ON-LINE INVESTIGATIONS INVESTIGATING BY COMPUTER! (C) Copyright 1994 Michael E. Enlow ---------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER This document was written by an expert, quite knowledgeable in the methods and techniques of good, successful investigation. The author has based this material solely upon his discoveries and experiences in the trade but is not an attorney. Thus no legal advice is offered herein. Be cautioned therefore, that this document neither asserts the legality of any of the methods described herein, nor does it advocate any usage of techniques without first seeking competent legal advice and adherence to the law. The author, editor, and service providers, unequivocally disclaim any responsibility for damages resulting from the use of any of the techniques or the consequences of implementing anything contained herein. This writing is provided strictly for informational purposes only. --------------------------------------------------------------- INSIDE SECRETS Knowledge is Power. . . From: Magnolia, (Backwoods) MS Thursday, 6:45 p.m. Dear Friend and Subscriber: It was a nightmare. . .A few weeks ago - early morning as I was sleeping. I heard a boom--it sounded like a grenade was tossed under my bed. Naturally, I rolled out of bed grabbing for "Betsy..." (instinctively) What was it? Only lightning--but it hit so close and so powerful that it literally split a tree in half near my house. But that's nothing, that was just the beginning. Over the next 24 hours it stormed heavier than anything I've seen in my 35 years--over 9 inches of rain--tornadoes, and the worst flooding I've ever seen. At first, I wasn't concerned. But as I watched throughout the day, the water rose higher and higher. Late that afternoon my brother ( a local rescue worker) came with a warning that I MUST EVACUATE. He warned that a "wall of water" was on its way down the river. As you might imagine, I didn't want to leave my work. I was facing deadlines and needed to stay with it. . . I explained how I couldn't possibly leave my cabin house, after all it's my personal office--it's where I do all my writing and computer work. . . "No way," I said. . . Finally, despite my stubbornness, I did evacuate, but not until I glanced back toward the river (still arguing) and saw a tree (at least four feet in diameter) with roots reaching into the sky about 6 feet, traveling with the current of the to terential waters at what looked to be 40 miles per hour. I have never seen a river rise and become so fierce, in such a short time. A tornado touched down just north of me and cleared a two mile track, literally flattening everything in its path. The power of nature amazes me. The end result? Flooding. And I mean flooding like I've never seen. In a matter of hours--my home was several feet underwater. . . I could only watch as much of my most precious work--personal and business, went under. Many of my work projects, furniture, computers, fax machines, BBS System, were damaged--some were saved, but the most grieving losses were the many priceless heirlooms--my deceased wife's wedding rings, my deceased grandmother's bible (something the family has fought over for years) but granny gave to her "Michael." Then I look at you, my subscribers, in L. A., who were thrown out of bed unexpectedly at 4:30 in the morning by the earthquake. Many of you, I am sure, can relate to my losses. I was speaking with Gary Halbert, who had just returned from Los Angeles before the quake, he said that "30 second quake" seemed like an eternity--I can relate. I'll never, as long as I live, forget the days of waiting to see how much damage was done--what was lost--what we could save. It's an awful gut wrenching feeling. Finally, once we were allowed to enter, everything was devastated. As I drove up I saw my barbecue grill up in a tree. My lawn furniture was completely gone... the housing to my free flowing artesian well--gone. But the worst nightmare was when I entered my home--what was left of it. Hell, friend to be quite honest with you--I looked around--and then sat down in a state of shock. . . fighting back the tears. As many of you know I've been working 18 to 20 hours a day on some projects for months and months. At this moment, we aren't sure just exactly how much has been lost. Fortunately we had computer backups of a lot of our work. However, diskette s, paperwork, and computer hardware was damaged. We'll know as we wade through the mucky mire over the next couple of weeks just how bad it is and how much can be saved. Oh well... enough of the pity party--let me share with you the greatest lesson I've learned from this, and hopefully many of you who have or will suffer loss in the future will adopt my philosophy in situations like this. As you may expect, it's sort of radical--but that's my style anyway, right? The most important thing is: I'm alive. And if you were a victim of the quake, be thankful if you're reading this, because you too still have the most precious gift of all--life. As I was swaying between anger, hurt and puzzlement, I received a call from a friend who had heard of the flood. He shared something with me that I wish to pass on to you. My friend is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in battle--and the stories he's often shared with me are shocking to say the least. He told of the emotional traumas and the constant expectation of catching a bullet. Friends were so commonly