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Former federal agent. Professional private investigator.
Thomas G. Martin is a highly decorated former BNDD/DEA agent with the US Department of Justice and president of the country’s leading PI agency, Martin Investigative Services. He has been involved in numerous criminal cases that garnered national attention, including many unsolved crimes and cold cases.
Today Martin oversees 22 investigators, many former Federal agents from the DEA, FBI, IRS, and Secret Service.
He and his network of agents provide unparalleled private and corporate investigation services, bug sweeps, background checks, fraud investigations, missing persons, and surveillance.
What are the risks of hiring a private investigator?
There are several risks that the public, corporations, or insurance companies must be cautious of. We have a lovely website, but anybody can have an excellent website. So I think the risk is that if you can get a referral from somebody who has used one and the wheels didn’t come off the case, that’s a big step forward. If you’re calling out of the blue, I think you’d want to make sure they have an office. Having an office doesn’t make you a good private investigator, but it gives the client peace of mind. I would see what kind of testimonials they have on their website. I would see what kind of Google reviews they have on their website, and then I would actually maybe go to their office and interview them. Please don’t go there with the idea that you’re going to retain them. Find out what the investigative plan is, how long it will take, and what it will cost. As long as you have those three things, and the person sitting in front of you seems reasonable and has some experience, like a former agent with the FBI, the DEA, IRS, or Secret Service, then I think you’ll be just fine.
What You Should Be Aware Of When Hiring a PI
Private investigators are invaluable when you must discreetly seek answers about cheating spouses, hidden assets, missing persons, and surveillance cases. Martin Investigative Services, with over 50 years in Private Investigations, offers a complimentary consultation to learn about the potential risks of hiring a PI.
At MartinPI.com, we understand that the decision to hire a private investigator can be a challenging one. With numerous myths and misconceptions about the industry, it is essential to understand the risks of hiring a private investigator to make an informed decision. One major concern people often have is the risk of invasion of privacy. Rest assured, at MartinPI, we are well-versed in all laws pertaining to privacy, surveillance, and investigations. We maintain strict adherence to the laws against hidden cameras, illegal surveillance, and other intrusive methods.
It’s understandable to seek professional assistance when facing complex problems. Licensed Investigators can offer invaluable insight into personal or legal matters, but hiring one also comes with certain risks. This article will outline the potential hazards of hiring private investigators and offer suggestions for minimizing those threats.
What is a Private Investigator?
Private investigators offer investigative services to individuals, businesses, and attorneys. They gather information through surveillance and uncover evidence regarding a case or issue. Private investigators may specialize in infidelity, fraud, missing persons, or criminal activity.
What Are the Cons of Hiring a Private Investigator? We will explore the risks of hiring private investigators and offer tips to reduce those hazards. Here are some potential dangers you should consider:
21 Risks of Hiring a Private Investigator
At our PI firm, we understand how difficult it can be to locate the ideal private Investigator. While our services provide valuable information for clients, weighing the potential risks before hiring a private investigator is essential. This article will outline 21 potential red flags you should watch out for when seeking a private investigator.
Number 1: Legal Consequences:
Hiring an unethical private investigator can have serious legal repercussions. Private investigators must abide by laws and regulations that regulate their activity; any violation of these rules may lead to legal issues, with evidence obtained illegally not admissible in court.
Key Takeaway: Always verify a company’s State License before hiring them. Martin Pi’s license number is #PI 9077.
Number 2: Privacy Violations:
Private investigators have access to a great deal of personal information which could be misused. Privacy laws could be broken if this data is shared without consent. Furthermore, many new Private Investigators will illegally use visual surveillance equipment. Illegal surveillance tapes can land you and the private Investigator in hot water. Therefore, it’s essential that the Investigator you hire has a strict privacy policy and won’t share your information without your permission. Martin PI Complies with Privacy Acts: At Martin Investigative Services, we adhere to all relevant privacy laws, such as the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB Act).
Number 3: Financial Loss:
Hiring an incompetent private investigator can result in financial losses and a lack of information. Therefore, working with a reputable agency with an established track record and references is essential so you don’t spend money without getting your desired outcomes. Furthermore, bug sweeps may cause financial damage if they don’t do them correctly.
