Using the Internet for Litigation Research

The Internet as a Critical Forensic Tool

In nearly every forensic accounting litigation matter we handle, the internet, especially Google, plays a critical role in verifying information. It allows us to compare the claims made by plaintiffs and defendants against independent sources of evidence.

This process isn’t about catching people out for the sake of it, it’s about getting to the truth.

Financial Statements Tell a Story

The first place we turn is the financial statements and income tax returns. To a forensic accountant, these are more than just numbers. They tell a story.

We examine:

• Are the figures consistent with what a business of this kind would typically show?

• Do they align with the claimed activities or timeline of events?

• Are there signs of undeclared cash income?

• How has the business been financed?

• Do the financial trends support the story of growth, decline, or loss?

We don't take financial records at face value, we interpret them within the full context of the case.

How Google Helps Us Verify the Facts

Once we’ve reviewed the financial documents, we turn to Google. A simple search can reveal a wealth of information in minutes. Examples from past cases include:

• A plaintiff who claimed he couldn’t work—but was featured in a documentary filmed after the alleged injury.

• A company’s website promoting new products and services allegedly developed after the claimed business interruption.

• Published prospectuses and media coverage contradicting submitted financial distress claims.

This kind of publicly available data helps confirm or challenge the accuracy of the narrative presented in court.

The Power of Google Maps

Google Maps and Street View are powerful tools for cross-checking real estate claims, asset values, and business operations. We have used it to:

• Validate whether a business is still active

• Assess the size and location of a commercial premises

• Confirm building developments, including unsold properties

In one notable case, a plaintiff claiming significant income loss was shown via Street View and council records to be actively constructing a townhouse development.

ASIC Searches Reveal Hidden Interests

In litigation matters, we often conduct individual ASIC searches—not just company lookups but directorships and shareholdings across all entities associated with a party.

We’ve uncovered:

• Up to 17 undisclosed companies linked to a single individual

• Undisclosed joint ventures and property developments

• Hidden trusts and asset-holding structures

This is especially critical when income may have been diverted or assets concealed, whether intentionally or not.

Supplementary Tools We Use

Other useful tools in our forensic accounting investigations include:

• Alexa.com – To analyse the traffic and relevance of a business website. It’s not always accurate for smaller companies, but when combined with other sources, it can highlight red flags or support legitimate claims.

We combine these tools with professional judgement and detailed financial analysis to reach conclusions that are often at odds with the story being told by one party. That’s part of our job, to give the court an independent and evidence-based opinion.

The Role of Forensic Accountants

Our role is not to accept information at face value. It's to dig deeper, question the narrative, and uncover what may have been missed, or deliberately omitted.

Whether you are acting for the plaintiff or the defendant, our methodology and insight can reveal critical information that may strengthen your case or challenge the assumptions made by the other side.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this content at the time of publication, tax laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of acting on or relying upon any of the information contained herein. You should seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any financial or tax decision.