accountant or a nanny may succumb to vice-perhaps substance use, gambling or simple greed.

A background investigation not only examines the information objectively, but subjectively as well. According to Fiorillo, for example, a lot can be said about one's body language in understanding their individual behavior. A poker player does this by looking for a "tell"-a sign, twitch or unconscious movement by his opponents that they make when they are bluffing or really excited.

While you can't solely rely on this to make an informed decision, you can combine that observation with other things and make it a valuable tool when looking into somebody's background. You must use your observations, common sense and your gut and consider all these factors together.

The deceptions of many high profile people are now being uncovered and illustrated by the mainstream news media. But there are other cases as well. Take the following example: a case of fraud perpetrated on two clients of mine that should make it clear why people should take the time to investigate. Not everything is, as it seems.

At a trendy hot spot, a high-net-worth couple I work with met a friend at a social function, and met through him a casual acquaintance, who stayed to socialize with them.

While talking, this person began finding common ground with the couple and spent the night cultivating a relationship with them based on their common interests. The stranger was young and polished, good looking and very bright, giving the impression that he was educated and had a high net worth. He claimed to have recently moved into the area, and so his need to build friendships was a natural segue into the couple's confidence. After five minutes of socializing, the acquaintance baited the couple by mentioning a business deal only they would be privy to. The stranger never offered any type of deal directly to the couple; he only indicated that the transaction was short of money. For their own reasons, the couple took the bait and offered to buy the percentage that was short, in part because they liked and trusted the acquaintance.