Fraud Investigator I, California Department of Insurance

[Lawseeker]

I was wondering if anyone had any inside information on this entry level position?

I am basically looking for information regarding a typical day.

What was testing like and what type of training you might receive.

Is it a tough position to get hired for or is there a high turnover?

I read that the position is armed and that you are in fact a peace officer with arrest powers.

Thank you in advance for any replies to this post.

[L-1]

A lot of folks that I used to work with went over to them. Their main focus is on major fraud rings - people, doctors and attorneys that create fake accidents to bilk other people's auto insurance or who create voluminous fraudulent workers comp cases. Because they are a relatively small operation (just a couple of hundred investigators statewide) and they don't want their faces to be well known among the crooks, it is not unusual for their raids to be conducted in uniform raid jackets/vests but with ski masks on.

The pay is fairly decent. You get a take home car, state paid cell phone & pager and there is tons of OT, but a lot of that OT is spent reviewing seized documents for evidence of fraudulent billing. When you retire from there, a well paying second job is usually waiting for you in the fraud unit of a private insurance company.

[Stugotz]

Do they have/need cars with emergency lights for vehicle stops?

What academy training do they get: Basic POST, SIBC POST, PC832?

[syphon157]

Do they have/need cars with emergency lights for vehicle stops?

What academy training do they get: Basic POST, SIBC POST, PC832?

Yes, they get cars with lights and sirens and they are peace officers so basic post.

[LeeRoy]

The state investigative agencies like Insurance, DMV, ABC, and others send entry level people to the Specialized Investigator Basic Course, not to a standard academy.

http://www.post.ca.gov/training/investigator.asp

The POST certificate you get when you clear probation is a specialized certificate. If you want to lateral to a police or sheriff's office you have to go through a full academy.

[Mikeyg76]

DOI use's both Basic post and SIBC Post. Its hard to get hired off the streets, much easier to get hired one with another state agency and then transfer over.

[Mikeyg76]

DOI and ABC are starting to send their recruits to a regular basic academy as of this year.

[L-1]

Do they have/need cars with emergency lights for vehicle stops?

What academy training do they get: Basic POST, SIBC POST, PC832?

Yes, they get unmarked, code three equipped cars. But given their specialized, investigative mission, you are not going to be out there doing traffic enforcement and you will rarely be in a situation where you need to use your emergency equipment.

Most of the people DOI hires have prior police experience, have already attended a full academy and don't need to go again. In addition, most officers from other agencies that DOI interacts with have also attended a full academy. With this in mind, my best guess is that if you are hired and have no prior experience, you will go to a full academy, if only so you will possess the same level of training as the people you work with on a daily basis. (If you can't keep up with your peers, you won't make probation.)

I believe the investigative agencies that are more administrative in nature (Food & Agriculture, Housing, Consumer Affairs, Labor Standards, Health, Corporations, State Controller, etc.) lean more towards the shorter, Specialized Academy.

[MrVega$]

If you are completely new to State service no matter how much LE experience you have you must first take the written examination.

In order to qualify for the examination you must have a 4 year degree in Criminal Justice or 2 years prior law enforcement experience. The Criminal Justice degree requirement is in the process of being changed to ANY 4 year degree, but it has not been finalized as of yet.

I don't think it is that difficult to get hired straight out of college as I know of at least 2 if not more people in every Regional Office (CDI has 9 throughout the State) that were hired without any prior law enforcement experience. If you rank high on the written examination and do well on your Oral Board, and if the Chief takes a liking to you then I think you would have a good a chance as any at getting picked up.

And yes, most Regional Offices are sending their recruits through the Regular POST Academies as opposed to the SIBC.

[MrHarm]

Just wondering, full background? Including psych, poly and medical?

[Lawseeker]

Thank you for the great info/posts.

[sotzo]

I had two DOI people in my POST academy. After our POST academy they had to go to their own internal academy where they focused more on specific job training. Since then, one of them was let go during probation and the other one really enjoys the job.

It seems like it would be a cool job if you don't mind the paperwork and the "white collar crime" attitude.

[Stugotz]

The Criminal Justice degree requirement is in the process of being changed to ANY 4 year degree, but it has not been finalized as of yet.

