May 2020 | Infidelity Investigators

How Do Private Investigators Find Information – Top Tips

The primary job of a licensed private investigator (PI) is obtaining information, and an investigator has plenty of resources to help achieve that task. Databases that the average person is unaware of often provide a PI with facts that can help get to the bottom of a case quickly. Also, social media networks are frequently a prime source of information. People enjoy staying current with friends and family through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Some people document their lives through social media apps, making it much easier for a private detective to gather information. Social networks aren’t the only resources, as there are sites many professional investigators subscribe to that contain information about a person’s net worth, for example. Blogs can also provide clues for professional sleuths, along with video and photo sharing sites. Anyone can post a video on YouTube, for example, and even the bookmarking site Pinterest can give clues about a person’s preferences and activities.

How do private investigators work?

Many private investigators have a background in law enforcement or the military. Others have earned a degree in criminal justice or a related field as preparation for an investigative career. Movie and TV depictions of private eyes as gumshoes who lurk in the shadows are far from the reality of a professional investigative career. Much of the work is done in the office, making phone calls and doing online research. It can be tedious work, but sometimes that’s the best way to obtain information as quickly as possible. When an investigator does have to go further afield to find information, conducting interviews and performing surveillance are other methods of getting to the bottom of an issue. Surveillance can include long stretches of waiting around for a subject to appear. Sometimes a stakeout can be as simple as taking a picture of someone going into a house or apartment, then waiting to take another photo when they emerge, noting the time in both cases. When a PI needs to follow someone’s car, one tactic used to avoid detection is working in tandem with another investigator. That way, the subject doesn’t see the same vehicle behind them the whole time. Most people are pretty oblivious to other traffic on the road, though. They’re paying attention to their driving and the cars right next to them, and they might be talking on the phone as well. Also, professional investigators are skilled at following a vehicle from a distance, keeping several cars between themselves and the person they’re tailing.

How do private investigators find information?

Investigators know how to access databases not available to the public, and private investigators are skilled researchers. Most private detectives also have a network of informants from all walks of life. They might be public servants with access to legally available information or just everyday people who keep an eye on what’s going on in the community. In a missing person case, how do private investigators find you? Everyone leaves a record of their activities, one way or another. Online research and phone calls aren’t as exciting as tracking a person or surreptitiously recording a conversation, but they’re valuable tools. A trained investigator can find plenty of clues to help locate an individual this way. How do private investigators get their information? Public records can provide facts that help a detective get to the bottom of a case quickly. Investigators subscribe to powerful search programs that can compile and sort legally available records of all types. Business licenses, voter registrations, and even news articles can contain valuable clues. If this method doesn’t turn up the data an investigator needs, interviews are another avenue for finding information. A seasoned PI can often build a rapport with a source that encourages them to open up and share information. When an investigator convinces a person to cooperate, their input can reveal facts that help solve the case.

What do private investigators do to find people?

Finding missing people, or skip tracing, is one of the services provided by a professional investigation company. Some people are missing deliberately, and they don’t want to be found. This is sometimes the case when a person has debts that they’re unable or unwilling to honour. In other situations, there’s no reasonable explanation for a person going missing, and there may even be suspicious circumstances surrounding their disappearance. A professional PI will ask for specific information from the client to help in the search for a missing person. If you’re looking for someone, be prepared to provide as many of these things as possible:

A photo of the missing person.
A list of identifying marks like scars or tattoos.
Their full name and address.
The place they were last seen.
Their usual schedule.
Contact information for friends, family and co-workers.

Anything else you can provide to help the investigator will be useful, such as a birth or marriage certificate, a video of the missing person, or a list of medications they take. If the missing person is a child, the police should be notified immediately.

Benefits of a Professional Investigation

A licensed private investigator has access to sources of information that aren’t available to the average person and possesses the skills needed to put the clues together. A PI is also experienced in conducting interviews that achieve results. One of the benefits of hiring a professional investigator is having an impartial third party to record evidence and find out the facts. If you want to have a background check done on a prospective employee, need evidence in a child custody case, or are looking for a missing person, hiring a private investigator is a smart decision.

