top of page
AdobeStock_128186120.jpeg

Do Your Own Research!

Assisting people understand how fraud and corruption occurs, where it occurs, why it occurs, and who is typically responsible, is of deep interest to L4V Training & Consulting.  Below is a list of typical federal criminal and civil statutes related to such violations, a short list of helpful books, some news and blog sites, related podcasts, an interesting and entertaining list of movies, television shows, and documentaries, the leading private and governmental organizations, the more important judicial opinions that have shaped the fraud and corruption landscape, and finally, you will find a detailed list of publicly available Open Source Intelligence sites. 

U.S. Federal Criminal and Civil Statutes 

​

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of federal white-collar related statutes, but it is a good start!  One should also be aware that most states have companion statutes that mirror or closely duplicate most (but not all) federal white-collar statutes.  Please check with your individual state for more information.

​

For the benefit of Alaskans, as L4V Training & Consulting is an Alaska headquartered company, below are some relevant Alaska Statutes (AS) that can be relied upon in place of federal statutes listed above.  Please note, AS criminal statutes fall under Chapter 11 of the AS Code:

​

​

​

​

Fraud and Corruption Books

​

Again, this is not an exhaustive list of relevant and interesting books on fraud and corruption, but it is a decent start.

Blogs / Reports / News Sites, etc.

Podcasts

Movies, Television and Documentaries

  • Serpico, 1973

  • The Laundromat, 2019

  • War Dogs, 2016

  • The Informant!, 2009

  • The Wolf of Wall Street, 2013

  • ​The Wizard of Lies, 2017

  • Casino Jack, 2010

  • Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, 2005

  • American Greed, 2007 - 2023

  • American Hustle, 2013

  • Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939

  • All the President's Men, 1976

  • The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, 2019

  • McMillions, 2020

  • Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street, 2023

  • FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened, 2019

  • Lords of Scam, 2021

  • Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud, Fugitives, 2022

  • Art and Craft, 2014

  • Operation Varsity Blues, 2021

  • Dirty Money, 2018 - 2020

  • The Tinder Swindler, 2022

  • Inventing Anna, 2022

  • The Panama Papers, 2018

  • The Kleptocrats, 2018

Private Entities and Governmental Organizations

Relevant US Supreme Court Opinions

  • McNally v. United States (1987)

    • McNally v. United States (1987) addressed the scope of the federal mail fraud statute. The case involved a scheme where Kentucky officials received kickbacks from insurance companies, depriving citizens of their right to honest government services. The Court ruled 7-2 that the mail fraud statute only applied to schemes involving tangible property rights, not intangible rights like honest government services. The majority opinion, written by Justice White, held that the statute's language and legislative history limited its scope to protecting property rights, not the public's right to good government.  The dissent, led by Justice Stevens, argued that the statute should be interpreted more broadly to include intangible rights, citing decades of lower court precedents. This decision significantly narrowed the application of the mail fraud statute, limiting prosecutors' ability to pursue corruption cases not involving direct monetary loss. It effectively overturned numerous convictions based on the "intangible rights" theory. In response, Congress quickly passed the "honest services fraud" statute in 1988, explicitly criminalizing schemes to deprive others of the intangible right to honest services. For investigators, this case emphasized the need to focus on tangible financial losses when building mail fraud cases. It also highlighted the importance of staying current with legislative changes, as Congress's swift action restored and clarified the statute's broader application to corruption cases.

  • McCormick v. United States (1991)

    • McCormick v. United States (1991) addressed whether campaign contributions could be considered extortion under the Hobbs Act without proof of an explicit quid pro quo. The case involved a West Virginia legislator who received payments from foreign doctors seeking favorable legislation. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that an explicit quid pro quo is necessary for a Hobbs Act conviction involving campaign contributions. The majority opinion, written by Justice White, held that treating campaign contributions as extortion without clear evidence of an exchange agreement would put at risk legitimate political practices. The Court emphasized that only if payments are made in return for an explicit promise or undertaking by the official to perform or not perform an official act can they be considered criminal under the Hobbs Act. The dissent, led by Justice Stevens, argued that requiring proof of an explicit quid pro quo would make it too difficult to prosecute corrupt officials. This ruling significantly narrowed the scope of the Hobbs Act in campaign finance cases, making it harder for prosecutors to bring charges based on campaign contributions. For investigators, this decision means they must gather clear evidence of an explicit agreement between the official and the contributor, linking the payment to a specific official action, rather than relying on circumstantial evidence or implied understandings.

