Which of the following is NOT a valid use of public records in a fraud investigation?

In the context of a fraud investigation, using public records is essential for gathering data that can support the examination of fraudulent activity. Options that involve accessing and analyzing public records can greatly aid in tracing financial discrepancies, collecting tax filings, and gathering information on asset ownership because these records provide valuable insights into an individual or organization's financial dealings and ownership status.

However, conducting personal interviews does not generally involve the use of public records. Instead, personal interviews are a method of directly gathering information through conversations with individuals. While they can enhance an investigation by obtaining firsthand accounts or clarifying information, they do not utilize public records as a source of data. Therefore, among the choices given, the act of conducting personal interviews stands out as not being a valid use of public records in a fraud investigation.