Whether you need to track down a long-lost relative, investigate a claim, or suspect infidelity, hiring a private investigator can be an excellent way to get the answers you need. The best investigators will be experienced and work discreetly to deliver results to their clients.

When choosing a PI, schedule an initial call and meet them in person. This will give you a better first impression of their professionalism and demeanor.

Background Checks

Whether you need a background check for employment purposes or want to buy or merge with another company, hiring a private investigator is essential. Many PIs specialize in conducting due diligence investigations that can include running multiple data sets, including those not accessible to the public.

Potential criminal cases, libel, and other issues that can cost your business money can often be avoided by hiring a private investigator. Conducting pre-employment background checks can help save a business from being held liable if an employee causes an injury or damages company property. Private investigators can interview people under clever pretenses to obtain information that would be difficult for others to acquire.

Child Custody Investigations

Whether you want proof that your ex-spouse is not fit to be your child’s guardian or enjoy peace of mind, a private investigator for child custody can find the information you need. These investigations can legally observe your ex during visitation, interview neighbors and friends about their habits, and conduct background checks.

These investigations are usually conducted in a divorce, separation, or custody case. Since a judge will decide what is in the best interests of your children, they need solid, reliable evidence to base their decision on. Hearsay and emotional accusations won’t do. A licensed personal investigator can conduct legal surveillance and stakeouts, but only with permission from the person of interest.

Business Background Checks

PIs can conduct thorough business background checks to ensure you work with reputable companies and individuals. This can help you avoid hiring fraudsters and other unsavory people who may steal your company’s money or put your employees at risk.

Look for a private investigator with a college degree in criminology or sociology, and if they have professional certifications like the Certified Protection Professional or the Certified Fraud Examiner. These credentials require a lot of hard work and training to achieve. It would be best if you also looked for a PI who has an office. You should scratch an investigator off your list if they only conduct their business at restaurants or through their mailbox.

Fraud Detection

When a business or individual faces fraud, private investigators can conduct investigations to identify the culprit and stop the crime. Fraud can take many forms, including identity theft, stock manipulation, or hacking of a professional network.

Often, people hire private investigators to locate relatives, birth parents, or former friends and lovers. PIs are adept at accessing databases and interviewing acquaintances to piece together clues and find disappeared people. They may also be able to verify documents by examining handwriting or imprints. Performing due diligence during a business transaction can be complicated and time-consuming, but a PI is trained to handle it quickly and efficiently.

Asset Searches

Asset searches reveal a person’s financial picture, including bank, brokerage, retirement, and trust accounts. They also uncover vehicles, real estate, and business affiliations. Businesses use them for due diligence to ensure a company they’re merging with or investing in is financially solid and stable.

Before hiring a private investigator, ask for recommendations from trusted sources and meet with them in person at their office. Moving on is probably best if they don’t offer a money-back guarantee. Ask how long they’ve been in the business and if they specialize in your situation. A PI with experience will more effectively gather and relay information to the court.

Social Media Monitoring

The internet is a treasure trove of information, but it can also contain negative information about you, your business, or your family members. A private investigator can search the remote corners of the web to find this information and protect you.

Every year, businesses lose vast sums of money due to fraud such as embezzlement and insurance fraud. A private investigator can investigate these cases and discover the truth so companies can avoid significant financial losses.

Danny White