killed that everyone become psychologically distant--tired of hurting--tired of wondering who would be next to die. Finally, you accept it--the jungle--machine gun fire--ration food--and death become your life. Home becomes a distant memory--a haze or semi-reality. You develop a completely different psyche. You learn to accept whatever comes your way. Finally, my friend shares with me how he and many others dealt with such emotional turmoil. . . If you are a veteran you'll remember this--a statement that became the chant of many a marching soldier-- the dying words of many. . . It Don't Mean Nuthin' What does this mean? What relevance does it have to this month's issue of Inside Secrets? Well, there's a lot of truth to this "country boy" statement. It became the frame of mind and way of life to literally tens of thousands of soldiers during a time of crisis--and now it rings true to me. It's fact. What matters? So what? My house is all screwed up. Many items I cherished are either washed away or ruined. . . Hundreds of hours of hard work must be re-done. But, finally, I feel like my friend. I could use my energies to groan, moan, and bitch--or I can accept, that catastrophe--pain--loss is inevitable. It's a part of life. We must accept it and fight onward with the same triumphant attitude--It don't mean nuthin'. There's up's--down's-- successes and losses. . . Then death. As I write this, I am reminded of an old preacher I once knew. He made a statement nearly 20 years ago, that I have never forgotten. . . It's one of those things that you either believe or you don't. I do. He said: If it won't matter 10,000 years from now--It don't matter now. . . So, why do we place so much emphasis on the things of this life? Perhaps we should just prepare for death--be ready--and just glide through with the soldier's attitude. It's hard for me to describe to you the comfort I felt when Jimmy made me repeat this silly--almost ridiculous statement over and over--but I can say--it worked. My attitude changed. Now, I'm back up and running--but with a slightly different attitude. I won't develop an ulcer over all the day to day stresses now. . . Isn't it strange how something as simple as "It Don't Mean Nuthin'" can help you re-hash your position in life? This month, we are going to tinker with electronic technology--but in a different way than anything we've done before. Many of you are having a "hay-day" with Electronic Marketing, so, I'm about to give you a crash course in "on- line" investigating. Now, I'm sure there are those of you who just tucked your head under your arm because you expect what I'm teaching will be extremely "technical." But, you're in for a surprise. I plan to share how most of you have everything it takes to. . . Be Your Own Digital Detective! You're about to become one of the few people who realize just how many ways you can use on-line resources. You're about to see how the advancements in technology are nice, convenient, and even profitable. And at the same time could (and most probably will) be the very tool of hi-tech modernized businessmen to undercut, out-wit, and excel in the business world. Trust me, I'm talking about one of the most dangerous transitions that has ever taken place in the business world, with . . . The Global Super-Highway! a/k/a the Information Infrastructure Right now, and for the next couple to three years, until someone figures out how--and who--will regulate and control the electronic advancements that are taking place, the less astute business man is in real danger. The dangers are very broad. Space won't allow me to cover them in full, but let's take a look at a few ways the "Global Information Infrastructure" could very well be your worst nightmare--or the best thing to ever come along--depending on whether you're willing to make a few changes. From a detective's point of view, what is happening is. . . Your Business and Private Information Is An Open Book To Anyone Who Owns A Computer!! As I've told you in prior letters, I've assisted attorneys, insurance companies, and others, to find information. Information about a wide variety of situations, products, chemical formulas, product defects, demographic information. . . and on and on. I've worked almost every type case you can imagine. But seldom have I worked any kind of case that I didn't resort to on-line information. What is on-line? Well, since I am sure many of you have little or no understanding of all the "technical computer B.S." I'll try and make it simple. I know you'll want to better understand, once you realize how much of an edge I'm about to give you. I'm going to address every aspect of using on-line technology, down to the bare basics--and then on through the roof. I have every intention of making this the very best part is: this is just the beginning. Friend, I've had it with some of the crap I see. Chicanery is not a prerequisite to business success. Good clean honest business works just fine. Anyone can enjoy tremendous success if they're willing to follow instructions. But, please, d o follow my instructions. This letter is the first of many that will ultimately give you superiority over even the best of the best. The way we do business is changing--you have the chance to learn now--and be the first in!!! Whoever Has The Best Information Ultimately Wins! I want to broaden the scope of my newsletter to cover a lot of interesting subjects. From carpentry to hydrator operator, I've