• Insurance investigators help catch people who commit insurance fraud.PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  Insurance fraud investigators play an important role in helping insurance companies avoid undue loss by looking into potential fraud cases. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the rate of job growth in this field is expected to remain close to the average rate of growth for all other professions from 2008 to 2018. The BLS also notes that the competition for investigator positions tends to make obtaining a career in the field somewhat difficult.
  
  

Job Duties

• Insurance fraud investigators step in when a claims adjuster or examiner suspects someone has made a fraudulent claim. Fraudulent activities can include anything from unnecessary prescriptions or medical procedures to arson or even accidents staged to collect insurance money. Investigations can be of insurance customers or authority figures like doctors who may be guilty of prescribing unnecessary procedures or medications.
  
  The BLS notes that most investigators begin by searching databases that may provide information regarding the claimants. They also interview claimants to ascertain whether their intent was to commit fraudulent activity. Investigators may also take photographs as necessary and even perform surveillance work.
  
  

Qualifications

• While there are no set requirements for insurance fraud investigator qualifications, the BLS notes that most insurance companies prefer former law enforcement officials, claims adjusters or other professionals with a background in investigation or interrogation techniques.
  
  Fraud investigators must be able to work long hours and be able to travel quite frequently to perform investigations. Investigators working for state or federal agencies may be required to carry a weapon and may, thus, need to obtain a license to do so. Specialized education in criminology can be helpful. This usually consists of courses in investigation, criminal psychology and other pertinent areas related to criminal investigative techniques.
  
  

Compensation

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for insurance investigators was $55,760, as of May 2008. This figure included not only investigators, but also examiners and claims adjusters.
  
  A more recent estimate by payscale.com notes the average range of salaries for fraud investigators in the insurance industry ranged from $38,988 to $59,918 as of November 2010.
  
  Health insurance fraud investigators made a slightly different range of pay of $39,906 to $60,035 in 2010, also.