What Do Private Investigators Do?

A private investigator (P.I.) is like a personal detective. Instead of following up on cases assigned by law enforcing agencies, as in a criminal investigation, private detectives conduct investigations that help ordinary people and businesses. They’re experienced at culling relevant information from public sources like government records and news articles. Private detectives also possess the interview skills needed to elicit important information that can help you achieve your goals.

Is Working as a Private Investigator Easy?

Like any profession, the job of a private investigator is easier if you have adequate preparation. Some private detectives learn on the job in an apprenticeship with an experienced professional investigator. A university degree is helpful but not always required by detective agencies. A degree in criminal justice or law enforcement is beneficial for learning to be an investigator, and a degree in the social sciences like psychology or sociology is also helpful. Becoming a private investigator requires dedication, and the early years of learning to be a P.I. aren’t always easy. At first, some future private detectives may have to settle for jobs like a researcher or fraud investigator for a company or public agency. Others may spend long hours in the role of surveillance employee for a detective agency before being given more responsibility. If you enjoy chasing down leads to collect information and have a knack for research, the job will seem easier because it will be a good fit for your talents.

What Do Private Investigators Do on the Job?

Three of the major tasks performed by private investigators are research, surveillance, and evidence gathering, including written reports. These activities can take place at any time of the day, and being a P.I. isn’t a nine-to-five sort of job. Because of the time-sensitive nature of some information, it may be necessary for a P.I. to work nights and weekends.

What Can Private Investigators Do to Solve a Case?

Research

The difference between an internet search by a private citizen and a search by an investigator is partly due to the experience and skill a trained P.I. brings to online research. Private investigators also have access to internet resources and databases that the average person isn’t aware of. There’s a torrent of information on the web, and a trained researcher can narrow it down and find the parts that are useful to an investigation.

Interviews

Interviewing people is one area in which an investigator’s people skills are most useful. A private detective will talk with anyone who may be able to shed light on a case or answer a question. Experienced investigators are skilled at asking the right questions to elicit helpful answers. Interviews are recorded whenever possible, and the P.I. also takes notes about relevant parts of the conversation.

Surveillance

Physical surveillance is one of the tasks that private investigators routinely perform. Sometimes, data that hasn’t surfaced after doing research and combing public records can be obtained through discreet observation. Surveillance photos and videos can also be used as evidence in a court case.

Evidence Gathering

Another task is to gather evidence that supports the facts uncovered by the investigator. This could include surveillance photos, audio or video files, copies of public records, news clippings, phone records, or credit card statements. The investigator will document where and how the evidence was obtained, and a reputable private investigator will only collect evidence using legal means.

Benefits of Using a Private Investigator

A professional investigator has the time and expertise needed to put all the pieces of a case together. A licensed P.I. conducts investigations using legal tools of the trade that aren’t readily available to a private citizen. Most private detectives spend years learning how to effectively solve cases, and they are sometimes asked to assist in legal cases and official investigations. If you have important questions, employing a P.I. is an effective way to get answers.

What Can Private Investigators Legally Do?

A recent Adzuna search listed 2,426 openings for registered private investigators in Australia. Hiring an investigator is an excellent way to turn up information you might not be able to find on your own. Under the law, private agents such as personal investigators can search public records and find information through observation and interviews. The detailed written and audio-visual records they create are also admissible in a court of law.

Is private investigation legal?

Yes, private investigation is legal, and it’s legal to hire a private investigator. Individuals need evidence that will help them make the right decisions when it comes to relationships, business opportunities and other important areas of life. A private investigator can help search for a missing person, request payment of a debt, or locate a stolen item, among other jobs.

What can private investigators legally do in Australia?