always excelled. I love what I'm doing--and from here on, I going to open up and share with you a monthly jolt of powerhouse, no bull, mind boggling, life changing, business boosting, creative ideas that will give you "inside secrets" to success overall. Now, On-line information is nothing more than information stored on another computer and made accessible to you via either your telephone line, direct connection or via satellite. If you don't know anything at all about computers, that's fine. In fact, that's probably best, because then you will have less to unlearn. I've never taken a computer course of any kind whatsoever, but I can operate and thousands of "on-line" services. First, you MUST overcome your fear of computers. It's much easier than you think. I can teach anyone how to use a computer to find answers to almost anything they wish to ask. . . ANYTHING! That's almost unbelievable, but until you've been at it as long as I have, you just can't imagine how much information is floating around out there. It's much bigger than you think. In fact, once you dare to "take the plunge" you will never look back. Let's take a look at how on-line surpasses conventional research and footwork: Let's use my friend Gary Halbert for example. When I first shared with Gary the power of my concepts with Electronic Marketing, he took off flying around the country interviewing "techies." He flew from city to city--state to state, in search of more information. He wanted to put his own twist to what I was doing. He saw the excitement and frenzy of the crowd as I shared my strategies at "his" seminar. This meant big bucks--mucho fungolas--and he wanted a bigger piece of the action! Anyway, I continued my studies, while Gary traveled literally thousands of miles interviewing "experts." I told Gary to wait and I would find time one evening, go on-line and answer any questions he wanted answered. But you know Gary, he's impatient. Anyway to get to the point, Gary spent thousands of dollars and weeks of time seeking answers to his specific wants for electronic marketing. Then one evening, I took a few minutes, went on- line and found everything Gary wanted--and much, much, more. How long? Well. . . I Found Every Answer In 12 Minutes For A Measly $7 Bucks! Think about it. I was on-line for exactly 12 minutes and 38 seconds. My cost was a whopping $7.18. I got every answer (from much more reliable and experienced sources) and it took over 2 hours to print all the data! This, my friend is what I want to teach you. How to get more information-- more accurate--and faster--than everyone around you. You will learn to take advantage of the abundance of hot-juicy info in more ways than I have room to list. . . Example: * Tracing/Locating/Collections. On-line sources will allow you to cost effectively find most "missing persons" and do so in minutes. Even if your target is trying to hide--the databases (on-line information sources that most people don't even know exist) are available to you, too. They are completely menu driven, meaning you simply select the answer you're after, type in the name, etc., and get your answers while you're still connected to the service. Then generator. . . (Literally thousands of people are looking to find lost relatives, missing debtors, etc., daily!) One such source is: The National Publishers Address would have believed that information is readily available to you!! It takes me an average of 17 minutes to find almost anyone on earth with nothing more than a name and an old address. I want you to know how to do this for yourself--for your friends! There's a virtual goldmine to be made with tracing/collecting/bounty-hunting/repossessions/finding parents of adopted children, etc., especially when you can do it my way--the easy way. Want to know how? Ok. Here's one of my finest resources. A one-stop shop for fast accurate on-line information. The company is CDB-INFOTEC. Of all the services I've used, they are one of the most accurate and reasonable services I've found. The best feature is, you can often get the records within seconds after you log in. * Address Update: Provides most current address, social security number and year of birth based on credit birth and spouse name or initial are included. * National Moving Index: Updates an address based on information contained in consumer credit profiles. Often reveals social security number and telephone number. * Surname Scan: Matches names, addresses, and listed phone numbers of up to 200 individuals who share a common surname within a geographical region. * Infoscan: Verifies occupant and telephone number for a desired address while uncovering occupant estimated income and length of residence. Also provides similar information about neighbors and individuals with the same last name. * National Postal Address Change Index: Uncovers new addresses based on a three year history of postal address changes, coupled with publisher information and mailing records from independent sources. * National Publishers Change of Address: Provides new address information for individuals based on changes of address filed with various magazine and publishing companies. * Neighborhood Search Index: Matches occupant, phone number and length of residence at a given address while providing similar information on up to 50 neighbors. In addition, a demographic profile of the neighborhood is included. * Telephone Reverse Directory: Searches either a