What is a common use of public records in fraud examinations?

The common use of public records in fraud examinations primarily involves tracing and recovering assets. Public records can include a wide variety of documents maintained by government entities, such as property records, court records, business licenses, and other official documentation that can provide insights into an individual's financial situation. By analyzing these records, fraud examiners can identify assets that may have been concealed or misrepresented, helping to trace the flow of funds and recover assets involved in fraudulent activities.

While accessing income tax filings and obtaining credit records can be valuable in certain investigations, they typically do not fall under the category of public records that are readily available to the general public. Tax filings are private and protected information, requiring appropriate legal access or authorization to obtain, while credit records are controlled by credit reporting agencies and are not publicly accessible without consent from the individual involved. Therefore, the option highlighting asset tracing and recovery through public records distinctly aligns with the core objectives of fraud examinations, making it the correct choice.