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How PIs Locate People and What They Need
Our team of private investigators are former federal agents with the FBI, DEA, IRS, or Secret Service.
Private investigators (PI) service is available for locating specific individuals. Private investigators start locate operations with names combined with birth dates or last recorded addresses to track down individuals. The proprietary in-house computer systems of experienced PIs provide them access to more data than standard internet searches do. Private investigators pursue location searches by examining public documents combined with online database and social media information. The rates for these services extend between $750 for basic services that focus on locating individuals using particular information.
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Does contacting a private investigator about someone’s whereabouts indicate that there is evidence against them? No. There are many reasons we have been retained over the past 43 years to locate subjects. Here are a few: 1.) Subjects who are voluntarily missing. 2.) Subjects who are accidentally missing. 3.) Subjects who are involuntarily missing/foul play. … Read more
Is a private investigator license required for working at a PI firm or only for owning one? What if someone does investigations for others without using their own business name?Let’s take the questions in order:1.) First, you must check with the state bureau that licenses private investigators in your area. Many states allow individuals to … Read more
What impact will this investigation have on KCBS 740 AM’s operations in the future?We will answer this question based on our experience as former federal agents with the U.S. Department of Justice, not as an active private investigator. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated an investigation into KCBS 740 AM. The station allegedly broadcasts the … Read more
What methods do private investigators use to gather background information on people who are not willing to pay for their services? If we understand your question, it would be a simple: “Wishing you a great day and the best of luck!”BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION SERVICES Thorough Background Searches and Investigation Get a comprehensive background investigation completed today! … Read more
Is registration required to work for a private investigation firm or can one start their own business without registering it?Requirements for working or starting a private investigative firm depends on the state where you plan to operate. Check with your state’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (or similar name).Most states require a license to … Read more
How do private investigators gather evidence during their investigations? Is it possible to obtain footage from a private investigator’s investigation?For the past 43 years, we have used various methods to gather evidence. Here are just a few:1.) Accessing our in-house computer system for asset searches and background investigations.2.) Using other highly proprietary data-based indexes for … Read more
What resources are available for learning about open source intelligence gathering techniques for finding information online about people, places, or events?In the interest of brevity and assisting other readers, you are asking about OSINT or Open Source Intelligence. This is one of the hot topics for 2025. We admire those who want to tackle this … Read more
What is the payment structure for surveillance investigators?Expect to pay, for the top echelon private investigator who performs this service, between $100.00 to $150.00 per hour. In 2025, most are at the $150.00 fee. There is generally a minimum fee to go out, most of which are at the four-hour mark. Except to pay mileage … Read more
What type of information can a licensed private investigator provide? First, determine if your private investigator is affiliated with a full-service agency or performs one service, like surveillance. The former will have more information. As a full-service agency for the past 43 years, we provide the following services: 1.) Locating friends and family. 2.) Asset … Read more
Is it common for people to hire private investigators for $30/hour from websites like Fiverr or Upwork? What types of cases do they typically handle?I don’t know how common it is, but it is not wise. It’s not that we fear competition—far from it. The work advertised for the PI industry is usually website development … Read more