  • Evans v. United States (1992)

    • In Evans v. United States (1992), the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of a county commissioner for extortion under the Hobbs Act. The Court held that the government need not prove that a public official made an explicit demand or inducement to obtain a payment to which they were not entitled. The majority, in a 6-3 decision, ruled that the common law definition of extortion, which the Hobbs Act incorporated, did not require proof of a demand. The Court concluded that the coercive element is provided by the public office itself, and the government only needs to show that the official received a payment knowing it was in return for official acts. The dissent, led by Justice Thomas, argued that the majority's interpretation expanded the scope of the Hobbs Act beyond Congress's intent and that common law extortion required a false pretense of official right. They contended that the Court's ruling effectively criminalized voluntary payments to public officials. This decision broadened the application of the Hobbs Act, making it easier for prosecutors to bring extortion charges against public officials. It eliminated the need to prove an explicit quid pro quo arrangement. For investigators, this ruling simplified the evidence-gathering process, as they no longer needed to demonstrate that the official made a specific demand or threat. Instead, they could focus on proving that the official knowingly accepted payments in exchange for official acts, potentially increasing the number of successful prosecutions under the Hobbs Act.

  • United States v. Sun-Diamond Growers of California (1999)

    • In United States v. Sun-Diamond Growers of California (1999), the Supreme Court unanimously ruled on the interpretation of the federal illegal gratuity statute. Sun-Diamond, a trade association, was charged with providing illegal gratuities to Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy. The government argued that proving a link between the gifts and specific official acts was unnecessary, while Sun-Diamond contended that such a link was required. The Court sided with Sun-Diamond, holding that to establish a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 201(c)(1)(A), prosecutors must prove a connection between the gratuity and a specific official act. Justice Scalia, writing for the Court, reasoned that a broad interpretation would criminalize innocent gift-giving and contradict the statute's language. The Court rejected the government's argument that the statute aimed to prevent appearance of impropriety, stating that Congress did not write such a sweeping prohibition. This decision narrowed the scope of the illegal gratuity statute, making it more challenging for prosecutors to secure convictions. There was no dissenting opinion. The ruling has significant implications for future investigations, as it requires investigators to establish a clear link between gifts and specific official acts, rather than merely proving that gifts were given because of an official's position. This higher evidentiary standard necessitates more thorough and targeted investigations to successfully prosecute illegal gratuity cases[1][2][4].

  • United States v. Skilling (2010)

    • In United States v. Skilling (2010), the Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of the "honest services" fraud statute and its application to former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling. The Court unanimously rejected Skilling's claim of jury prejudice but split on the honest services issue. In a 6-3 decision, the Court narrowed the scope of the statute to cover only bribery and kickback schemes, finding it would be unconstitutionally vague if applied more broadly. The majority, led by Justice Ginsburg, held that the statute was not unconstitutionally vague when limited to these core offenses. The dissenting justices argued that the statute should be struck down entirely as too vague. This decision significantly restricted the government's ability to prosecute public corruption and corporate fraud cases under the honest services theory. It meant that many previously prosecutable actions, such as undisclosed self-dealing by public officials or executives, were no longer covered by the statute. For investigators, this ruling necessitated a more focused approach in corruption cases, requiring clear evidence of bribes or kickbacks rather than relying on vaguer notions of breached fiduciary duties. The decision also prompted a reevaluation of pending and past convictions based on the honest services statute, leading to the reversal or modification of several high-profile cases. Overall, Skilling v. United States reshaped the landscape of federal fraud prosecutions, demanding more specific evidence of criminal intent in cases involving alleged breaches of honest services.