listed telephone number or address to confirm occupancy and match the telephone number with the address. Searches both business and residential listings. * Business Credit I - Market Identifier: Provides company- reported sales and growth figures along with a company profile which may identify principles, years in business, and primary and secondary SIC classification. * Business Credit II - Payment History: Details important financial information about a company, including account types, established payment terms, payment history and average balances. In addition, public record information such as UCC filings, judgments, tax liens and bankruptcies are reported. * Consumer Credit Employment Report: A complete consumer credit report used for employment purposes as allowed under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. This report allows the employee/applicant to receive a free copy of his/her credit report. * And much more: * Civil Docket Scan * Corporation/Limited Partnership Records * UCC Searches * State Board of Equalization * Department of Motor Vehicles * FAA Airmen Directory * Real Property Records * Professional Licenses * Marriage Index, etc., etc. So, as you can see, the power of intelligence gathering is right at the tip of your fingers and your computer keypad. So. Now, let's take a look at what's needed and how you too can almost immediately become your own investigator. This is only one of literally thousands of databases we use, but a great start. Now, let's take a look at the "not so technical side" of gaining access and what you will need to do this. First, you will need a computer, almost any kind will do, and a modem. A modem, for those of you who haven't read a magazine or newspaper lately, is nothing more than a small box that connects to your computer that makes it possible for your computer to link to the telephone line and communicate with other computers. They are priced according to the speed at which they will transmit data (from 300 baud to 14.4 baud) from $25 to $200 bucks. Once you have the computer and modem, you will need some kind of telecommunications software. (The brains that make it all work in your computer). My favorite is one called Telemate and is available as shareware on most computer bulletin boards. If you have trouble finding it, you can call any local computer store or local technician and get them to "download" (that's when you get a file from another computer) it for you. If you are absolutely computer illiterate, and want to get the program working to where you can use online services, you should hire a local "techie" to come in and set up what's called "batch" files that will enable you to type single words to make the computer do what you want it to. I often assist my customers and other investigators to write batch files to make computer using less difficult... I do it on the phone and they just write them using their word processor. It's a lot easier than you think. Like I said earlier, you have to "wade in" and make it happen. Once you've done it a few times you'll be mad at yourself for allowing such "information gathering power" to slide by you. Other On-Line Services That Can Increase Your Productivity and Protection by 1000% For Less Than $10 A Month! So far I've shown you one of the services used primarily by detectives. Next month we'll look at how many of the general online services like, Compuserve, Prodigy, Genie, Delphi, etc., can be of value to you in gaining the superior hand! We' ll also get back on track with a few of "yours truly" original designs. . . You'll discover that on-line services are your greatest resources. Usually in a matter of minutes you can get more information that a team of average "gum-shoes". Think about the many other applications and benefits of on- line technology/almost anything you can imagine! From due diligence to "spying. . ." Attorneys/Litigants! On-line Service Is A Must! Want to know 50 times what the opposing counsel's attorneys know about any given subject? Want to make their "expert" look like an absolute fool? Want to find the best "expert"--with the greatest credentials and smash your competition? Wan t to know more about the lawyer that's suing you? Want to know his weak spots--his secrets--his record? Want to know more about the judge? His preferences, prejudices, weaknesses, strengths, possible reasons for refusal? Want to develop a defense without spending thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on legal fees? Want to know if there's ever been another case scenario like your own, and the ruling in that case? What helped win or what caused loss? Need to find a witness? Need to find information to discredit the jerk that is so damaging to your case? Business Men and Women--Become Invincible! Want to know the names, addresses, telephone numbers of every competitor you have? Want to know how they are selling their products and services? Want to see their ads, their press releases, their advancements? Want to know immediately of anything they do that may hurt your business, before it can? Want to learn exactly what your customers want? Want to know where to go to get the best advice relevant to your business, product, or service to maximize profits? Want to build a global business enterprise without adding a lot of expense? Want to find associates around the world who are top notch professionals begging to work with American and European businessmen? Want