How can private investigators assist in catching scammers

STOP! Please listen to our guidance on this issue. We have been “catching” scammers for 43+ years. That is not the goal. You must call a reputable and experienced PI to conduct a background/asset search BEFORE you get involved personally or monetarily. It will save you time, money and a whole lot of grief.

There are two main areas where scammers operate and make the most money:

1.) Online dating sites where the perpetrator’s goal is not dating but scamming your money. “I would love to come and see you, but my friend needs cancer surgery.”

2.) Alledged investors and/or money management companies who will invest your money at very unrealistic returns. “We promise a 14% return with monthly payouts.”

Top-echelon PIs can conduct a Personal Profile on your subject/company for a few hundred dollars to determine whether the person’s profile and persona are real. This can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

90% of the scams we are retained on are nefarious. The victim has done no background research on the scammers. It is best to contact a PI first, as most people set up their trickery in hopes of remaining anonymous. When we are contacted after a person has been scammed, we generally find this about the bad guys:

1.) The person’s name is fake.

2.) The telephone number is of record to a burner phone (purchase for time only with no registration).

3.) The IPO addresses are phony.

4.) The email address is no longer valid.

5.) The photos used are of a different person.

6.) The business and home address are of record to another person….and the list goes on.

So the decision is an easy one. Do your homework before you engage or invest. Don’t be fooled; even the top PIs have a problem once you have been scammed with the following:

1.) Gathering evidence.

2.) Identifying the scammer.

3.) Tracing your funds.

4.) Getting the law enforcement to assist.

5.) Identifying shell companies and offshore accounts.

6.) Identifying e-commerce operations/sites and fake business websites.

Investigate before you invest or engage on dating websites.

How to Find a Trustworthy PI After Experiencing Online Dating Scam

Online dating scams, from Tinder swindlers to crypto thieves who lure victims with romance, are on the rise.  But in this day and age, most people look and find love online, so before you throw in the towel and live a single and unhappy life, try working with a private investigator.  When you meet someone you like online, you can hire a PI to look into their past before you agree to go out with them.  There are many places to find experienced PIs including Google Business Profile, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp and Craigslist. Be sure to take your time and conduct comprehensive interviews before you hire anyone for the job. 

Hire an Investigator to Check If Someone Is Using a Fake Identity

Someone who uses a fake identity probably has malicious intentions to steal, defraud, or cheat. If you have suspicions about your employee, business partner, or romantic partner, you should hire a PI to investigate them. You can hire a PI through a Google search or a ChatGPT prompt that concisely compares the best PI services in your area. Tools such as Trackmyprompts.com and  Find Your Investigator may be of assistance.  Martin Private Investigative Services offers background checks and a free consultation. Once you hire the PIs, they will cross check the person’s name, phone, and address details with other publicly available information. They will search social media and even use facial recognition software to help you find out if and why the person is using a fake identity. Give us a call at 1(800)577-1080.