I don't think it is that difficult to get hired straight out of college as I know of at least 2 if not more people in every Regional Office (CDI has 9 throughout the State) that were hired without any prior law enforcement experience. If you rank high on the written examination and do well on your Oral Board, and if the Chief takes a liking to you then I think you would have a good a chance as any at getting picked up.

And yes, most Regional Offices are sending their recruits through the Regular POST Academies as opposed to the SIBC.

Thank You, Sir! This is good to know. :) The requirement of a Criminal Justice degree is what kept me from applying to state agencies in the first place. And I never thought about sending an app anyway as I figured they'd kick it back once they saw my degree is in another field. I'll keep my eyes open now...

[Mikeyg76]

Just wondering, full background? Including psych, poly and medical?

Yes a full background will be done. Everything minus the poly, but i know ABC is in the process of adding the poly to their REQ, i am not sure about DOI.

[MrVega$]

Here are some of the benefits that are afforded to the Investigators that might not be listed on the job announcement with the CDI (not all inclusive, I may be missing some):


M-F, 8-5 schedule, no shift work
Alternative Work Schedule available (9/8/80, 4/10)
Take home undercover code 3 equipped vehicle.
Brand new recruits are sponsored through Basic POST Academy
Safety Retirement (3% @ 50)
Plain clothes assignment
Opportunities to work on a variety of Task Forces (Organized Insurance Fraud, Auto Theft Task Forces, High-Tech Task Forces)
Opportunities for additional Specialized Duties (Range, Def. Tactics, Computer Forensics, Evidence Custodian, FTO)
Assigned laptop computer
Field work encouraged (i.e, it is expected that a majority of work is done outside the office)
Vertical Prosecution: Designated Prosecutors assigned just to handle our cases from beginning to end.


If I come up with anything more, I'll post.

Although the majority of cases could indeed be classified as "white collar" we do encounter the occasional career criminal, tweakers, as well as gang banger types. Insurance fraud is a crime that encompasses all classes, races, etc. Also we probably serve more search warrants than any State Agency in California so there are plenty of chances to go out and "play".

[IMachU]

You also deal A LOT with organized crime. This is a job I could do. How does a lateral applicant apply, and does your agency start a lateral off at evtry level pay, or does one start at a higher pay grade?

[MrVega$]

Lateral applicants not already working for a State Agency still have to take the written examination. I know our Southern Los Angeles County Office in Commerce is in dire need of bodies, and are conducting "spot" examinations specific to that office.

Here is a link to the "spot" examination for the Commerce office:

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0500-about-us/0400-employment/0300-current-open-exams/upload/7IN99COM.pdf

And a link to the "open" examination:

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0500-about-us/0400-employment/0300-current-open-exams/upload/7IN98SW.pdf


Please note if you take the "spot" examination your application will only apply to the Commerce Office. You would not be eligible to apply for any other office in the State. As far as SoCal goes we also have offices in Orange, Rancho Cucamonga, Valencia, and San Diego. I just checked the vacancies and it looks like they have openings in Commerce, Orange and San Diego.

If you want a choice as to which office you prefer then you should take the "open" examination if not your name is stuck on the eligibility list for 12 months.

As far as pay goes, I'm not too sure how much you would start out with if you are already a sworn officer with experience.

[Lawseeker]

Mr. Vega$,

What is a typical day or week like ?

[Stugotz]

Lateral applicants not already working for a State Agency still have to take the written examination. I know our Southern Los Angeles County Office in Commerce is in dire need of bodies, and are conducting "spot" examinations specific to that office.

Here is a link to the "spot" examination for the Commerce office:

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0500-about-us/0400-employment/0300-current-open-exams/upload/7IN99COM.pdf

And a link to the "open" examination:

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0500-about-us/0400-employment/0300-current-open-exams/upload/7IN98SW.pdf


Please note if you take the "spot" examination your application will only apply to the Commerce Office. You would not be eligible to apply for any other office in the State. As far as SoCal goes we also have offices in Orange, Rancho Cucamonga, Valencia, and San Diego. I just checked the vacancies and it looks like they have openings in Commerce, Orange and San Diego.

If you want a choice as to which office you prefer then you should take the "open" examination if not your name is stuck on the eligibility list for 12 months.