The primary job of a private investigator (PI) is to obtain information needed by you, the client. People come to private detectives for information they need in various situations, including finding:

Evidence that a partner or spouse is being unfaithful.
Facts that will help in a legal proceeding.
Clues that reveal a person’s character and trustworthiness.
Information from a background check for employment.
The location of a missing person.

Private investigators don’t just help individuals; they also provide valuable services for commercial and government entities. Commercial agents help root out insurance fraud, provide auxiliary evidence for law enforcement, and perform research for government agencies.

What are the legal restrictions for private investigative work?

A private investigator’s rights and restrictions are defined by law. Here are some of the things private investigators are not allowed to do in Australia:

Ask law enforcement or government agencies to divulge privileged information.
Impersonate a law enforcement officer.
Demand personal information about an individual from a business or employer.
Trespass on private property.
Make an arrest.
Hack a computer.
Tamper with mail.
Run a credit check without written permission.
Operate without a license.
Break the law.

Private Investigator Rules of Conduct

Besides the hard and fast rules above, private investigators are also expected to abide by a code of conduct and practice ethical behaviour. A professional private investigator can uncover a great deal of information without bending the rules. Private detectives are skilled at eliciting information through interviews, and they notice small details that would escape a casual observer. Also, people often broadcast information such as purchases, movements, friends, places of employment and more through easily accessed social media platforms. Here’s a general list of important features of the private investigator code of conduct:

Be courteous and respectful to everyone you meet.
Don’t involve anyone who is not a part of the investigation.
Remain impartial and unbiased; stick to facts and not opinions.
Only collect information that’s needed for the assignment.
Don’t discuss cases or individuals with those outside the investigative agency, even using pseudonyms.
Never exhibit harassing or threatening behaviour.
Only charge clients for services performed.
Use information appropriately and legally.
Ensure that all records are current, factual and detailed.

Do all Private Investigators follow these rules?

Private investigation is a completely legal profession. However, it’s not okay to skirt the law by uncovering information using prohibited means. A reputable private detective can find the needed information without resorting to illegal activities. Over time, media exaggerations and a few unscrupulous individuals have tarnished the reputation of the private investigation field. Because licensing requirements for becoming a private detective aren’t stringent, that allows an occasional PI to slip through who has a less than stellar work ethic. However, the majority of investigators are committed to finding information swiftly and professionally while staying within the boundaries of the law.

Worth the Investment

A skilled private detective will be able to uncover a wealth of useful information to serve your best interests. The hard work behind a successful investigation is worth the cost of hiring a professional. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the initial interview. Once you’ve found the right private investigator, all you have to do is sit back and wait for answers.

13 Reasons to Hire a Professional Investigator

For many of us, it is hard to imagine people are capable of fraud, dishonesty, and corruption. Unfortunately, there is much more to the world around us than what meets the eye. And, there are plenty of situations that call for the assistance of an individual who is an expert in determining what is really going on. The expert advice of a professional investigation company can be beneficial in various scenarios within both your personal life and your professional life. Regardless of the situation, in today’s world, it is better to be safe than sorry. And, a professional investigation company can help you get your facts straight. Here are 13 important reasons you should hire a professional investigation company:

They are insured.

During an investigation, there is the chance that a lawsuit could be filed, or something else of similar nature. Under these circumstances, insurance would be needed to cover expenses and provide assistance. A private investigation company will have the proper insurance already in place, should such a scenario arise.

They are properly trained in private investigations.

When it comes to a private investigation, there is no room for error as it could jeopardise the entire investigation. But, a private investigator is trained in finding hidden information, legally and discretely. They are also trained in the proper investigation tactics to help avoid detection and other issues that pose a threat to an investigation.

They are experienced in the field.

In some cases, the window of opportunity is only available for so long. A private investigation company has investigators who have experience making quick decisions – even in challenging working conditions.

They are trustworthy.

Especially when hearing bad news about someone, it can be hard to believe it is true. But, when you use a private investigation company, you can trust that they are an unbiased and trustworthy party who has done their job to the best of their ability. They have no reason to lie to you.

