Skip to content
Détective privé enquêtant sur le travail dissimulé

Undeclared Work: Detect & Act with a Private Investigator

Hello, Clara here, senior private investigator. From my strategic vantage point in the field, the issue of Undeclared Work is crucial. This is an illegal practice, a real social and economic scourge in France, which harms everyone. This insidious fraud, also known as “black market labor” or illegal employment, creates unfair competition https://myowndetective.io/agir-face-a-la-concurrence-deloyale-avec-un-detective-prive/, undermines the fundamental rights of workers, and deprives the state of essential resources.

At My Own Detective, we understand the complexity of these situations. My expert eye knows that proving undeclared work requires method, rigor, and undeniable evidence. This article will shed light on what undeclared work truly is, its many forms, its devastating consequences, the existing mechanisms of struggle, and above all, the crucial role that we, licensed private investigators, can play alongside you to identify and investigate these abusive practices, and obtain the necessary proof to assert your rights while respecting labor law. Prepare to understand how to act effectively against this social fraud.

Table of Contents

What is Undeclared Work: Definition and Forms

Let’s get straight to the point. To combat undeclared work, you first need to understand it perfectly. It’s a criminal offense defined by the French Labor Code. It involves the intentional and fraudulent concealment of a professional activity or salaried employment. The goal is simple, albeit reprehensible: to avoid the legal, social, and tax obligations associated with carrying out an activity or employing personnel. It’s a form of abusive undeclared work that undermines the foundations of our system.

Undeclared work is not limited to a simple lack of an employment contract. It manifests in two main forms, clearly distinguished by law: the concealment of activity and the concealment of salaried employment. Understanding this distinction is essential for correctly identifying the offense and conducting a relevant investigation.

Concealment of Activity (Hidden Activity): When the Business Becomes Invisible

The concealment of activity concerns the exercise of an economic activity, whether craft, commercial, liberal, or agricultural, without complying with registration formalities and declaration obligations. It’s the act of an entity or person existing economically but not wanting to declare it officially.

This can take several forms:

In all these scenarios, the objective is the same: to avoid paying social contributions, taxes, and respecting labor law regulations.

Concealment of Salaried Employment (Hidden Employment): When the Employee is a “Ghost”

This is probably the form most commonly associated with “black market labor“. The concealment of salaried employment occurs when an employer uses the labor of an employee without fulfilling the legal obligations related to this work relationship. It’s when an employee is not legally declared. It’s a direct violation of labor law and a blatant social fraud.

The main scenarios include:

  • Absence of prior declaration of hiring: The employer fails to make the mandatory declaration of a new employee’s arrival before they start working.
  • Absence of payslip: The employee does not receive payslips proving they are legally employed and paid.
  • Declaration of fewer working hours on the payslip: The employer declares fewer working hours on the payslip than those actually worked by the employee. https://travail-emploi.gouv.fr/le-travail-dissimule
  • False status: Using fake statuses to hide an employment relationship. For example, a real relationship of subordination disguised as a service contract with a self-employed individual, to avoid the social charges of salaried employment. This is a form of abusive undeclared work.

In all these cases of undeclared work, the employee is in a precarious situation, deprived of their essential rights and social protection.

Brief History and Origins of “Black Market Labor”

The concept of undeclared work is not new. While the modern term is established by law, the practice of intentionally hiding work goes way back. Did you know that the expression “working in the black” (travail au noir) might have medieval origins? It is said that in the Middle Ages, some employers made their workers work by candlelight, in the darkness, to escape regulations and taxes applied to daytime work. An anecdote that well illustrates the idea of concealment! https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travail_dissimul%C3%A9_en_France

In France, the first legislation specifically targeting this phenomenon dates back to a law of October 11, 1940, under the name of “clandestine work”. What was then just a simple minor offense has seen its severity increase over time. In 1985, the legislator elevated this minor offense to a crime, thus recognizing the danger and extent of the social and economic fraud it represents. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travail_dissimul%C3%A9_en_France Understanding this legislative evolution helps grasp the increasing importance placed on combating this practice of illegal work.

The Serious Consequences of Undeclared Work and the Impact on Businesses

As a detective, I see the concrete ramifications of undeclared work every day. Its effects are not theoretical; they are very real and devastating for society as a whole, but also very directly for businesses that comply with the law. It is an offense that undermines trust and fairness. The consequences are multiple, affecting the economy, social protection, and labor law.