Number 4: False Information:
Private investigators provide information that may not be accurate, so hiring a reliable private investigator is paramount. You, too, should do your due diligence and perform a thorough background investigation on your private Investigator. Furthermore, since they are human and mistakes do happen, it’s essential to confirm their data before taking action based on it; otherwise, you could make poor decisions based on inaccurate details provided.
Number 5: Damage to Reputation:
Should the fact that you have hired a private investigator become public knowledge, it could damage your reputation. This is especially true if the investigation involves sensitive matters, such as finding hidden assets in offshore bank accounts. Working with an agency that can maintain your confidentiality and safeguard your reputation is essential.
Number 6: Emotional Distress:
Hiring a private investigator and receiving information can be emotionally taxing. The details they provide are often disturbing and challenging to process, so you must consider the potential emotional impact of what you may encounter and have strategies to deal with what comes next.
Number 7: Security Risks:
Private investigators may be required to conduct surveillance or other activities that could put them in potentially hazardous situations. Therefore, ensuring the agency you work with has procedures for mitigating these risks is essential; this will reduce the chance of harm to the private Investigator and anyone else involved in the investigation.
Number 8: Lack of Communication:
Working with an agency that maintains open and honest communication throughout the investigation is paramount. Without communication, trust between you and the Investigator will be lacking, leading to a weak investigation with delayed answers from PIs. That’s why transparency is so critical when working together on any investigation.
Number 9: Unethical Behavior:
Although most private investigators operate ethically, there is always the potential for encountering unethical behavior. There are legal ramifications if you do not work with an agency that upholds a strong code of ethics and can provide references. This is essential to reduce the chances of working with an unethical investigator who has illegally obtained private information. This frequently happens when someone hires an unlicensed private investigation service. If the data cannot be independently vetted, it is impossible to know if the information was gained through a faulty strategy.
Number 10: Lack of Expertise
Not all private investigators are knowledgeable in all fields. Before hiring any agency, ensure they possess expertise in the area you require assistance with. Hiring an investigator who lacks this capacity could result in subpar results for your case.
Number 11: Scams
Be wary of individuals posing as private investigators but being scams. Do your research and ensure the agency you work with is legitimate; otherwise, you could end up paying a con artist for money and receiving no valuable information.
Number 12: Poor Communication Skills
Private investigators must communicate with clients, witnesses, and others regularly. Therefore, the Investigator you hire must possess excellent communication abilities; otherwise, miscommunications could significantly hamper an investigation's progress.
Number 13: Limited Resources
Private investigators may require more resources, which could hinder their investigation. It's essential to work with an agency that has enough capacity for a thorough investigation; this includes enough manpower and technology to get you where you need to be.
Number 14: Lack of Experience
Private investigators with insufficient experience may need to acquire the necessary skillset for a successful investigation. Working with an agency with demonstrated success and expertise in your area is critical to increasing your chances of gaining the required information.
Number 15: Limited Jurisdiction
Private investigators may have limited jurisdiction in certain areas due to laws and regulations governing their behavior. In this case, private investigators need to collaborate with an agency with the appropriate authority to conduct the required investigation.
Number 16: False Promises
Some private investigators may make false promises to secure a job. It is essential to work with an honest agency upfront about its abilities and limitations; otherwise, you could set unrealistic expectations that cannot be fulfilled.
Number 17: Overcharging
Some private investigators may overcharge for their services. You must work with an agency that is upfront about its fees because many private investigators will lie and overcharge.
Number 18: Hidden Fees
Some private investigators may charge hidden fees that aren't disclosed upfront. Therefore, working with an agency that is upfront about its fees is vital to minimize the chance of being charged a lot more than expected.
Number 19: Lack of Transparency
Unlicensed private investigators may not be forthcoming with their methods and procedures. Working with an agency that is caring, upfront, and truthful about its processes is critical to minimizing the chance of being kept in the dark during your investigation.
Number 20: Poor Quality of Work
An unlicensed private investigator may produce subpar-quality work that does not meet professional standards. Therefore, working with an agency that delivers superior work is vital to increasing your chances of obtaining the required information.
Number 21: Failure to deliver Results
Some private investigators may fail to deliver on their promises. Therefore, you must select an agency with a proven success record and references available; this will increase the chances of gaining the information you require.
Legal Compliance in Private Investigations
When hiring a private investigator, understanding the legal framework protecting your rights is essential. The private investigation industry operates under strict federal and state regulations designed to prevent abuse and protect privacy.
