Episode Details

When you think of a private investigator, you probably picture stakeouts, disguises and scenes straight out of a crime drama.

The reality is far less glamorous, and far more interesting.

In this episode of Money and a Good Life, we sit down with Richard James, Director and Principal Investigator of RIVICA Investigations & Covert Solutions. With more than 30 years of experience across UK law enforcement, Australian anti-corruption agencies and private investigations, Richard has seen it all.

We explore what private investigators actually do, when people seek their help, and how evidence is gathered legally and ethically. Richard shares insights into everything from workplace fraud and surveillance to digital privacy, counter-surveillance and the realities of modern investigations.

Along the way, we discuss what happens when evidence is obtained unlawfully, the emotional challenges clients face when seeking answers, and what decades of investigating human behaviour has taught Richard about trust.

Whether you're curious about the profession, concerned about privacy, or simply fascinated by human nature, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into a world most of us only see on television. 

In this episode, we cover:

• What private investigators really do (and what TV gets wrong) 
• The types of cases that lead people to hire an investigator 
• Why ethics and legality are critical in investigations 
• Workers' compensation fraud and workplace investigations 
• Digital privacy, mobile phones and encrypted messaging apps 
• Counter-surveillance and signs someone may be monitoring you 
• What makes a great investigator 
• Lessons about trust, deception and human behaviour 
• What to do if you suspect something isn't right 
• The realities and costs of hiring a private investigator

Here's to your Good Life. And thanks for listening.

You can find us at https://www.tribecafinancial.com.au/ 

Our guest: 

Richard James, Director and Principal Investigator of RIVICA Investigations & Covert Solutions 

Connect with Richard: Richard James | LinkedIn 

Visit Richard’s website website: Private Investigator Melbourne | RIVICA Investigations

Our hosts: 

Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial  

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/ 

Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist 

Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/  

Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd.  

Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. 

Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.