Economic Impact and Unfair Competition: The Scourge of Honest Businesses

This is one of the most visible and felt consequences by the economic world. Undeclared work is a powerful driver of unfair competition. How can a law-abiding business, which pays its social contributions, its taxes, and guarantees its employees’ rights (paid leave, health insurance, training…), compete with a competitor who disregards all these constraints?

By not declaring its employees or activity, the fraudulent company drastically reduces its labor costs and operating expenses. It can thus offer lower service fees or selling prices, attracting customers solely on a price basis, without the burden of legal obligations. This distorts the market, discourages investment in virtuous businesses, and jeopardizes their very survival. It’s a form of abusive undeclared work that destroys economic balance. https://myowndetective.io/agir-face-a-la-concurrence-deloyale-avec-un-detective-prive/

For a business suffering from unfair competition due to undeclared work, proving the offense becomes a strategic necessity for its own protection and to restore healthy competition. A proper investigation is key to obtaining the necessary evidence.

Direct Prejudice for Employees: Rights Trampled

The undeclared employee is the primary human victim of undeclared work. Although sometimes consenting out of necessity or ignorance, they are deprived of essential protections and rights guaranteed by labor law.

Consider this:

  • Absence of social coverage: No health insurance, no validated retirement rights, no unemployment benefits in case of job loss.
  • No protection in case of work accident or occupational disease: The victim is left to fend for themselves, without compensation, without adequate medical care.
  • Non-existent paid leave and RTT (reduction in working time) rights: The employee works without being able to benefit from the rest periods provided by law.
  • Often precarious working conditions: Less safety, no training, no medical follow-up.
  • Difficulty, or even impossibility, of asserting rights before the Labor Court (Prud’hommes): Without proof of the existence of the work relationship (contract, payslip), it is extremely difficult to claim unpaid wages or severance pay.

It’s a situation of exploitation that keeps the worker vulnerable. For these employees, proving the existence of the hidden employment is the only way to regain their rights and dignity. This is where an investigation by a private detective can provide crucial evidence.

Revenue Loss for the State and Social Security: A Colossal Shortfall

The social and tax fraud linked to undeclared work represents a considerable shortfall for state coffers and social organizations (URSSAF, pension funds, Pôle Emploi). These sums, which should finance our essential public services (health, education, pensions, unemployment benefits), vanish into the underground economy.

Every undeclared job or activity means:

  • Less social contributions (employer and employee) collected by URSSAF.
  • Less income tax for undeclared employees.
  • Less corporate tax or income tax for businesses concealing their activity or a portion of their turnover.
  • Less VAT collected.

The magnitude of this social fraud amounts to billions of euros each year, directly impacting the state’s ability to finance social protection and public services that benefit the entire population. The Agence Centrale des Organismes de Sécurité Sociale (ACOSS), which coordinates URSSAF, regularly publishes figures on illegal work and the estimated damage. According to INSEE data, undeclared employment represents a significant portion of the underground economy, although it is difficult to assess precisely. https://www.insee.fr/ (Source INSEE, consult publications on the informal economy and undeclared employment for specific data).

Legal and Financial Risks for the Unscrupulous Employer

While undeclared work offers an illegal short-term economic advantage, the risks incurred by the employer are extremely heavy. It’s a dangerous game that can lead to severe penalties.

Criminally, undeclared work is an offense punishable by:

  • Up to 3 years imprisonment.
  • Up to €45,000 in fines for an individual.
  • Up to €225,000 in fines for a legal entity (company).

These penalties can be increased in case of specific circumstances, such as employing minors or vulnerable people.

Administratively and financially, the sanctions are also formidable:

  • Social contribution reassessment: URSSAF can demand payment of all evaded social contributions over the last 3 or 5 years, with increases and penalties. The amount can be very high.
  • Cancellation of reductions or exemptions from charges: The employer loses the benefit of all public aid (Fillon reductions, CICE, hiring aid…) for all their employees, including those declared.
  • Prohibition from bidding on public contracts: For a period of up to 5 years.
  • Administrative closure of the establishment: For a maximum duration of 3 months.
  • Reimbursement of public aid: Subsidies received over the last 12 months can be demanded by the Treasury.
  • Damages and interest: If an employee or a competing company files a complaint, the employer can be ordered to pay them compensation.