  • McDonnell v. United States (2016)

    • In McDonnell v. United States (2016), the Supreme Court unanimously vacated former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell's corruption convictions. The case centered on whether McDonnell's actions constituted "official acts" under federal bribery law. McDonnell argued that arranging meetings and hosting events for a businessman who provided gifts were not official acts, while prosecutors contended these actions fell within the statute's scope. The Court sided with McDonnell, narrowing the definition of "official act" to exclude routine political courtesies. Chief Justice Roberts, writing for the Court, held that an official act must involve a formal exercise of governmental power on a specific, focused matter. The Court found the jury instructions overly broad, potentially criminalizing innocent behavior. There was no dissenting opinion. The ruling significantly narrowed the interpretation of federal corruption laws, making it more challenging for prosecutors to prove bribery cases against public officials. The Court emphasized that merely setting up meetings or expressing support does not qualify as an official act without a showing of pressure to perform a government function. This decision has important implications for future corruption investigations, requiring prosecutors to demonstrate a more direct link between gifts and specific government actions. Investigators must now focus on gathering evidence of concrete government decisions or actions, rather than relying on general political favors or access, to build corruption cases against public officials.

  • Snyder v. United States (2024)​.  

    • Snyder v. United States (2024) significantly limited the scope of 18 U.S.C. § 666, a federal statute criminalizing corruption in state and local governments. The case involved James Snyder, a former Indiana mayor convicted of accepting a $13,000 payment after awarding city contracts. The Court ruled 6-3 that § 666 only prohibits bribes promised or given before an official act, not after-the-fact gratuities. The majority opinion, authored by Justice Kavanaugh, cited statutory text, history, structure, punishments, federalism principles, and fair notice considerations to support this interpretation. The dissent, led by Justice Jackson, argued that the statute's use of "rewarded" clearly covers after-the-fact payments and criticized the majority's narrow reading. This decision narrows the application of § 666, requiring prosecutors to prove a corrupt agreement existed before the official act. It may lead to fewer federal prosecutions of state and local corruption cases, potentially leaving more to state authorities. The ruling also raises questions about its impact on other federal anti-corruption statutes, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. For investigators, this decision means they must focus on gathering evidence of pre-existing agreements in bribery cases, potentially through more extensive witness interviews and document collection. The ruling emphasizes the need for clear evidence of quid pro quo arrangements in corruption investigations involving state and local officials.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

  • Acquisition.gov

    • Acquisition.gov is a comprehensive website that provides access to federal acquisition regulations, policies, and resources. For investigators, both criminal and civil, this site offers valuable information to assist in their inquiries. They can access the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agency-specific acquisition regulations, and various procurement-related documents. Investigators can research contract clauses, procurement procedures, and compliance requirements. The site also provides access to the System for Award Management (SAM) and Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which contain detailed information on federal contractors and contract awards. This wealth of information can help investigators identify potential fraud, waste, abuse, or non-compliance in government contracting and procurement processes.

  • ADS-B Exchange

    • ADS-B Exchange is a global flight tracking platform that provides unfiltered, real-time aircraft data from a network of community-operated receivers. It offers valuable information for both criminal and civil investigators, including detailed aircraft positions, altitudes, velocities, and historical flight data. Investigators can access comprehensive flight paths, identify specific aircraft, and analyze patterns of movement. The platform's commitment to unfiltered data means it includes military, commercial, and private aircraft without blocking or filtering. This extensive coverage and historical data archive, dating back to March 2020, can be crucial for accident investigations, tracking suspicious flight activities, and supporting various research and analytical purposes.

  • American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN)

    • ARIN.net is the official website of the American Registry for Internet Numbers, a nonprofit organization that manages Internet number resources in North America, parts of the Caribbean, and North Atlantic islands. For investigators, ARIN provides valuable tools and information related to IP address allocation and management. Through ARIN's WHOIS database, investigators can access public registration data for IP addresses and autonomous system numbers, which can be crucial in tracing online activities. Additionally, ARIN offers a subpoena compliance process for law enforcement agencies seeking non-public information about IP address assignments, potentially aiding in both criminal and civil investigations involving Internet-based activities.

  • Antenna Search

    • AntennaSearch.com is a comprehensive database providing detailed information on towers and antennas across the United States. The website offers valuable data for both criminal and civil investigators, including precise locations, ownership details, contact information, and frequencies of various communication structures. Investigators can utilize this resource to map tower densities, explore antenna co-locations, and identify nearby cell phone carriers. This information can be crucial in tracking communication patterns, establishing timelines, or determining potential surveillance locations. The site's extensive database can assist in a wide range of investigations, from locating suspects to verifying alibis or reconstructing events based on cellular data.