They are credible in the eyes of the court system.

What you hear through the grapevine is just hearsay, especially in a court case. But, a private investigator can act as a credible source in the eyes of the law. And, they might be the deciding factor when the jury goes to deliberate.

They have specialised equipment.

It takes a lot more than just the human ear to hear what someone is saying in a car across the street. A private investigation company already has access to GPS trackers, high definition camcorders, and various other high-tech equipment.

They are legally compliant.

Did you know that you could be doing something illegal by spying on someone during the completion of your own private investigation? You could be charged with something as serious as stalking. A private investigator is a professional who is well aware of the law and abides by it – taking the risk factor off you.

They are licensed.

Certain credentials are needed to access pieces of information and to carry out some operations. As a civilian, you probably don’t have a license to spy on your spouse’s mistress. However, a private investigation company does. They are the experts. Part of being legally compliant is holding the correct licenses.

They can easily go undetected.

In the event that you are investigating someone close to you, you would be easily recognised by them. However, the private investigator will appear just the same as any other stranger they might come in contact with. Because of their anonymity, they are able to get much closer to the person and the activities without being detected.

They offer actionable information collection.

In a private investigation, access to valuable data such as personal finances and work history can be vital to getting the answers you need. But, chances are, you don’t readily (or legally) have access to this information. However, private investigators do have the credentials to legally access necessary information for you.

They are objective.

Oftentimes, clients are looking to investigate a cheating spouse or an ex-spouse involved with questionable financial matters. Typically, these are sensitive situations in which the interested party is completely biased against the person being investigated. This can create a very sticky situation. However, the private investigator has no relationship with or to the subject, so they function as an unbiased party in the investigation. This helps to provide clear and accurate results.

They are affordable.

When you are thinking about the amount of time and the equipment necessary to complete an investigation, the costs will quickly add up. And, if you are doing the investigation yourself, it is all coming out of your own pocket. But, a private investigation company already has the necessary equipment on hand and can offer you a reasonable rate. Surveillance is usually boring, do you really want to put in 40 hours each week of surveillance for free?

They offer peace of mind.

An investigation can be grueling. But, thanks to a private investigator, you can have peace of mind that you will get the answers you deserve. Meanwhile, you can continue your normal life without the stress of having to do all the digging yourself. So, whether you need information on a potential employee or a current spouse, hiring Infidelity Investigators will save you time, money, the hassle, and possibly even legal trouble. Contact Infidelity Investigators today on 1300 979 621.

Cheating on the Rise with the Festive Season

With the holidays, festivities, and warmer weather quickly approaching, your to-do list is probably growing with things to fix at the house before family arrives, gifts to buy, and new recipes to try. Or, maybe you are excited to finally get some time off work to travel and catch up on your sleep. You are working hard to finish those year-end projects at the office, so your mind stays pretty preoccupied with thoughts. Probably the last thought on your mind is the possibility that your significant other might be cheating on you. You know that you’ve been busy and that the romance has fallen off the radar, but you would never consider they would go looking for love in all the wrong places during all the wrong times. But, unfortunately, it is something you should keep in mind as cheating is always on the rise during the festive season. As the warmer weather comes on, the clothes might just start coming off. Now, more than ever, you might just need a private investigator to check up on the credibility of that holiday shopping your significant other claims to be doing. Why is cheating on the rise during the holidays? One of the main reasons that people overlook cheating during the holidays is because they are simply too busy to notice a difference. Why exactly is it that so many people decide to cheat during the holidays anyway? They feel ignored. Feeling ignored often stems from the craziness of the holidays and everyone is busy. However, they could be feeling this way all the time and it just increases during the festive season as life gets even busier. But, when someone feels ignored, in turn, their needs are not being met. And, if their needs are not being met, then they need to go somewhere else to get that attention.

They don’t like how they are being treated.