These sanctions show that undeclared work is not just a minor “infraction” but a serious offense with potentially fatal consequences for the business. The fear of inspection and penalties should encourage compliance, but reality shows that fraud persists, requiring an investigation and proactive fight. Obtaining solid evidence is the first step.

Prevention and Official Fight Mechanisms Against Illegal Work

Given the scale and consequences of undeclared work, public authorities have implemented a range of combat measures. This strategy relies on coordination, control, and sanction. Prevention is also an essential pillar, aiming to inform and empower all stakeholders.

The Role of COLTI and Control Administrations

The fight against illegal work involves several administrations, each with specific prerogatives but acting in a coordinated manner. The Operational Committees for Combating Illegal Labor (COLTI), created in 1997, play a central role in this coordination. They bring together representatives from the various administrations concerned at the departmental level to define control strategies and target high-risk sectors. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travail_dissimul%C3%A9_en_France

The main control actors are:

  • URSSAF: At the forefront of the fight against social fraud. It controls the payment of contributions and can trigger reassessments in case of undeclared work. Its agents are sworn in and have significant control powers.
  • Tax services: They control the declaration of income and turnover and can identify the concealment of activity or employee income.
  • The Labor Inspectorate: It ensures compliance with labor law in companies, including the correct application of rules relating to hiring and payslips.
  • Law enforcement (National Gendarmerie and National Police): They intervene, often in support of other administrations, particularly in the context of criminal investigations into illegal work.

These administrations carry out document checks and on-site inspections, often unannounced, to detect offenses. They can draw up reports that serve as the basis for criminal prosecution and administrative penalties.

The Importance of Employer and Employee Vigilance

The prevention of undeclared work begins with everyone’s information and vigilance.

For employers, the best prevention is strict compliance with legislation. This involves:

  • Systematically carrying out the Prior Declaration of Hiring (DPAE) for any new employee, regardless of the contract duration.
  • Establishing and providing a payslip for each work period, accurately reflecting hours worked and actual remuneration.
  • Fully paying social contributions and taxes associated with salaries paid and turnover generated.
  • Ensuring that relationships with subcontractors or service providers do not conceal a relationship of subordination characterizing salaried employment (potential reclassification as undeclared work).
  • Verifying the existence and validity of the registration of their own subcontractors (obligation of vigilance).

For employees, vigilance means:

  • Demanding a written employment contract and a DPAE.
  • Verifying the receipt of payslips consistent with the work performed and agreed remuneration.
  • Not accepting cash payment without a corresponding payslip.
  • Inquiring with social organizations or the Labor Inspectorate in case of doubt about their situation.

If suspicions persist and classical procedures are insufficient, obtaining solid evidence becomes indispensable. This is where the role of a private detective comes into its own. They can conduct a professional investigation to gather concrete proof of black market labor.

The Crucial Role of My Own Detective in the Fight Against Undeclared Work

As you’ve understood, proving undeclared work is the heart of the battle. Control administrations have their methods, but they don’t cover all cases, and their actions can be slow. For a private individual or a victimized business, accessing legal and admissible evidence can be a real obstacle course. It is precisely in these complex situations that My Own Detective intervenes.

Our role is not to replace the authorities but to provide victims with the concrete elements that will allow them to act effectively with these authorities or before the courts. We specialize in evidence gathering https://myowndetective.io/fr/recherche-de-preuves-des-preuves-solides-pour-vos-procedures-judiciaires-avec-my-own-detective/ in strict compliance with the legal framework. We turn suspicion into actionable proof of illegal work.

Gathering Solid Evidence: Our Core Business

My job, as a detective, is to transform suspicion into factual certainty. In the case of undeclared work, this means collecting tangible elements that demonstrate the existence of an undeclared activity or employment that doesn’t comply with labor law.

This can involve:

  • Observing the reality of the activity: Proving that a person is engaged in commercial or craft activity without being registered. This confirms the concealment of activity.
  • Establishing proof of employment: Demonstrating that a person regularly works for an employer without being declared. This confirms hidden employment.
  • Quantifying undeclared work: If only a portion of the activity or hours is declared, proving the actual extent of the undeclared work.
  • Identifying responsible parties: Determining who the employer is or the person carrying out the concealed activity.

Our investigations are conducted with method and discretion. We use legal investigation techniques (surveillance, shadowing, information research) to gather evidence. Everything we collect is recorded in a detailed and circumstantial report, a key piece of your file. This report is drafted to be admissible before various jurisdictions and administrations, providing solid proof of the illegal work or social fraud.