  • Blackbook Online

    • Black Book Online is a website that provides access to free public records searches. It offers a wide range of information that can be valuable for both criminal and civil investigators. Investigators can use this platform to search for various types of records, including court documents, criminal records, arrest records, and property information. The site covers multiple jurisdictions and allows users to search by location, such as specific counties or states. While the website disclaims any guarantee of accuracy and emphasizes that it should not be used for purposes regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, it can still serve as a useful starting point for investigators gathering background information or leads for their cases.

  • Canada411

    • Canada411.ca is an online directory service that provides contact information for individuals and businesses across Canada. While primarily intended for general public use, investigators may find this resource valuable for locating basic details about persons of interest. The website offers access to phone numbers, addresses, and sometimes additional information like age ranges or household members. However, it's important to note that the data available is limited to publicly accessible information and does not include criminal records or sensitive personal details. Investigators should use this tool as a starting point for gathering basic contact information, but should not rely on it exclusively for comprehensive background checks or official investigative purposes.

  • CentralOps

    • CentralOps.net is a website offering free online network tools for both criminal and civil investigators. It provides utilities such as traceroute, nslookup, dig, whois, and ping, along with specialized Domain Dossier and Email Dossier services. Investigators can use these tools to gather crucial information about network paths, server status, DNS records, domain ownership, IP addresses, and email headers. The site supports IPv6 and offers visual representations of network data. These resources enable investigators to trace digital footprints, verify online identities, and uncover connections between various online entities, making it a valuable asset for both cybercrime investigations and civil litigation involving digital evidence.

  • Check Usernames

    • CheckUsernames.com is a website that allows users to search for the availability of usernames across multiple social media platforms and online services. While primarily designed for individuals looking to secure consistent usernames, it can be a valuable tool for both criminal and civil investigators. Investigators can use this site to quickly identify a person's online presence across various platforms, potentially uncovering additional accounts or aliases associated with a subject of interest. This information can lead to discovering relevant social media profiles, personal websites, or other online activities that may provide crucial evidence or leads in an investigation. However, it's important to note that the site only checks username availability and doesn't provide access to private account information.

  • Classmates

    • Classmates.com is a social networking platform that connects people with their former classmates from high school, college, and military service. The website allows users to create profiles, share memories, and reconnect with old friends. For investigators, this platform can be a valuable resource. It provides access to personal information such as names, graduation years, schools attended, and sometimes current locations. Investigators can potentially uncover connections between individuals, verify educational backgrounds, and gather historical information about a person's past. The site's yearbook archives and user-generated content may also offer insights into a subject's activities, relationships, and whereabouts during specific time periods, aiding both criminal and civil investigations.

  • Companies House

    • Companies House is the UK's registrar of companies and an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade. It maintains the official register of limited companies in the UK, incorporating and dissolving companies, and making company information available to the public. Both criminal and civil investigators can access a wealth of information from the Companies House website, including company details, filing history, annual accounts, confirmation statements, and information on company officers and persons with significant control. This data can be crucial for investigations, helping to establish company structures, financial positions, and identify individuals associated with companies. The website provides a valuable resource for due diligence, background checks, and tracking corporate activities.

  • Contracting Cone

    • The Contracting Cone website provides a comprehensive overview of various contract strategies available under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Non-FAR guidelines. It offers detailed information about each contracting strategy, enabling collaborative discussions to select the most appropriate approach based on specific circumstances and desired outcomes. For criminal and civil investigators, this resource can be valuable in understanding the full spectrum of contracting methods used in federal acquisitions. It can help them identify potential irregularities or deviations from standard practices, assess the appropriateness of chosen strategies in specific cases, and gain insights into lesser-known contracting approaches that may be relevant to their investigations.

  • Cyber Background Checks

    • CyberBackgroundChecks.com is an online platform that offers access to public records and background information. The website provides investigators with a wide range of data, including criminal records, court documents, arrest records, and sex offender registries. Civil investigators can benefit from access to property records, marriage and divorce records, and business information. The site also offers reverse phone lookups, address history, and social media profiles. These resources can assist both criminal and civil investigators in gathering crucial information for their cases, verifying identities, locating individuals, and uncovering potential connections or patterns. The platform's comprehensive database and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for various types of investigations.

