Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Matthew Bernstein

Vancouver,WA

Summary

Highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior Private Investigator with 30 years of experience conducting complex investigations in insurance fraud, liability claims, workers' compensation, property damage, intellectual property, and government fraud cases. Adept at recorded statements, scene reconstruction, witness interviews, forensic analysis, and fraud detection. Proven expertise in high-risk surveillance, trial preparation, expert testimony, and corporate security consulting. Experienced in training and supervising investigative teams, enforcing case protocols, and managing multi-jurisdictional cases. Recognized for developing investigative strategies, analyzing case evidence, and providing litigation support for insurance companies, law firms, and government agencies.

Licensed in Washington, Oregon, and California Conducted over 4,000 recorded statements (in-person and telephonic) Expertise in AOE/COE investigations, liability investigations, and SIU fraud detection Supervisory experience in surveillance operations, investigator training, and case management Extensive scene investigations, property loss evaluations, and accident reconstruction Skilled in criminal, civil, and death investigations, including wrongful death and life insurance fraud investigations Investigated government fraud cases (SNAP program, Section 8 housing fraud, compliance cases) Specialized in witness location and interviews, trial preparation, and evidence gathering Experienced in fire and smoke damage forensic investigations, intellectual property and copyright infringement cases Strong ability to synthesize information, identify fraud indicators, and collaborate with attorneys & claims professionals Experience in security consulting, corporate risk assessment, and high-tech security solutions

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Investigator

Allied Universal Compliance & Investigations
07.2023 - Current
  • Specializes in recorded statements for injured workers, claimants, and witnesses in workers' compensation, general liability, and property damage cases
  • Conducts AOE/COE investigations, gathering critical evidence to assess claim validity
  • Handles scene investigations, including photographic documentation, site canvassing, and accident reconstruction for automobile accidents, fire, theft, and property loss cases
  • Works closely with insurance adjusters, attorneys, and claims examiners to ensure comprehensive, factual investigative reporting
  • Conducts background checks, social media investigations, and public record research to verify claims and detect fraudulent activity
  • Utilizes interviewing and interrogation techniques to elicit accurate, detailed statements that hold up in litigation

Assistant Supervisor / Investigator / Case Management Support

CoventBridge Group
01.2018 - 06.2023
  • Supervised and trained new investigators, leading case management strategy development
  • Conducted undercover investigations, surveillance, and compliance audits for government agencies (including SNAP fraud and Section 8 housing investigations)
  • Managed high-profile investigations involving catastrophic injuries, fatal auto accidents, wrongful death claims, and life insurance fraud
  • Led SIU (Special Investigations Unit) inquiries, identifying fraudulent claims and misrepresentation in insurance cases
  • Reviewed and analyzed medical records, clinical reports, and case files to support claims determinations
  • Conducted aerial drone surveillance, GPS tracking, and vehicle surveillance to detect fraudulent claims
  • Provided expert testimony in court and consulted on trial preparation for attorneys

Senior Investigator / Surveillance & Undercover Operations

iUnlimited Investigations
01.2012 - 01.2018
  • Conducted high-risk surveillance, undercover operations, and fraud detection for insurance and government clients
  • Specialized in fatality automobile accident reconstruction investigations, collecting evidence and reconstructing crash dynamics
  • Managed AOE/COE investigations, workers’ compensation fraud cases, and liability investigations
  • Led SNAP (food stamp fraud) investigations and Section 8 government compliance investigations
  • Conducted witness locates, trial preparation, and forensic investigations to support litigation teams
  • Investigated auto insurance fraud, property damage fraud, and disability fraud cases
  • Liaised with federal and state agencies, ensuring investigative compliance with government standards

Supervisor of Surveillance & Training Director

Apex Investigations
01.2008 - 01.2012
  • Supervised and trained new field investigators, developing updated training materials and operational procedures
  • Reestablished company protocols for surveillance operations, improving efficiency and accuracy in field investigations
  • Led SIU investigations, handling insurance fraud detection, subrogation investigations, and undercover operations
  • Managed workers' compensation investigations, specializing in AOE/COE recorded statements and field documentation
  • Oversaw accident scene evaluations, forensic evidence collection, and reconstruction reporting
  • Managed new employee orientation training process for more than 20 employees each year.

Assistant Case Manager / Supervisor / Field Invest

Horsemen Investigations
01.2004 - 01.2008
  • Assisted in case management, new client relations, and corporate investigations
  • Conducted criminal investigations related to corporate fraud, internal theft, and workplace misconduct
  • Provided corporate-level security solutions, selling and implementing high-tech security systems for businesses
  • Managed multi-state licensing efforts, securing operational approvals in California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon
  • Conducted workplace harassment and discrimination investigations
  • Investigated fire and smoke damage insurance claims, assessing structural integrity and causation
  • Conducted social media investigations, infidelity cases, child custody and welfare investigations, and elderly abuse investigations
  • Trained field investigators in surveillance tactics, evidence collection, and fraud detection
  • Developed cost-saving strategies for monitoring company investigations and security compliance
  • Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback to staff members.
  • Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.

Field Investigator / Risk & Compliance Specialist

Mustang Investigations Inc.
01.1996 - 01.2004
  • Conducted EEOC and FEHA investigations, focusing on workplace harassment, discrimination, and risk assessment
  • Investigated internal theft, workplace violence, and corporate fraud for major corporate clients
  • Conducted asset searches, subject locates, and skip tracing for civil and criminal cases
  • Provided AOE/COE investigations, recorded statements, and testified during litigation proceedings
  • Performed database searches, evidence retrieval, and surveillance operations to support corporate security and fraud detection

Sales & Business Development Professional

RBI Inc.
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Managed the sales of high-end investigative services, developing tailored solutions for corporate clients
  • Led business development efforts, expanding the company’s investigative reach and securing high-value contracts
  • Developed and implemented strategic sales and marketing initiatives, expanding market presence
  • Built and maintained client relationships, negotiating investigative services and custom fraud prevention strategies
  • Conducted corporate due diligence investigations, integrating competitive intelligence into security solutions

Education

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Psychology

California State University, Northridge

Associate of Science (A.S.) -

Moorpark College

Skills

  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Public safety protocols
  • Interviewing skills
  • Team development
  • Investigation skills
  • File management
  • Background checks
  • Intelligence gathering
  • Undercover operations
  • Forensic evidence collection
  • Surveillance expertise

Timeline

Senior Investigator

Allied Universal Compliance & Investigations
07.2023 - Current

Assistant Supervisor / Investigator / Case Management Support

CoventBridge Group
01.2018 - 06.2023

Senior Investigator / Surveillance & Undercover Operations

iUnlimited Investigations
01.2012 - 01.2018

Supervisor of Surveillance & Training Director

Apex Investigations
01.2008 - 01.2012

Assistant Case Manager / Supervisor / Field Invest

Horsemen Investigations
01.2004 - 01.2008

Sales & Business Development Professional

RBI Inc.
01.1998 - 01.1999

Field Investigator / Risk & Compliance Specialist

Mustang Investigations Inc.
01.1996 - 01.2004

Associate of Science (A.S.) -

Moorpark College

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Psychology

California State University, Northridge
Matthew Bernstein