Investigation Playbooks

Structured, step-by-step guides for common fraud investigation scenarios and case types.

Account Takeover Investigation

Step-by-step guidance for investigating account takeover fraud cases

⏱ 60-90 minutes Intermediate

Investigation Steps

1

Initial Report Assessment

Review the fraud report and gather preliminary information from the user

2

Account Activity Analysis

Examine login history, transaction records, and behavioral patterns

3

Evidence Collection

Document all relevant digital evidence and maintain chain of custody

4

Pattern Identification

Identify suspicious activities and potential compromise indicators

5

Recovery Plan

Develop and execute account recovery procedures

6

Documentation & Reporting

Complete investigation report and recommendations

Investigation Checklist

Chargeback Review Process

Comprehensive process for reviewing and responding to chargebacks

⏱ 45-60 minutes Intermediate

Investigation Steps

1

Chargeback Notification

Receive and document chargeback notification details

2

Transaction Verification

Verify original transaction details and customer authorization

3

Evidence Gathering

Collect relevant supporting documentation and proof of delivery

4

Dispute Analysis

Analyze chargeback reason code and customer claims

5

Response Preparation

Prepare compelling dispute response with evidence

6

Submission & Follow-up

Submit response and monitor resolution status

Investigation Checklist

First-Party Fraud Investigation

Structured approach to investigating first-party fraud cases

⏱ 75-90 minutes Advanced

Investigation Steps

1

Fraud Indicators Assessment

Identify and assess first-party fraud red flags

2

Account Profile Analysis

Review account history, patterns, and behavioral data

3

Application Verification

Verify application information and supporting documentation

4

Behavioral Pattern Review

Analyze transaction patterns against typical user behavior

5

External Data Correlation

Cross-reference with external fraud databases and networks

6

Investigation Conclusion

Document findings and implement appropriate action

Investigation Checklist

Third-Party Fraud Investigation

Guidance for investigating third-party fraud and merchant abuse

⏱ 60-75 minutes Intermediate

Investigation Steps

1

Fraud Pattern Identification

Identify third-party fraud patterns and merchant abuse indicators

2

Merchant Account Review

Analyze merchant account activity and transaction history

3

Customer Impact Assessment

Assess scope of customer impact and unauthorized transactions

4

Evidence Documentation

Compile comprehensive evidence of fraudulent activity

5

Merchant Communication

Contact merchant to discuss findings and requested actions

6

Resolution & Prevention

Implement preventive measures and document resolution

Investigation Checklist

Identity Theft Investigation

Comprehensive process for investigating identity theft cases

⏱ 90-120 minutes Advanced

Investigation Steps

1

Victim Report Processing

Document victim report and collect initial information

2

Identity Verification

Verify victim identity and confirm unauthorized access

3

Breach Investigation

Investigate how identity information was compromised

4

Fraudulent Activity Tracking

Identify all fraudulent accounts and transactions created

5

Evidence Preservation

Preserve digital and documentary evidence

6

Victim Support & Recovery

Provide recovery assistance and file official reports if needed

Investigation Checklist

Internal Fraud Investigation

Process for investigating suspected internal fraud and employee misconduct

⏱ 60-90 minutes Advanced

Investigation Steps

1

Allegation Documentation

Document fraud allegation and secure initial evidence

2

Preliminary Investigation

Conduct preliminary investigation to determine validity

3

Evidence Gathering

Securely gather access logs, communications, and transaction records

4

Interview Preparation

Prepare for interviews with legal and HR guidance

5

Subject Interview

Conduct formal interview with investigation subject

6

Report & Action

Document findings and recommend disciplinary or legal action

Investigation Checklist

General Best Practices

Documentation

  • • Document all findings in real-time
  • • Maintain clear and detailed records
  • • Use standardized terminology
  • • Preserve all evidence securely

Compliance

  • • Follow all relevant regulations
  • • Maintain chain of custody
  • • Verify all data sources
  • • Consult legal when needed

Communication

  • • Keep stakeholders informed
  • • Document all communications
  • • Report findings clearly
  • • Collaborate with team members

Continuous Improvement

  • • Share learnings with the team
  • • Update procedures based on findings
  • • Adapt to new fraud tactics
  • • Seek feedback on investigations