DALLAS – Want to really know your next employee? Consider a private investigator. Fraud experts say that private investigators who specialize in employee and client background checks, security and other corporate detective work are in high demand. In a year of corporate scandals, companies are interested in checking out not only new hires but also current employees. According to Jim Bearden, chairman of Private Investigators and Consultants here, client companies have been spending 25% to 50% more on private investigations, and in the past two years there has been a 10% increase in the number of cases handled. Companies are looking for more extensive background checks than before, and are willing to spend more to prevent future losses.