Zicko, Valerie A. Link Analysis, An Introduction For Insurance Investigators. Insurance Fraud Forum. New England Association of Insurance Fraud Investigators. March 13, 1998.

Abstract: This article is an outline of the Insurance Fraud Forum given on March 13, 1998. There are different types of analytical methods and different cases need to be addressed on an individual basis. When link analysis is used, the process is completed in two parts--a chart and a summary report.

The first step is to gather all pertinent information and collect information from important individuals and organizations related to the case. The connections between the important individuals and organizations should be noted. The investigator should draw a preliminary diagram and examine it. Any possible relationships or connections the chart reveals should become the focus of additional data collection. All the information should be re-examined and the final chart created. The last step is to write the summary report. This report states the facts known, what information still needs to be learned, the current theory of investigators, and other theories that need to be disproved.

This article provides a sample situation and hypothesis. Each step of the link analysis process is illustrated using this hypothesis.