  • Dual Maps

    • Dual Maps is a web-based mapping tool that offers a range of features for creating and editing travel routes, adding place markers, and viewing animated street views. Investigators can use this platform to reconstruct travel routes, visualize crime scenes, and analyze geographical data relevant to their cases. The ability to create custom maps, add markers, and view street-level imagery can aid in establishing timelines, identifying potential witnesses or suspects, and understanding the spatial context of events. The mobile compatibility and geolocation features also allow for real-time tracking and on-site investigations, making it a valuable resource for both criminal and civil investigators in their fieldwork and case analysis.

  • EDGAR

    • ​The SEC's EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) system is a comprehensive database of financial reports and other documents submitted by companies to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Both criminal and civil investigators can access a wealth of information from this website, including annual and quarterly reports, registration statements, and insider trading reports. These documents can reveal crucial details about a company's financial health, ownership structure, and potential misconduct. Investigators can use EDGAR to track suspicious financial activities, identify undisclosed relationships between entities, and gather evidence of securities fraud or other financial crimes. The system's public accessibility makes it an invaluable tool for conducting preliminary research and building cases against individuals or corporations suspected of financial wrongdoing.

  • EPIEOS

    • Epieos.com is a powerful open-source intelligence (OSINT) tool that allows users to gather information about individuals using just an email address. It can be particularly useful for both criminal and civil investigators in their work. The website provides access to various data points, including social media profiles, phone numbers, and other online accounts associated with the email address. Investigators can use this information to build profiles, establish connections, and uncover potential leads in their cases. Epieos aggregates publicly available data, making it a valuable resource for initial research and background checks without requiring advanced technical skills.

  • EXIF.tools

    • EXIF.tools is a web-based platform that utilizes exiftool to extract comprehensive metadata from uploaded or internet-located files. This tool can be invaluable for both criminal and civil investigators, providing access to a wealth of hidden information within digital files. Investigators can uncover details such as the date, time, and location a photo was taken, the device used to create the file, and even editing history. This metadata can help establish timelines, verify alibis, identify potential suspects, or provide evidence of tampering. The website's user-friendly interface makes it accessible for investigators to quickly analyze digital evidence without requiring specialized software or technical expertise.

  • Family Tree Now​

    • FamilyTreeNow.com is a free genealogy website that offers extensive public records and personal information. While primarily intended for family history research, it inadvertently serves as a valuable resource for both criminal and civil investigators. The site provides access to a wealth of data, including full names, birth dates, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and information about relatives and associates. Investigators can use this platform to gather background information on persons of interest, locate individuals, verify identities, and establish connections between people. The ease of access and comprehensive nature of the data make FamilyTreeNow.com a potentially powerful tool for law enforcement and private investigators conducting various types of inquiries.

  • Fast People Search

    • FastPeopleSearch.com is a free online platform that offers various search services, including people search, reverse phone lookup, and address search. The website provides access to millions of records, allowing users to find contact information, current and past addresses, and phone numbers associated with individuals across the United States. For criminal and civil investigators, this tool can be valuable in locating persons of interest, verifying identities, and gathering background information. Investigators can use the platform to find current residences, track address history, identify phone number owners, and potentially discover connections between individuals. The service is anonymous, ensuring that searched individuals are not notified, which can be crucial for maintaining the confidentiality of ongoing investigations.

  • Federal Inmate Locator (Bureau of Prisons)

    • The Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate locator website is a valuable resource for both criminal and civil investigators. This online tool allows users to locate federal inmates incarcerated from 1982 to the present. Investigators can obtain crucial information such as an inmate's current location, release date, and registration number. However, due to ongoing sentence recalculations related to the First Step Act, release dates may not always be up-to-date. The website provides a straightforward search function, enabling investigators to quickly access essential details about federal inmates, which can be instrumental in furthering their investigations or verifying information related to their cases.