Expertise and Discretion: The Assets of the Licensed Private Detective

Fighting against undeclared work requires a strategic approach and a detailed knowledge of fraud mechanisms and labor law. Our expertise in this field is a major asset. We know where to look, what to look for, and how to document the facts in an irrefutable manner.

Furthermore, discretion is at the heart of our profession. Investigations into illegal work are sensitive. It is crucial that the targeted person or company does not suspect anything, in order to observe the situation as it really is. Our ability to operate in the shadows, to blend into the environment, is essential for the success of the investigation. We specialise in uncovering hidden employment discreetly.

Hiring a licensed private detective like My Own Detective guarantees you not only quality evidence but also an investigation process conducted with full respect for the law and privacy (within authorized limits for the investigation), thus ensuring the validity and admissibility of the collected elements. https://myowndetective.io/fr/about-my-own-detective-expertise-et-discretion/ Our services are designed to provide effective and legal proof of undeclared work.

Our Specific Investigations to Identify Undeclared Work

Each situation of undeclared work is unique and requires a tailored investigation strategy. At My Own Detective, we adapt our methods to the specificities of your case, whether it’s a complex social fraud within a company or a simple suspicion of black market labor involving an individual.

Adapted Investigation Methods for Each Situation

Our investigation methods are based on proven techniques to gather objective evidence:

  • Surveillance and shadowing: Discreetly observing the activity of the suspicious person or company. Documenting working hours, the nature of tasks performed, tools used, professional interactions. Photographs or videos can be taken, within the legal framework, to prove the reality of undeclared employment or activity. This is vital for proving hidden employment or concealment of activity.
  • Discreet infiltration (if relevant and legally framed): In some cases, temporary immersion in the targeted professional environment can allow for direct observation of work organization and potential use of undeclared personnel. These methods are strictly regulated by labor law and criminal law.
  • Gathering testimonies: Identifying and interviewing, if possible, people likely to attest to the existence of undeclared work (clients, suppliers, former employees, neighbors…). Their statements are recorded and can strengthen the evidence file. This supports claims of illegal work.
  • Public and private information research: Exploiting open sources (social networks, internet, online ads…) and querying legally accessible databases to cross-reference information, identify contacts, activity locations, or spot “black market” job offers. We also conduct administrative searches to verify registrations and declarations.

Each piece of collected information is analyzed and integrated into the investigation report. The goal is to paint a complete and factual picture of the situation to prove the existence of illegal work in an irrefutable manner, providing the necessary proof for your case.

Frequent Cases of Undeclared Work Where We Intervene

Our investigations cover a wide range of undeclared work situations:

  • Construction and craftsmanship sector (BTP et artisanat): A breeding ground for black market labor, particularly through the employment of undeclared workers or the use of fake subcontractors. Our corporate investigations https://myowndetective.io/fr/enquetes-entreprises/ or business investigations https://myowndetective.io/fr/enquetes-corporatives-protegez-votre-entreprise-avec-my-own-detective-2/ in this area are frequent to uncover illegal work.
  • Restaurant, hospitality, personal services: Sectors where undeclared overtime or employment of undeclared staff are common. We can investigate to provide proof of hidden employment.
  • Shops and markets: Concealment of activity or employment of undeclared salespeople.
  • Peer-to-peer services: Home tutoring, cleaning, gardening, childcare, small jobs… often done “off-the-books“. Our investigation services can verify the legitimacy of such arrangements.
  • Family and financial investigations: Proving income from undeclared work in the context of divorce proceedings (for alimony or compensatory allowance) or to evaluate undeclared assets. This is a crucial aspect of our divorce investigations https://myowndetective.io/fr/enquetes-divorce/ – financial investigations https://myowndetective.io/fr/enquetes-financieres/ – and family investigations https://myowndetective.io/fr/enquetes-familiales-droit-de-la-famille/, uncovering hidden income from illegal work.
  • Employee on sick leave or invalidity working off-the-books: A specific case of social fraud and abusive undeclared work that harms the employer, social security, and other employees. Our investigations can prove fraudulent activity during leave.

For each scenario, the approach is adapted. The investigation report prepared by our private detectives is a crucial support for proving undeclared work before competent authorities or courts.