Aside from not having their needs met, one of the most common reasons for someone cheating is that they are unhappy. They might feel disrespected or like their partner nags them too much. But, regardless of what it is they don’t like, they will often seek someone who does not make them feel this way. So, while you are focussed on your long list of to-do’s, you might unknowingly be extra moody when you are around your partner, causing them to feel like they are walking on egg shells. And, unfortunately, this could lead them to participate in unwanted extracurricular activities, such as cheating.

They are unhappy.

Being unhappy is what it all boils down to – their needs are not being met, they don’t like how they are being treated, and so, they are just unhappy. Or, it could even be because of another issue, but the holidays are just reminding them of how unhappy they are. As they see everyone laughing and enjoying their relationships and their families, they are reminded that they still want something more.

They are easily tempted.

During the warmer weather, the clothing choices of people does not often consist of big sweaters and scarfs. Instead, it consists more of tank tops and short shorts. As a result of less clothing, people might find themselves more tempted to look a little further than a first glance. The warmer months also bring out the best in people – they find themselves happier and more social, therefore more likely to mingle with new people. A backyard cookout, pool party, or late night hang-out might go a little further than expected during the warmer months. Cheating often happens when you least expect it to. Even though you are busy during the festive season, watch out for signs that something could be wrong and know when it is time to enlist the help of a private detective who specialises in catching cheaters.

Cheating Whilst Travelling

Infidelity is always a threat in some relationships as people begin to feel as though their significant other is not quite meeting all their needs, or maybe they enjoy the thrill, or they just simply give into the temptation of the other party and enjoy it. However, infidelity most commonly occurs when there is the perfect opportunity to do so, such as whilst travelling.

Why do people cheat whilst travelling?

Travelling seems to provide the perfect alibi as it gives the unfaithful partner a reason to go out of town. Whether it be for work or just for pleasure, they can let the other partner know where they will be, without triggering any questions. But, a cheating spouse who frequently travels can also create a whole new world of challenges – leaving you needing a private investigator in Sydney who specialises in catching cheaters. Cheaters often feel that because they are in a different area they are safe from you seeing them or someone they know seeing them. But, they often forget about the possibility of a private investigator.

What are the most common settings?

Business travel is the most common setting for infidelity to occur. It provides the cheating partner with the perfect cover for an affair – they have a valid reason to go out of town and often might even be able to claim they will be unavailable due to meetings and such, without question. They know the other partner will likely not object to the trip since it is work-related. However, one of the main concerns with a work trip is that affairs often start and prosper at work with co-workers. Then, conveniently enough, co-workers often are required to travel together. This gives them the opportunity to cheat without you even batting an eye. On the other hand, the same problem can occur even when the trip is not for business. The cheating partner could go on an out-of-town trip for vacation or other personal reasons, which also gives them the perfect opportunity for infidelity. An out-of-town trip provides the easiest way for someone to have an affair without the fear of being recognised. The cheating spouse can take their lover out in public without the fear of running into their significant other or anyone else who might know them.

Signs they are cheating whilst travelling:

Their trips are suddenly lasting longer.Have their business trips been gradually getting longer? At first, it was just a quick, overnight trip and now it has somehow turned into a week-long event.Sometimes, a cheating partner will gradually add just a day or two on to a legitimate business trip so they can spend extra time with their lover or have time for a local fling. They never ask you to tag along.Of course, it is not always appropriate or even feasible for a significant other to go on a business trip with their partner. However, there are times when a trip is obviously for two, such as a company picnic or annual event.Is your partner purposefully not inviting you? They might even pass it off as a way to save money or they just conveniently forgot to tell you early enough for you to ask off work. A private detective can help determine if they are giving someone else their “plus one.” While cheating might seem like one of those things that would never happen to you, it is often lurking in the darkness of many relationships – sometimes in the ones you’d least expect it to. If you notice signs that your significant other might be being unfaithful, it is worth looking into to put your mind at ease and get the answers you deserve. No matter what the issue is, it is time to get down to the bottom of it. A private investigator in Brisbane, Sydney, or other areas can offer you just the help you need.