PILB Undercover Operations and Covert Methods 2

Question 1

What is a 'backstop' in the context of an undercover PI operation?

Accepted Answer

Verifiable supporting evidence (e.g., a fake website or phone number) that reinforces a cover identity

Answer

A backstop is any corroborating material—such as a registered phone number, email address, or website—that makes a cover identity appear legitimate if a subject investigates it.

Question 2

A PI is hired to investigate suspected workers' compensation fraud. Which undercover approach is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Conduct covert video surveillance of the claimant in public to document physical activity

Answer

Covert video surveillance in public places is legal and frequently used in workers' comp fraud cases to document a claimant's physical capabilities without alerting them.

Question 3

Under Nevada's one-party consent law, a PI may legally record a telephone call if:

Accepted Answer

At least one party to the call (including the PI) consents to the recording

Answer

Nevada NRS 200.620 is a one-party consent state, meaning a recording is lawful as long as at least one participant in the conversation—including the PI—consents to being recorded.

Question 4

Which of the following pretexts for obtaining personal information would VIOLATE the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)?

Accepted Answer

Calling a bank and impersonating the account holder to obtain financial records

Answer

The GLBA explicitly prohibits 'pretexting' to obtain financial records by impersonating customers or using false statements to a financial institution, making this a federal violation.

Question 5

What is 'legend building' in undercover investigations?

Accepted Answer

Constructing a comprehensive false background, history, and identity for an undercover operative

Answer

Legend building is the process of developing a fully fleshed-out false identity—including work history, references, and personal background—that can withstand scrutiny from a suspicious subject.

PILB - Private Investigators Licensing Board Practice Test

PILB - Private Investigators Licensing Board Practice Test

PILB Undercover Operations and Covert Methods 2