Assistance from Licensed Private Detectives for Your Official Procedures

Gathering evidence is an essential step, but it is not enough. You still need to know how to use it to achieve your goals. My Own Detective does not leave you alone once the investigation is completed. We provide strategic support to help you make the best use of the investigation report in your official procedures against undeclared work.

The Evidential Value of a Private Detective’s Investigation Report

This is a crucial point: investigation reports prepared by licensed private detectives have evidential value before French courts. The Code of Civil Procedure stipulates that “evidence can be provided by any means”. A private detective‘s report, as long as it is conducted legally and objectively, constitutes accurate and documented written testimony that can be presented in court. https://myowndetective.io/fr/recherche-de-preuves-des-preuves-solides-pour-vos-procedures-judiciaires-avec-my-own-detective/ It provides solid proof of illegal work.

In the context of undeclared work, our report can serve as evidence before different instances:

  • The Labor Court (Conseil de Prud’hommes): For an employee to have their work relationship reclassified and obtain the rights associated with salaried employment, or for an employer who is a victim of fraudulent sick leave to obtain satisfaction.
  • Civil or commercial courts: For a business victim of unfair competition to obtain compensation for the damage suffered due to undeclared work by a competitor.
  • The Public Prosecutor: To report a criminal offense of undeclared work.
  • URSSAF or tax services: To support a denunciation or a request for control regarding social or tax fraud.

The report details the observed facts, dates, locations, and includes elements of evidence (photos, videos, cross-referenced information). It forms a solid factual basis for any procedure against illegal work.

Support and Advice for Your Procedures

We are not lawyers, but our experience allows us to advise you on the steps to take once the investigation is complete. We can guide you towards legal professionals specializing in labor law or commercial law who can support you in judicial or administrative proceedings. https://myowndetective.io/fr/assistance-juridique-des-conseils-specialises-pour-vos-enquetes-avec-my-own-detective/

We also help you structure your file by integrating the investigation report and other relevant supporting documents. Our goal is to provide you with the means to act concretely and effectively against undeclared work. Whether you are a wronged individual or a business experiencing unfair competition or internal social fraud, our services provide the necessary expertise and rigor. We are your partner in uncovering hidden employment and bringing it to light.

Why Choose My Own Detective? Expertise, Licensing, and Confidentiality

In the sensitive and regulated field of private investigation, choosing the right professional is crucial. To effectively combat undeclared work, it is essential to turn to an agency recognized for its seriousness, legitimacy, and efficiency. This is what My Own Detective offers you.

Licensing and Legal Compliance: The Guarantee of Valid Evidence

Our profession is strictly regulated in France. All our private detectives hold the license issued by the National Council for Private Security Activities (CNAPS), an body placed under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior. This license is proof of our integrity, our skills, and our compliance with legal requirements to practice as private investigators. https://myowndetective.io/fr/my-own-detective-agence-de-detectives-prives-agrees/

Conducting an investigation into undeclared work involves collecting potentially sensitive information. Strict adherence to the legal framework (Civil Code, Criminal Code, Labor Code, GDPR…) is imperative to guarantee the admissibility of evidence. Illegally obtained evidence will be dismissed by the judge. At My Own Detective, all our investigations are conducted in strict compliance with the law, ensuring that our report can be used effectively to defend your rights and prove the existence of illegal work or social fraud.

Absolute Confidentiality: A Must in Fraud Cases

Situations involving undeclared work, whether concerning a competitor or a relative in a family context, are inherently sensitive. Confidentiality is non-negotiable.

At My Own Detective, we treat all information entrusted to us with the utmost discretion. From the initial contact to the delivery of the final report, your identity, the details of your request, and the results of the investigation are protected by the professional secrecy to which the private detective is bound. We adhere to a strict confidentiality policy. https://myowndetective.io/fr/politique-de-confidentialite/

This discretion is doubly important: it protects your privacy and interests, and it allows the investigation to proceed without arousing the suspicion of the person concerned, which is essential for collecting unaltered evidence of black market labor or hidden employment.

Experience and Personalized Approach

Our team of detectives possesses solid expertise in the fields of labor law, social fraud, and unfair competition. We know the intricacies of these types of fraud and the most effective investigation techniques to uncover them.