  • Fone Finder

    • FoneFinder.net is a website that allows users to search for information related to telephone numbers in the USA, Canada, and internationally. It provides a valuable resource for both criminal and civil investigators. Through this site, investigators can obtain details such as the general location, service provider, and type of phone (landline or mobile) associated with a specific number. This information can be crucial in tracking individuals, verifying alibis, or establishing connections between persons of interest. Additionally, the site offers updates on telecommunications technologies like VOIP and WiMax, which can be useful for investigators to stay informed about evolving communication methods that may impact their cases.

  • FotoForensics

    • FotoForensics is a powerful online tool designed to analyze digital images for potential manipulation or alteration. It offers a range of forensic techniques that can be invaluable for both criminal and civil investigators. The website allows users to submit pictures in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, WebP, HEIC, and AVIF, for detailed examination. Investigators can use FotoForensics to detect image editing, identify metadata, analyze error level analysis (ELA), and uncover hidden information within digital photographs. This can help in verifying the authenticity of images, uncovering potential forgeries, and gathering crucial evidence for legal proceedings or investigations related to digital imagery.

  • Google Earth

    • Google Earth is a powerful web-based platform that offers detailed satellite imagery, 3D representations of terrain and buildings, and historical imagery of the Earth's surface. For investigators, this tool provides valuable visual information to aid in both criminal and civil cases. They can examine locations of interest, assess terrain features, analyze property boundaries, and observe changes over time. This can be particularly useful for accident reconstructions, property disputes, environmental investigations, and crime scene analysis. The platform's ability to provide precise measurements and historical context makes it an invaluable resource for gathering visual evidence and understanding spatial relationships in various investigative scenarios.

  • GPTZero

    • GPTZero is a leading AI detection tool that analyzes text to determine if it was written by humans or artificial intelligence. For investigators, this website offers valuable capabilities in both criminal and civil cases. It can help detect potential fraud or misrepresentation in written documents, such as statements, reports, or online content. The tool's ability to identify AI-generated text could be crucial in cases involving digital evidence, plagiarism, or intellectual property disputes. Additionally, GPTZero's features like writing reports and video replay can provide insights into the document creation process, which may be useful for verifying the authenticity of written materials or establishing timelines in investigations.

  • Grabify

    • Grabify.link is an IP logging and URL shortening service that allows users to create trackable links. When someone clicks on a Grabify link, the service collects various data points about the user, including their IP address, location, device information, and browser details. For investigators, both criminal and civil, this tool can be valuable in gathering digital evidence. It can help trace the geographical location of a suspect, identify the devices they use, and potentially establish patterns of online behavior. However, it's important to note that the use of such tools may have legal implications and should be employed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • GSA eLibrary

    • The General Services Administration (GSA) website provides a wealth of information for both criminal and civil investigators. It offers access to government procurement data, including contract details and vendor information, which can be valuable for fraud investigations. Investigators can find per diem rates, travel regulations, and property management information, useful for cases involving government employee misconduct or misuse of funds. The site also contains data on federal buildings and facilities, which may aid in investigations related to government property. Additionally, the GSA website provides information on government auctions and surplus property sales, potentially assisting in asset tracing or financial investigations.

  • Have I Been Pwned?

    • Have I Been Pwned is a website that allows users to check if their email addresses have been compromised in data breaches. It provides a valuable resource for both criminal and civil investigators. Investigators can use this tool to determine if a specific email address has been involved in known data breaches, potentially uncovering links to cybercrime or identifying victims of identity theft. The site also offers information on the scale and nature of various data breaches, including the number of affected accounts and the types of data exposed. This can help investigators understand the scope of cyber incidents and track patterns in data breaches across different platforms and time periods.

  • Heavy.AI Tweetmap

    • The Heavy.ai TweetMap is an interactive visualization tool that displays geotagged tweets in real-time across the globe. This platform allows users to explore Twitter activity based on location, time, and content. For investigators, both criminal and civil, this tool can provide valuable insights into social media patterns and user behavior. They can track the spread of information, identify potential witnesses or suspects, analyze sentiment during specific events, and uncover connections between individuals or groups. The ability to filter tweets by keywords, hashtags, and time periods makes it particularly useful for gathering intelligence, monitoring public sentiment, and reconstructing timelines related to incidents or investigations.

