Understanding these frequently asked questions and concepts when it hiring a private investigator will help set you up for success.
How much does hiring a private investigator cost?
The cost of hiring a private investigator really depends on the scope and nature of your case. Just like buying a computer or a car, there are many factors which influence the cost of hiring a private investigator. Much of the cost is dependent upon the depth of information you need, the relative difficulty in obtaining that information, and the urgency of the case. The more information you can provide up front to an investigator, the less time the investigator will need to spend on tracking down data.
Private investigators also bill clients differently depending on the assignment. Some charge hourly rates while others charge flat rates for specific categories of investigations. Others may adopt a hybrid model of billing.
Generally speaking, a hiring a private investigator for a case will typically cost between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. But again, it depends upon the scope, complexity, and urgency of your case. The good news is that many investigators are usually able to work within any reasonable budget, so be sure to set up a consultation with a private investigator to discuss your needs and strategy.
How long does an investigation take?
Much like pricing, the timeline for an investigation also depends largely on the nature, scope, and complexity of your case. Some investigations can be completed within 1 business day, while others may take several weeks. For example, a social media investigation on someone with a relatively small digital footprint can be completed relatively quickly, but a missing persons case or finding a lost relative may take a considerable length of time.
Investigation timelines also depend on several external factors. For example, during a background check, it may be determined that the subject has a criminal record in a very rural area of the country which does not provide electronic access to court case records. In these cases, an investigator may need to contact the courthouse or county records office, submit a written records request, or in some cases, physically go to the courthouse to obtain court documents. These situations can add time to a case and are largely out of an investigator’s control. Investigators know how to plan accordingly for these situations and will do everything possible to expedite any records retrieval process.
Be sure to discuss your timeframe and any desired deadlines when deciding to hire a private investigator during your initial consultation. Investigators understand that the information and findings are very important to you and are typically able to accommodate reasonable deadlines for delivery.
Can private investigators hack into computers, online accounts, or social media?
No. Investigators must abide by all laws and regulations when conducting an investigation. Hacking or breaking into a computer system or online account without the user’s consent is not allowed.
Be extremely suspicious of any investigator claiming to be able to hack into computers, phones, or online accounts. These activities are not only illegal, but any evidence obtained would be inadmissible in court and could result in criminal and civil penalties if even attempted.
However, investigators can use other techniques for obtaining digital information without hacking or breeching privacy. Investigators have specialized skills when it comes to online and social media investigations and use various open source intelligence techniques for locating hard-to-find information. Basically speaking, there’s a lot more on the internet than what Google is showing you, and investigators have the tradecraft and knowledge to find it. Contact a private investigator who has expert experience in conducting advanced digital, online, and social media investigations.
Can private investigators search license plate numbers or obtain driver data?
It depends, and only for a specific and legitimate permissible use. The Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) is a federal law that requires all states in the U.S. to protect the privacy of information in a person’s motor vehicle record. Private investigators can still obtain this information, but it must be for a specific permitted purpose under this law. A few of the allowed uses include: (1) in connection with a criminal or civil case; (2) investigation in anticipation of litigation; (3) execution or enforcement of judgments, and (4) legitimate government agency functions.
Investigators can also still obtain information regarding a person’s traffic tickets, violations, and accidents, as these are kept in various other records repositories.
Again, be very suspicious of any investigator willing to circumvent federal laws and regulations. Always contact a trusted licensed private investigator committed to ethical investigations to avoid unnecessary risks.
Note: if you have been involved in an accident or victim of a crime where you have a suspect’s license plate number, your best bet is to contact your local police to investigate.
What do private investigators really do?
The field of private investigations is very diverse. As you’ve probably seen in movies and on TV, many investigators conduct surveillance, investigate infidelity, catch criminals, and uncover fraud and deception. Many investigators also conduct background checks, asset investigations, business investigations and due diligence, public records research, locates and skip tracing, and other types of research-based work. But there’s one thing all private investigators have in common: we find information to help people make better decisions, answer questions, obtain proof, and have peace-of-mind.
Many private investigators are probably far from the drama portrayed on television, although truth can often be stranger than fiction. The bottom line is that investigators are professional factfinders who are responsible for providing meaningful information for clients. Whether for individuals, companies, attorneys, nonprofit organizations, or any other client, diligent and thorough investigators have expert knowledge of information sources, investigative techniques, and increasingly, online and social media intelligence collection methodologies.
Interested in learning more about what private investigators do and how they can help you? Contact a private investigator for a consultation.