Every situation is unique. That’s why we adopt a personalized approach for each case. After a thorough analysis of your situation, we define together the most relevant and effective investigation strategy to achieve your objectives and collect the necessary evidence. Our services are designed to adapt to your specific needs, whether you’re dealing with undeclared work by an individual or within a complex corporate structure. https://myowndetective.io/fr/services/

Choosing My Own Detective means securing a reliable, legitimate, and effective partner in your fight against undeclared work and associated abusive practices. We provide the proof you need.

My Own Detective: Your Committed Partner Against Undeclared Work

Undeclared work is not inevitable. It is a fraud that can be fought, provided you have the right tools and the right support. My Own Detective is that committed partner by your side. We don’t make empty promises; we focus on what we do best: field investigation and evidence gathering. We are dedicated to helping you prove illegal work and social fraud.

Serving Individuals and Businesses

Our action against undeclared work is aimed at two main audiences:

Our expertise extends to all facets of undeclared work, regardless of the context.

Diversity of Cases Related to Undeclared Work

Beyond classic cases, undeclared work can be linked to more specific situations where our investigations are particularly useful:

  • Successions (Inheritance): Detecting concealed assets or income from “off-the-books” activity to determine the actual inheritance mass. This often involves uncovering hidden activity or income from illegal work.
  • Commercial disputes: Proving that a commercial partner uses illegal work practices to justify breach of contract or an action for unfair competition.
  • Pre-employment or post-employment investigations: Verifying the reality of qualifications or declared professional background, or monitoring potentially fraudulent activity (such as black market labor) during employment. Our services help ensure compliance with labor law.

Our flexibility and field knowledge allow us to approach these varied situations with the necessary efficiency to obtain the requested evidence. We are experts in uncovering the truth behind hidden employment.

How to Contact My Own Detective for an Undeclared Work Investigation?

If you are reading these lines and are facing a situation where you suspect undeclared work, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the greater the chances of success for the investigation and the creation of a solid case file. Contacting a private detective is the first strategic step to obtaining the necessary evidence. We specialize in providing proof of illegal work and social fraud.

At My Own Detective, we are here to listen. You can reach us in several ways, always with the strictest confidentiality:

During our first consultation (free and without obligation), we will analyze your situation, explain the possible course of an undeclared work investigation, the methods we could use, and provide you with a cost estimate. It’s a key moment to establish a relationship of trust and define the best strategy together. Engaging in an investigation is an investment in obtaining the necessary proof to resolve issues of illegal work or social fraud.

Don’t let illegal work go unpunished. Take the lead with the help of licensed and experienced private investigation professionals. We are your partner in obtaining the proof you need. My Own Detective, your trusted private detectives in France and Switzerland https://myowndetective.io/en/my-own-detective-private-investigation-agency-in-france-switzerland/ is your ally in obtaining the necessary evidence https://myowndetective.io/fr/recherche-de-preuves-des-preuves-solides-pour-vos-procedures-judiciaires-avec-my-own-detective/ to fight against illegal labor. Explore our range of professional investigation services https://myowndetective.io/fr/services-2/ for individuals https://myowndetective.io/fr/nos-services-pour-particulier/ and businesses https://myowndetective.io/fr/enquetes-entreprises/. Together, we can build a stronger case and pursue justice.

Prevention of Undeclared Work and Continuous Vigilance

While our primary role is to intervene when suspicion or certainty of undeclared work exists, prevention is also a fundamental aspect. For businesses, this involves rigorous human resources management and a perfect understanding of labor law. Implementing clear procedures for hiring, declaration, hour tracking, and contract management is essential. This helps avoid issues like hidden employment and social fraud.

Prevention also implies a company culture that values compliance and ethics. Raising awareness among managers and employees about the risks associated with illegal work is a proactive step.

For individuals, prevention lies in being wary of offers that seem “too good to be true” or requests for services without any formality. Demanding an invoice, a contract, or verifying a professional’s registration is a sensible reflex. This helps protect you from becoming involved in undeclared work situations.

Despite prevention efforts and administrative controls, undeclared work continues to exist. This is why vigilance must be continuous. If serious doubt persists and classical procedures fail to clarify it, the intervention of a licensed private detective becomes an effective solution for obtaining the necessary evidence. We are here to help you see clearly where others are striving to conceal. https://myowndetective.io/fr/about-my-own-detective-expertise-et-discretion/ We provide the essential proof needed to address illegal work.

Conclusion: Acting Effectively Against Undeclared Work

In conclusion, undeclared work, or “black market labor“, is much more than a simple offense. It is a social and economic fraud that seriously harms our society, the rights of workers, and fair competition among businesses. Its detection and, above all, its proof, represent a major challenge due to the deliberate intent to conceal it.