Federal Privacy Protections
Private investigators must comply with several key federal laws. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), enforced by the FTC, governs the handling of financial information. The Privacy Act of 1974 restricts government agency access to personal records, while the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) prohibits unauthorized interception of communications.
The Wiretap Act specifically prohibits illegal surveillance and carries serious criminal penalties—violations can result in fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to five years per the 18 U.S.C. § 2511.
State Licensing Requirements
Each state maintains specific licensing standards for private investigators. To verify an investigator's credentials:
- Contact your state licensing board for verification portals
- Confirm current licenses and disciplinary history
- Review state-specific PI requirements at your state's Secretary of State office
Enforcement and Complaints
The FBI investigates violations of federal privacy laws, while the FTC addresses consumer complaints regarding data misuse. State licensing boards handle disciplinary actions against individual investigators.
Working with a licensed investigator who demonstrates knowledge of these regulations significantly reduces legal risks and ensures your investigation remains admissible in court proceedings.
How to Minimize Risks When Hiring a Private Investigator
Hiring a private investigator can come with numerous risks, so it is essential to hire a professional investigator to avoid those risks. You can take steps to help minimize these potential dangers when hiring a private investigator. Here are some suggestions:
Conduct due diligence before hiring an investigator
Conduct due diligence. Verify their credentials and confirm they are licensed and insured. Check for particular testimony and testimonials from the private investigators' previous customers to understand their track record and see if they are good investigators.
Ask for Referrals
If you know anyone who has previously worked with a private investigator, asking them for a recommendation can be invaluable. This way, you can locate an investigator with an excellent reputation and successful track record.
Be Specific About Your Objectives
When hiring a private investigator, be upfront and honest about what you wish to achieve. Doing this helps the Investigator focus their efforts and boosts the chances of success.
Discuss Costs Up Front
Ensure your private Investigator prints out the price of the investigation before hiring them. Outline fees and expenses in advance, then get a written agreement outlining the work scope and associated costs.
Maintain Communication
It is essential to stay in close communication with the Investigator throughout the investigation. Ensure they update you on their progress and let you know if any unexpected obstacles appear.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Is hiring a private investigator wise?
A: Hiring private investigators can offer you peace of mind. Hiring private investigators can give you peace of mind. A private investigator can help you find the answers you are looking for, whether you're trying to locate a lost relative, investigate your workplace, or determine if your spouse is cheating.
Q: Do I Need to Hire a Private Investigator?
A: That depends on the situation. Private investigators can be invaluable resources if you need to gather evidence related to a legal matter, infidelity, or other personal matters. But before making a decision, carefully assess all potential risks and advantages.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?
A: The cost of hiring a private investigator will vary depending on their experience and whereabouts. It's essential to discuss costs upfront and obtain a written agreement outlining all associated costs before beginning any investigation.
Q: Can a private Investigator guarantee results?
A: Unfortunately, private investigations are never guaranteed results. The study's success depends on many factors, including the case's complexity, available information, and the Investigator's skill level.
Conclusion
Hiring a private investigator can offer invaluable insights and information but comes with risks. Before hiring one, it's essential to comprehend these potential hazards and take steps to mitigate them. By conducting your due diligence, being clear about your objectives, and maintaining open communication with the Investigator, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome while decreasing any associated risks.
In conclusion, hiring a private investigator can provide invaluable information. However, being aware of potential risks is paramount. Ensure you work with a reputable agency with clear communication, adhere to an up-to-date code of ethics, and can provide references when requested. Contact 1-800-577-1080 for the best Private Investigators in the Nation.
When considering the risks of hiring a private investigator, it's essential to understand the potential benefits they offer. Private investigators play a crucial role in discreetly uncovering information related to cheating spouses, hidden assets, missing persons, and surveillance cases. At Martin Investigative Services, with over 50 years of experience, we provide a complimentary consultation to discuss the risks involved in hiring a PI. Our team of former Federal agents is well-equipped to handle complex investigations. We prioritize privacy and provide free and confidential consultations. If you're ready to uncover the truth, contact us at (800) 577-1080 and let us assist you in resolving your investigative needs.
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Martin Private Investigation
State License # PI 9077
Toll Free 800-577-1080