  • Melissa Lookups

    • Lookups.melissa.com is a comprehensive data verification and enrichment platform offering various tools for address validation, people search, and global data lookups. For investigators, the site provides valuable resources such as Personator, which verifies and appends names, addresses, phones, and emails, and updates addresses of movers. The Property Viewer by ZIP tool allows access to property and resident information. Batch processing options enable verification of large datasets for addresses, phone numbers, emails, and IP addresses. These features can aid both criminal and civil investigators in locating individuals, verifying identities, and gathering crucial information for their cases, all while ensuring data accuracy and compliance.

  • ICANN Lookup

    • ICANN's official domain lookup tool. It provides publicly available information about domain name registrations, including the registrar, creation date, and expiration date. For investigators, this website can be valuable in obtaining domain ownership details, such as registrant name, organization, and contact information. However, the availability of this data depends on privacy settings and local regulations. While not a comprehensive investigative tool, it can offer initial leads and help establish connections between domains and entities. Investigators should note that the information provided is limited and may not always be up-to-date or accurate, necessitating further verification through other means.

  • IMEI Info

    • IMEI.info is a comprehensive online tool that allows users to check and verify information about mobile devices using their unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers. For investigators, both criminal and civil, this website can be an invaluable resource. It provides access to crucial device information such as the phone's model, manufacturer, country of origin, and carrier details. Additionally, investigators can use the site to check a device's warranty status, purchase date, and blacklist status. This information can be particularly useful in cases involving stolen devices, fraud investigations, or tracking the history and ownership of a specific mobile phone.

  • _Intelligence X

    • Intelligence X (intelx.io) is a powerful search engine and data archive that provides access to a vast array of information, including leaked databases, dark web content, and public records. Both criminal and civil investigators can utilize this platform to gather intelligence on specific individuals, organizations, or domains. The site offers various selectors for targeted searches, such as email addresses, IP addresses, and domains. Investigators can uncover valuable data like leaked credentials, financial information, and communication records to support their cases. However, users should note that the platform has strict search term requirements and usage limits to ensure responsible use of its extensive database.

  • Intel Techniques

    • Intel Techniques is a comprehensive resource for OSINT and privacy-related information. The website offers a range of services, including online search tools, privacy remedies, and educational materials. Investigators, both criminal and civil, can benefit from the site's OSINT techniques, which are detailed in various digital guides and books. These resources cover topics such as data leaks, breaches, logs, and virtual machine usage for investigations. Additionally, the site provides training programs for becoming a certified Open Source Intelligence Professional (OSIP). Investigators can learn advanced search techniques, privacy protection methods, and strategies for gathering intelligence from publicly available sources, enhancing their investigative capabilities across different platforms and devices.

  • Wayback Machine

    • The Wayback Machine is a digital archive of the World Wide Web, offering access to billions of captured web pages over time. For investigators, this tool can be invaluable in both criminal and civil cases. It allows them to view historical versions of websites, potentially uncovering altered or deleted content relevant to their investigations. Investigators can retrieve past company information, track changes in online behavior, verify claims about website content at specific dates, and gather evidence of online activities that may have been subsequently removed or modified. This archived data can provide crucial context, establish timelines, and support or refute testimonies in various legal proceedings.

  • IP Chicken

    • IPChicken.com is a simple and straightforward website that provides users with their current public IP address and related information. For investigators, both criminal and civil, this site can be a valuable tool in their work. It displays the user's IP address, remote port, and browser information. This data can be crucial for tracking online activities, identifying the general location of a device, and gathering basic technical details about a user's connection. While not providing in-depth information, IPChicken offers a quick and easy way for investigators to obtain essential network data that could be useful in various types of investigations, from cybercrime to civil disputes involving online activities.

  • IP Location

    • Allows the user to enter an IP address or domain name to discover information such as IP location, host name, Internet Service Provider, Proxy, Platform, Browser, etc.​

  • IP Logger

    • IP tracking service.​

  • LE-Tools

    • Open source software created for investigators, IT analysts, and researchers. ​

  • Locate Family

    • Worldwide people finder.​

  • Metadata2Go

    • Upload a file to determine all of the metadata information associated with it.​

  • MX ToolBox

    • Versatile domain and IP address look up tool.  ​

  • Nonprofit Explorer

    • ProPublica's website that allows users to browse millions of annual returns filed by tax-exempt organizations.​

