The prevalence of social networking, micro-blogs, and media-sharing websites offer a virtually untapped resource for cultivating investigative leads and evidence during claims investigations. SIU investigators, attorneys, and data analysts can glean much insight from a claimant or an insured sharing information about themselves, family, friends or associates on these forums. Locating this data can be a daunting and time-consuming task. However, knowing the right questions will help facilitate a quicker information procurement process while reducing costs.

The ensuing series of questions is intended to serve as a starting point. Although not comprehensive, this list will prove to be a valuable tool for investigators when gathering the necessary information for an in-depth search of social media profiles. They are designed not only to gather personal information for use in research, but also as a reminder of where potential digital evidence may be found, which in the past has been overlooked.

It is important to note that the scope and level of questioning reached may rely upon the skill of the interviewer and the level of cooperation offered by the interviewee. Traditionally, individuals willingly provide answers to many of these questions in the "spirit of cooperation." However, be aware of legal considerations in obtaining information through social media sites.

 

1.     Do you own/use a landline phone?

  • Standard-type phone or VOIP
  • Name on account
  • Number
  • Carrier

2.     Do you own/use a cell phone?

  • How many phones

-    Number(s)

-    Who uses which phones

  • Carrier
  • Names on account
  • Address bill goes to
  • Pre-paid or monthly
  • Standard/Smart/PDA
  • Does phone have internet
  • Text messaging
  • GPS

-    Privacy Settings

  • How long owned?

-    Same number

-    Same carrier

  • Have you changed carriers recently
  • Do you have a wireless internet account (Aircard) through this carrier? 

3.     Do you own/use a computer?

  • How many
  • Desktop, laptop, or both
  • Wireless network
  • Work or personal
  • Who owns work computer 

4.     Do you have internet access?

  • ISP
  • How long you had it
  • How generally use it
  • What is the IP address

5.     Do you have an email account?

  • Address(es)
  • Name(s) used
  • Email provider (ISP, AOL, Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, etc.)
  • How often used
  • How do you access your email

-    Web browser online

-    Email software (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.) 

6.     Do you have an eBay account?

  • Account ID's (screen names)
  • Email name/address used to open accounts(s)
  • How long had eBay account(s)
  • Used for personal or business
  • What type of product/services
  • Buy or sell
  • Typical number of transactions (annual/monthly/weekly)
  • Last time used
  • Does anyone else use this account

-    Who

-    Why

-    When 

7.     Have you ever posted anything on Craigslist?

  • When
  • What product(s) or service(s)
  • Email account(s) used for replies

8.     Do you use social networking site?

  • Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.
  • User (screen) name(s)
  • Email account(s) used to open account(s)
  • Is account private or public 

9.     Do you use internet chat sites or post blogs?

  • What sites/blogs
  • Screen name(s) used

10.  Does your vehicle have built-in GPS?

11.  Do you have "OnStar"?

  • Is the account active
  • Name on account
  • Phone number assigned to account

12.  Do you own a portable GPS device?

  • Type (Magellan, Garmin, tom-Tom, etc.)
  • Does device provide real time updates via satellite

13.  Do you own a gaming console?

  • Type (Xbox 360, Playstation, etc.)
  • Are they connected to the internet
  • Buy or sell items in the market places through these console services

14.  Do you have a video surveillance system on your home/place of business?

  • DVR or VHS
  • Can video be viewed over the internet

-    Browser based

-    Software based 

15.  Do you run an internet-based business?

  • When was business started
  • Work from home or elsewhere
  • Website
  • What product or services

-    How products are shipped to customer

-    From home or warehouse

-    Who are your vendors

 

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