Uncovering the Truth – Why Comprehensive Background Investigations Matter
A client was in the final stages of hiring an executive who appeared to have strong credentials and a compelling resume. At first glance, nothing raised immediate red flags—but the client wisely opted for a comprehensive background investigation through Capture Intel, not just a basic court records review.
Our investigation revealed multiple layers of deception that would have gone unnoticed with a surface-level investigation:
- Education Misrepresentation:
The executive candidate listed a Bachelor’s degree on their resume, but suspiciously left out graduation dates. When questioned, he claimed he had completed coursework but was unable to receive his diploma due to a financial dispute with the school. However, our direct verification with the institution confirmed:- He had not earned enough credits to graduate.
- His story about multiple semesters and employer-funded classes was completely false.
- He had barely attended the school.
- False Military Service:
Although not part of the client’s original request, the executive candidate claimed military experience during the hiring process. Given the growing concerns, the client asked us to verify. We confirmed that he had never served, and the claim was fabricated. - Inconsistent Employment History:
- The executive listed certain employment dates but left others out.
- He included vague references to “consulting/business ownership” without company names or dates.
- He also claimed to have grown a business from one location to six, yet no verifiable information supported this.
- Financial & Legal Red Flags:
Our county-level search uncovered several cases and liens tied to the executive and what we believe to be the business he vaguely referenced. These findings added further concerns regarding credibility and financial responsibility.
Our dedicated account manager was able to inform the client of the results of the investigation. Thanks to the depth of our research, the client was able to make an informed decision and ultimately did not hire the executive. This case not only protected the client from a potentially damaging hire, but also led them to expand their standard background investigation process to include military verification and deeper business ownership inquiries moving forward.
Relying solely on court records—or assuming previous employers conducted thorough investigations—can leave your organization exposed. Comprehensive background investigations are critical to protecting your team, your reputation, and your bottom line.
The Importance of Verifying Education Credentials
During a due diligence investigation, we discovered that the CEO of a prospective company partner had falsely claimed to have graduated from a prestigious graduate program in the 1970s. Our in-depth research revealed that not only did he not graduate—he had never even attended the institution.
At first glance, verifying someone’s educational background might seem trivial, especially compared to financials or business operations. However, this case illustrates why it’s crucial. Academic credentials are one of the easiest things to fabricate—and one of the least likely to be verified.
Why does this matter? Because if someone is willing to lie about their education, it raises a serious question: What else might they be misrepresenting?
Education is one of the most commonly falsified elements on a resume. While it may appear harmless, it often serves as an early indicator of a person’s integrity. Discovering a falsified degree isn’t just about catching a lie—it’s about uncovering a potential pattern of dishonesty.
This case serves as a powerful reminder: always verify what can be verified. It’s not about mistrust—it’s about due diligence. Verifying education isn’t just a formality—it’s a window into an individual’s integrity. A single lie, especially one maintained over decades, can speak volumes about character, trustworthiness, and the potential risk to investors, clients, and employees.
Our client ultimately reconsidered their investment in the company based on the misrepresentation and the broader trust issues it introduced. This case reinforces the importance of thorough background investigations, especially when the stakes are high.
Due Diligence Uncovers Hidden Risk in Borrower’s Business Ties
A private lender approached us to conduct a discreet due diligence investigation on a potential borrower. While the borrower’s financials appeared satisfactory on the surface, the lender had concerns that extended beyond what a credit report or financial statement could reveal. The request was clear: dig deeper—quietly.
Our team initiated a discreet, in-depth background investigation focused on the borrower’s professional history, affiliations, and potential reputational risks. The borrower had no obvious red flags in public records or media coverage, but our investigation revealed something noteworthy: he was previously affiliated with multiple businesses—some active, some defunct.
One former business partner stood out. This individual, who had co-owned a now-defunct company with the borrower, had been convicted of multiple counts of fraud. While the borrower himself had no criminal record, the close professional relationship raised legitimate concerns about his judgment, associations, and potential involvement—or at least his tolerance of questionable business practices.
While the borrower had managed to maintain a clean record, his affiliation with a convicted fraudster could not be ignored. This insight provided the lender with a critical point of evaluation: Was this relationship purely historical, or was there an ongoing connection that could present reputational or financial risk?
Armed with this information, the lender was able to make a more informed decision about the loan, taking into account not just financials, but also the borrower’s character and judgment. In an age where reputational risk can carry as much weight as creditworthiness, thorough background investigations are an essential tool in protecting investments.
Empowering Strategic Decision-Making Through Vendor Due Diligence
A client was considering entering into a high-value contract with a key vendor—an agreement poised to influence their long-term growth strategy. However, the client had concerns about the vendor’s ability to fulfill the contract’s obligations, citing potential operational and financial risks that could jeopardize critical supply chain dependencies.
To mitigate this risk, we conducted a comprehensive due diligence investigation. This included an in-depth assessment of the vendor’s operational footprint, financial health, and legal standing. Our research revealed that while the vendor operated multiple facilities across the United States, several of these plants were experiencing significant financial strain and were involved in ongoing litigation.
Our client was able to reassess the partnership and renegotiate terms with greater confidence. The insights we provided enabled them to make a well-informed, strategic business decision—mitigating risk, protecting their growth trajectory, and ensuring alignment with more stable partners.
Uncovering Hidden Risks in M&A Due Diligence
A private equity firm engaged our team to conduct a background investigation as part of their due diligence on a prospective acquisition. While the business itself appeared financially sound, the firm requested a comprehensive vetting of both owners to uncover any potential reputational or legal risks that could impact the investment.
Our investigators conducted a deep-dive, multi-jurisdictional background check—far beyond a standard county-level search. One of the owners raised immediate concerns:
- He had a criminal history that included three counts of indecent exposure, resulting in jail time and inclusion in the California Sex Offender Registry.
- Contrary to his claim, the case had not been expunged.
- Additionally, he appeared in the Florida Sex Offender Registry, despite having no residential history in the state—an unusual finding that required skilled investigation.
- We also uncovered prior drug-related charges, civil debt claims, and a property foreclosure.
Had the search been limited to the subject’s county of residence, only minor civil cases would have surfaced, significantly underreporting the actual risk.
By conducting a truly comprehensive background investigation, we provided our client with critical information that would have otherwise remained undiscovered. This allowed the firm to fully assess the reputational and operational risks associated with the acquisition and make a well-informed decision. Our findings potentially saved them from a damaging investment tied to a high-risk individual.