Federal investigations usually begin in secret. After all, it’s easiest for a federal agent to collect evidence if the target of their case doesn’t suspect that they’re under investigation. Federal agents use tools like wiretaps, subpoenas and computer forensics to initially investigate suspected cases of securities fraud. After this phase is complete, if the agents still believe that a crime was committed, they might execute a search of an office or someone’s home, or they might begin interviewing people. This is usually when most people find out that they are involved in a federal investigation.