As far as pay goes, I'm not too sure how much you would start out with if you are already a sworn officer with experience.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to apply/test for this or other sworn state investigator positions without a criminal justice degree/sworn experience? Would CDI outright reject an app if the degree is in a similar (but not CJ) field? I'm one city away from Commerce and wouldn't have a problem going to the office to inquire, if that office is open to the public. I'd just be embarrassed if I was booted at the door for "not reading the requirement of a CJ degree" in the career ad. :confused::o

[Copp'rPenny]

In order to qualify for the examination you must have a 4 year degree in Criminal Justice or 2 years prior law enforcement experience. The Criminal Justice degree requirement is in the process of being changed to ANY 4 year degree, but it has not been finalized as of yet.


Do you know when this will be changed? Silly me. Only have a BA in a different major. From a little school in Los Angeles that just suffered a MAJOR loss in the Final Four. :(

[Stugotz]

Do you know when this will be changed? Silly me. Only have a BA in a different major. From a little school in Los Angeles that just suffered a MAJOR loss in the Final Four. :(

Hmmmmm, sounds like what just happened to my alma mater over near the 405...

I'd also like to know if this change in credential requirement is coming soon.

[Copp'rPenny]

Hmmmmm, sounds like what just happened to my alma mater over near the 405...


Hurts, huh? What year?

[Stugotz]

Hurts, huh? What year?

I'll PM you ;)

[LA DEP]

One of the Deps I worked with over at West Hollywood went with these guys (I think)......He was doing alot of Medicare/Medical fraud investigations with the Russians here,,,,was told to 'knock it off, you are not a Detective'.....so, he took his skills and went elsewhere.....was very happy over there the last time I ran into him

[syphon157]

Does anyone have suggestions on how to apply/test for this or other sworn state investigator positions without a criminal justice degree/sworn experience? Would CDI outright reject an app if the degree is in a similar (but not CJ) field? I'm one city away from Commerce and wouldn't have a problem going to the office to inquire, if that office is open to the public. I'd just be embarrassed if I was booted at the door for "not reading the requirement of a CJ degree" in the career ad. :confused::o

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0300-fraud/0100-fraud-division-overview/0600-fraud-jobs/fraudjobs.cfm

Check it out. We have 1 CDOFI guy in our class.

[Stugotz]

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0300-fraud/0100-fraud-division-overview/0600-fraud-jobs/fraudjobs.cfm

Check it out. We have 1 CDOFI guy in our class.

Thanks, Boss!!!! I noticed the PDF for the L.A. office lists various "Desirable Qualifications" rather than "Required Qualifications." I'll be looking into this now, especially since LASD hiring is slowing to a mere trickle.

[MrVega$]

Here is a more detailed description of the CDI Fraud Investigator Series via the CA State DPA:

http://www.dpa.ca.gov/textdocs/specs/s7/s7539.txt

As far as when the degree change takes effect, I'm not sure, but as soon as it happens I'll post something.

[Lawseeker]

Would anyone happen to know if there is condensed testing available for out of state applicants?

If so, do you know how long it is?

Thanks.

[insurance guy]

Couple questions regarding the state examination for Fraud investigator.

-Are there any study guides or test preparation exams available?

-Is the test multiple choice only?

Any info would be appreciated as my exam date is coming up.

[L-1]

Couple questions regarding the state examination for Fraud investigator.

-Are there any study guides or test preparation exams available?

-Is the test multiple choice only?

Any info would be appreciated as my exam date is coming up.

The exam announcement tells you what the test consists of and what specific areas you will be tested on, so you you will know what to study for.

http://jobs.spb.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/7IN97.PDF

[LeeRoy]

For those not aware new employees to any state gig covered by the Cause 7 contract (includes CDI Fraud Investigators) there is some significant cost sharing for your health benefits. Make sure you take this into consideration when calculating what your compensation would be.

http://www.cause7.com/

[AlcatrazT2]

Hey guys, a couple of questions:

-Where can I find an application to apply?

-Will a BA in Psychology be acceptable?

-Can Fraud Investigator's carry off duty like fellow LEO's?

Thanks in advance.

[st2001]

Hey guys, a couple of questions:

-Where can I find an application to apply?

-Will a BA in Psychology be acceptable?

-Can Fraud Investigator's carry off duty like fellow LEO's?

Thanks in advance.

-Where can I find an application to apply?


http://jobs.spb.ca.gov/exams_occgroup2.cfm?mac=11

-Will a BA in Psychology be acceptable?