to find the best suppliers of products, manufacturing supplies, and do so fast, with precise and immediate communication world wide? Entrepreneurs. . . Can On-Line Service Help You? Want to find out immediately what company, product, or service is in greatest demand, and subsequently the greatest profit potential, within your comfort zone, your experiences, desires, etc., in your area? Want to become an author, but can' t write? Want to become a newsletter publisher on a certain topic that interests you, but lack the knowledge or confidence--want to know where to go to get the best information on a daily/weekly/monthly basis and become "the expert?" Want to know if anyone else h as "beat you to the punch. . ." already patented your invention or idea? Want to know who's trustworthy to help you in development and distribution of your invention? How about becoming a full time information broker--at $100 or $200 an hour? Want to use this same service to find out who needs your services--communicate with them--and get their business at no advertising costs? Want to find books that are out of print--that you can get for change and turn into huge profits? Want to reach a celebrity or other famous person, but can't find them--want to know how to find them and send them a certified letter, telegram or fax all in one shot? Want to find investors for your business venture--but you want to be secure and deal with honest and straight forward people? Are you getting the point? This is all coming off the top of my head. I could go on for hours. The amount of information available on-line is so vast, it is like having a "genie in a bottle." This evolution is finally becoming more and more recognized by professional people. . . But overall, you are about to become the "majority". . . Few have the creativity or know how to use this for profit or gain. I want to make you more secure, knowing that nothing will come your way that you c an't answer. . . Trust me friend, I can make even the most technical very simple--that was always one of my strengths in litigation. We'll start with A and perhaps someday--we may reach Z. In the meantime, I'll keep you up to date with the developments of investigative advancements as they occur. Before I close, I want to address the question many of you have asked regarding tracing and collections. Yes, on-line technology is one of the easiest ways on earth to find missing persons for those of you who want to use computer interaction for a "quick fix." But for those of you who don't? Well there's. . . Mike Enlow's Secret to Tracing Skips and Collecting Cash From Deadbeats! You could always use this secret service (no pun intended) known mostly by "super spies". . . It's quite a crafty system. It uses caller I.D.. to locate and get service or collection action on your target. However, it is not to be confused with standard caller I.D.. which can easily be defeated by pressing *67 before dialing. It is much better and is used primarily by "insiders." It's Tel- Scan and I'll tell you all about it. Tel-Scan works because you give debtors, skips or anyone you're trying to locate for that matter, an 800 toll free number to call. What kind of message you send them to prompt the call is your business. . . Anyway, when the target gets your message via mail, associate, relative, or whatever, they call your 800 number and key in the extension number you've provided (this will allow you to track down any number of targets--each assigned an extension number to allow you to identify the caller) and PRESTO--they're busted. The Tel-Scan system is designed to immediately capture the number from where they are calling and save it in a voice mailbox. The system will also fax the target's phone number to you if you wish. You, then, have the opportunity to cross reference the number in a criss-cross directory to get the address. I bet some of you will make a buck or two off this one... The number to Tel-Scan is: 303-663-1703. To check out the system, go ahead, try to block it. . . Call 800-276-2054. If you decide to use this system, tell Jim you read about him in the Inside Secrets. Until next time, I remain, Bodaciously yours, Michael E. Enlow Private Investigator P. S. I am planning on hosting a seminar in the near future. The topics will be: Information Brokering, Investigative Sciences, Legal Investigations, and just plain ole "Investigative Salesmanship". . . If you're interested call Jennie or Sissye and tell them you're interested in rubbing elbows with yours truly for an event that will change your perspective on life. The number is: 601-783-6037. Or send e-mail to michael@enlow.com. P. P. S. Oh yeah, I've received a number of letters from you wanting to know how to determine if a certain person has a federal rap sheet. . . Call the Bureau of Prisons at 202-307- 3126 and you can rapidly find out if he or she has ever been an inmate at "Camp Fed." ************************************************************* NOTE: To retrieve a copy of our complete "insider" catalog of books, newsletters, special reports, and the famous John Wilson catalog of high-tech, electronic surveillance and countermeasure gadgetry, along with schematics and very simple construction plans, send e-mail to catalog@enlow.com. The catalog will be automatically e-mailed back to you. INTEC Investigative Technology voice: (601) 783-6037 fax: (601) 783-2111 Internet: info@enlow.com Anonymous FTP: enlow.com (198.92.134.50)