Vendor and Supplier Fraud: How Investigators Protect the Supply Chain

Vendors and suppliers form the backbone of business operations. They provide the goods and services that allow companies to thrive. Yet those same relationships can be exploited. Overbilling, kickbacks, conflicts of interest, and even fictitious vendors have cost companies millions. Vendor and supplier fraud is often difficult to detect internally, especially when records appear clean on the surface. That is where private investigators provide clarity.

The risks businesses face

Vendor fraud can take many forms. A supplier may inflate invoices for years without notice, or an employee may collude with a third party for personal gain. Some vendors exist only on paper, created to funnel company funds into unauthorized accounts. These schemes may start small but, if unchecked, can erode profitability and trust across entire organizations.

How investigators uncover misconduct

Professional investigators dig deeper than standard audits. We review procurement records for irregularities, verify the existence and legitimacy of vendor entities, and trace payment histories for suspicious patterns. When necessary, we conduct discreet interviews with employees or subcontractors to validate information and uncover inconsistencies. Findings are cross-checked against corporate filings, litigation records, and industry databases.

Kingfisher’s value

At Kingfisher, we approach vendor investigations with discretion and precision. Our findings are documented in a clear, court-ready format, allowing leadership to confront issues directly or pursue legal remedies when required. Beyond identifying fraud, our analysis also strengthens future procurement processes, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.