I do not believe so, must be:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year
college with a major in criminal justice, law enforcement,
criminology, administration of justice, police science, or a minor in
law enforcement, criminology, administration of justice, or police
science with evidence that the following courses or their equivalent
have been completed: Introduction to Criminal Justice; Introduction
to Criminal Law; Basic Investigation, Evidence, Criminal Procedure;
and Philosophy of Law. (Registration as a senior in a recognized
institution will admit applicants to the examination, however they
must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can
be considered eligible for appointment.)


-Can Fraud Investigator's carry off duty like fellow LEO's?

Not sure.

[L-1]

Where can I find an application to apply?


http://www.spb.ca.gov/jobs/stateapp.htm

However, currently they are only testing for vacancies in Morgan Hill and Commerce.

Will a BA in Psychology be acceptable?

No

Can Fraud Investigator's carry off duty like fellow LEO's?

Yes

[MrVega$]

The education requirement for this position is in the process of being changed to any 4-year degree. However I do not have a timetable for this. From what I've been told it will be "soon".

The Silicon Valley Regional Office has a spot examination tentatively scheduled for October 25th, so anyone interested in working out of South Santa Clara County and lives or is planning on living 50 air miles from Morgan Hill, come on out and take the test.

If you do take this test you will not be eligible to take the "open" examination which applies for all the Regional Offices. It is for the Silicon Valley Office only.

[Lawseeker]

Mr. Vega$ I am not familiar with Santa Clara and Commerce...are those areas less than desirable to work at?

I have noticed when the positions are posted there always seems to be positions available in Commerce??

[MrVega$]

Mr. Vega$ I am not familiar with Santa Clara and Commerce...are those areas less than desirable to work at?

I have noticed when the positions are posted there always seems to be positions available in Commerce??

I can't comment on any issues regarding the Commerce Office because I just don't know. As far as Santa Clara County goes it's a cost of living issue. We have been concentrating our recruiting efforts in recruiting candidates who already live in or near the Regional Office.

[laco1x]

OK,,,,whats the difference between State Fraud Inv. and State Insurance Inv.

[MrVega$]

Within the California Department of Insurance there is the Enforcement Branch, within the Enforcement Branch are two divisions, the Investigations Division and the Fraud Division. The investigators in the Investigations Division investigate violations of the Insurance Code and related penal code violations committed by licensees of the Department (agents, brokers, bail bondsmen, public adjusters, etc.) Investigators in the Investigations Division are NOT sworn peace officers. However they have a unit within the Investigations Division known as the point of sale unit that are sworn. Right now there are only 5 sworn in the point of sale unit, with the expectation that there will eventually be around 10 to a dozen officers working in that unit.

On the other side of the house is the Fraud Division, whose investigators (actually Detectives, we just had a working title change) are all sworn. The detectives in the Fraud Division primarily investigate fraudulent claims which are usually perpetrated by the insured.

Hope this helps.

[Stugotz]

Taken from their recruitment webpage: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0300-fraud/0100-fraud-division-overview/0600-fraud-jobs/fraudjobs.cfm

Important Notes

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is currently in the process of revising the minimum qualification requirements for the classification of Fraud Investigator. The minimum qualification for specific education in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement is being updated to include other degree programs. We anticipate the changes to occur before the end of summer 2008. Although you may not currently be eligible to take the Fraud Investigator examination based on the current minimum qualification requirements, please revisit our website as this may change.

They say summer's over as of today (Labor Day) so I'm keeping my eyes peeled. This looks like a great career opportunity. :D

[CAleo]

I have a question on the State job pay ranges, i.e. Range A, Range B, and Range C.

I assume that Range A is the minimum standard applicant (BS degree, with two years patrol exp.).

What are the Range B and Range C requirements? How long does it take to reach those requirements? Do you get 5% step increases within the range every year? I can't seem to find any info on the State Range pay system. If this has been addressed in the past then "my bad", I should have looked further in the Forum.

Also, how much do State LEO's spend a month, on their own and families medical benefits portion?

I'm just wondering about the numbers, before making the decision to leap from Local to State.

Thanks, in advance.

[L-1]

Range A is entry level.