It is precisely for this reason that resorting to a licensed private detective makes perfect sense. At My Own Detective, our mission is to provide you with the concrete means to face this fraud. Through our in-depth and discreet investigations, we gather irrefutable evidence (photographs, videos, testimonies, observations…) that will demonstrate the existence of illegal work.

Our investigation report, an official document admissible in court, paves the way for you to act with competent authorities (URSSAF, tax authorities, Labor Inspectorate) or initiate legal proceedings (Labor Court, civil or commercial courts). Whether you are an individual wishing to prove hidden employment to assert your rights, or a business victim of unfair competition or internal social fraud, our services provide the necessary expertise and rigor. We operate in strict compliance with labor law and privacy.

Acting against undeclared work means defending a fairer economy and respected labor law. Do not hesitate to contact us with full confidentiality to discuss your situation. My Own Detective, your trusted private detectives in France and Switzerland https://myowndetective.io/en/my-own-detective-private-investigation-agency-in-france-switzerland/ is your ally in obtaining the necessary evidence https://myowndetective.io/fr/recherche-de-preuves-des-preuves-solides-pour-vos-procedures-judiciaires-avec-my-own-detective/ to fight against illegal labor. Explore our range of professional investigation services https://myowndetective.io/fr/services-2/ for individuals https://myowndetective.io/fr/nos-services-pour-particulier/ and businesses https://myowndetective.io/fr/enquetes-entreprises/. Together, we can build a stronger case and pursue justice. Visit our parent page to learn more about our labor law investigation and business protection services: https://myowndetective.io/fr/enquete-travail-et-protection-entreprise/.

FAQ: Undeclared Work and Private Detectives

What are the signs that might suggest undeclared work?

Certain clues can raise suspicion, although they do not constitute proof in themselves. For employment, these might include the absence of an employment contract or payslip, full cash payment, irregular or discreet working hours (evening, weekend), or a refusal to provide hiring documents. For an activity, it could be abnormally low prices, cash-only payment, absence of a SIRET number on quotes or invoices (or the absence of any quote/invoice), or an activity carried out in an unofficial location (home without professional registration). A private detective knows how to identify and confirm these clues through a thorough investigation, providing concrete evidence of potential undeclared work or hidden employment.

Is a private detective’s investigation report sufficient to prove undeclared work?

Yes, the investigation report by a licensed private detective, carried out in strict compliance with the law, is admissible evidence in court (Code of Civil Procedure). It constitutes an important factual element to support your case and demonstrate the existence of undeclared work. Combined with other elements if possible (testimonies, documents…), it significantly strengthens your position with administrations or courts. Our report is designed to be clear, precise, and objective, providing undeniable proof of illegal work.

How much does an investigation into undeclared work cost?

The cost of an investigation for undeclared work varies depending on the complexity of the case, the duration of the investigation, and the resources required. As each situation is unique, we offer a free and no-obligation initial consultation to assess your needs and propose a personalized investigation strategy with a detailed quote. The decision to proceed with the investigation is entirely yours after this evaluation. It’s important to view this investment as a means to defend your rights and potentially recover significant sums (back wages, indemnities, reassessments, damages and interest) lost due to illegal work or social fraud.

What are the timelines for proving undeclared work with a detective?

Investigation timelines vary depending on the nature of the concealment and the availability of the targets. A simple surveillance to observe activity might take a few days. A more complex investigation involving in-depth research and shadowing over several weeks will take longer. During our initial consultation, we will assess the time needed for the investigation and keep you informed of its progress. Our goal is to obtain the necessary evidence of illegal work or hidden employment as efficiently as possible, ensuring you get the required proof.

Can I report undeclared work anonymously?

It is possible to report instances of undeclared work to the competent administrations (URSSAF, Labor Inspectorate, tax services). If you wish to remain anonymous, administrations can record your report. However, anonymous reports are sometimes lower priority than those accompanied by factual elements and an identity (even if treated with confidentiality by the administration). Engaging a private detective allows you to structure a report with tangible evidence, which significantly increases the chances of a control action being triggered, even if you choose to remain personally detached. Our investigation report is an objective document based on observations, not a mere “denunciation”, providing valuable proof of illegal work or social fraud.

Scroll to Top
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.