  • Open Corporates

    • Register of companies from around the world, to include officers.​​​

  • ​OSINT Framework

    • Aggregator focused on gathering information from free tools or resources. (One of the best places to start any OSINT gathering operation)​

  • Oyez

    • Database of U.S. Supreme Court opinions, including audio of hearings dating back to October 1955.​

  • Parceled

    • Explore tax assessor data, mortgage history, owner contact information, parcel boundaries, real estate Foreclosure and Pre-Forclosure details, and market data, among other pieces of information.  Can only be used through mobile device.​

  • People Finder (Intelius)

    • People search, reverse phone lookup, criminal and traffic records search, background checks, public records search, and reverse address lookup services.​

  • Phone Scoop

    • Search the owner of a particular telephone number.  Research detailed information about available cellular telephones on the market.​

  • Pic2Map

    • Service that allows the uploading of a digital photograph to determine where the photograph was taken by provided GPS coordinates.​

  • The System for Aware Management (Sam.gov)

    • Allows user to search for open and past U.S. Government contracts, and relevant information about the solicitation, bid process, and the winner of past contracts.​

  • SearchCode

    • Open source site that allows the user to search over 75 billion lines of code from 40 million different projects.​

  • Search.org

    • Provides the user with an extensive list of contact information for multiple businesses and Internet Service Providers, law enforcement guides published by dozens of tech and communication companies, podcasts, and webinars.  ​

  • SEC's EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system

    • Free public access to millions of informational documents filed by publicly traded companies.​

  • Spokeo

    • Search for records related to properties owned, court filings, social networks, businesses, etc.​

  • SpoofCard

    • Gives the user the ability to call and text from a virtual number to protect personal information and identity.​

  • Suncalc

    • Allows the user to determine the sun movement with an interactive map, to include sunrise, sunset, shadow length, solar eclipse, sun phase, sun height, etc., based on location.​

  • Technitium

    • A free utility to instantly spoof a users MAC address.​

  • That's Them

    • Free people search engine.​

  • The Diggings

    • Lists millions of mining claims across the United States.  Ability to view claim maps, compare mines, browse claim owner information, etc.​

  • This Person Does Not Exist

    • Random face generator.​

  • Threema

    • Swiss based company providing end-to-end encrypted messaging and voice services.  Threema does not collect user data, and falls under Swiss privacy laws.​

  • TinEye

    • Reverse image search.​

  • Travel with Drone

    • Allows the user to watch crowd sourced drone footage from multiple locations around the world.​

  • True People Search

    • Free people search engine.​

  • UK White Pages

    • Find people and look up telephone numbers and information in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.​

  • USA Spending.gov

    • Search U.S. government spending by contract, grant, loan, etc., using dozens of different variables, such as: company name, CAGE code, company headquarters, contract location, etc.​

  • US Phone Book

    • Free reverse telephone number lookup.​

  • USA Data Search

    • Search by name and state to discover publicly available data.​

  • Video Downloader for Facebook

    • Download videos from Facebook.  ​

  • View EXIF

    • Allows the user to upload a digital image or paste a picture URL to view or remove Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) data (aka metadata) that is embedded in digital photographs.​

  • What is My IPAddress

    • Provides the user the ability to find, check, or get details on a specific IP address.​

  • What3Words

    • Allows users to provide three words that correlate to a specific geographical coordinate.  In essence, it substitutes three words long, cumbersome, and often times confusing numerical coordinates.​

  • WhatsMyName Web

    • Tool that allows users to enumerate usernames across many websites.​

  • White Pages

    • Find people, contact information and conduct background checks.​

  • Who Posted What?

    • Allows user to search keywords on Facebook (Meta) and X (formerly Twitter).​

  • Whooster

    • Paid service that provides clients the ability to find out 'who', 'what', 'where' as well as discovering non-obvious links between the who, what, and where.​

  • Wigle

    • Allows user to discover wireless networks in specific areas, to include stumblers, wifi networks, and cell towers.​

  • Wikimapia

    • Online detailed mapping service.​

  • Zaba Search

    • People search and public information search engine.​

  • ZETX

    • Part of LexisNexis Risk Solutions.  ​

  • Zoom Earth

    • Mapping system that provides live, prospective, and historical weather patterns from around the world.​

bottom of page