Range B. This range shall apply to individuals who have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of 12 months of Range A, or who have evidence of satisfactory completion of two years of experience as a peace officer in an investigative assignment performing criminal investigations beyond the experience required to meet the minimum qualifications of the class and possession of, or immediate eligibility for, the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Certificate. Experience as a peace officer must fall within the definitions in Sections 830.1, 830.2, 830.3, or 830.8 of the California Penal Code. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least 12 months performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility not less than that of Fraud Investigator, Department of Insurance, Range A, including peace officer status.)

Range C. This range shall apply to individuals who have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of 12 months of Fraud Investigator, Department of Insurance, Range B, or who have evidence of satisfactory completion of three years of experience as a peace officer in an investigative assignment performing criminal investigations beyond that required to meet the minimum qualifications of the class, with at least one year to include experience performing criminal fraud investigations, and possession of, or immediate eligibility for, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Basic Certificate. Experience as a peace officer must fall within the definitions in Sections 830.1, 830.2, 830.3, or 830.8 of the California Penal Code. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least 12 months performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility not less than that of a Fraud Investigator, Department of Insurance, Range B, including peace officer status.)

Health insurance gets a little more complicated. The state offers nine different health plans to Unit 7 members (which includes Fraud Investigators). The costs of those plans range from $385 to $742 per month for the employee alone, $771 to $1,482 for the employee and one dependent and $1,042 to $1,931 per month for the employee and two or more people. Additional plans for vision and dental are also available I don't have the prices off hand but I believe the vision is $8 per month for one person and the dental is around $20 per month for one person.

What the state pays towards your insurance is confusing, The law says two things that seem to contradict each other, so you need to check with the Department of Insurance and see which what is currently in effect. Here's what the Government Code says:

Effective January 1, 2008, the employer health benefits contribution for each employee shall be a fixed amount equal to 80 percent of the weighted average of the Basic health benefit plan premiums for a State active civil service employee enrolled for self-alone, during the benefit year to which the formula is applied, for the four Basic health benefit plans that had the largest State active civil service enrollment, excluding family members, during the previous benefit year. For each employee with enrolled family members, the employer shall contribute an additional 80 percent of the weighted average of the additional premiums required for enrollment of those family members, during the benefit year to which the formula is applied, in the four Basic health benefit plans that had the largest State active civil service enrollment, excluding family members, during the previous benefit year. To be eligible for these contributions, an employee must positively enroll in a health plan administered or approved by CalPERS. The established dollar amount shall not be increased in subsequent years without a negotiated agreement by both parties.

However, it also says

Unit 7 employees who first become eligible for health benefit enrollment on or after January 1, 2006, shall be subject to a two-year vesting schedule for the employer health contribution for dependents as follows:

a. Fifty (50%) percent of the normal employer dependent portion of the contribution upon initial enrollment;

b. Seventy-five (75%) percent of the normal employer dependent portion of the contribution upon completion of 12 months of service; and

c. One-hundred (100%) percent of the normal employer dependent portion of the contribution upon completion of 24 months of service.

So again, you need to check with the Department of Insurance and see which rule they are going by with respect to health insurance premiums.

[CAleo]

L-1,

Thanks for the quick response. I believe from the info you provided I would be paying approximately $300.00 to $500.00 a month for my portion of my families medical benefits cost (myself, wife and two or more dependents).

Also for clarification: 1 year of patrol experience is equal to 6 months of a police officer performing complex investigations? I.e. 1 year of detective experience is equal to 1 year of a police officer performing complex investigations.

So to get in the Range C hiring range one would need a BS degree and 6 years of patrol experience, or 3 years as a detective for a local agency, correct?

Thanks again.

[L-1]

First, as far as the Range B & C stuff is concerned, I never worked for Insurance. Most of my career was spent with two other state agencies, so all I can do is quote from the state job specs.

You are going to have to ask Insurance how they define "experience in an Investigative Assignment." When I worked in state service, that meant full time work as an investigator and not collateral investigative experience you got working patrol.

If it helps any, the full job specs are located at: http://www.dpa.ca.gov/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_C504088D7120491CF73CEB6B5132F03425780000/filename/s7539.txt

Unit 7 represents Fraud Investigators along with a number of other state peace officers. The labor contract for that group of peace officers can be found at: http://www.dpa.ca.gov/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_20FAB1977551A61ED61FED3C0D122B317DA01F00/filename/BU7Contract2005-2008Final.pdf

I hope that helps.

[CAleo]

L-1,


Thanks for the info, much appreciated.