How do I know if a private investigator is legitimate?

bpi-admin • Jun 16, 2022

Are you in need of a private investigator but don’t know what to look for? Choosing a PI can be stressful. You want to ensure that they have the means to handle your case effectively, but that can be a difficult task if you are unsure of how to tell if they are legitimate.

That’s why we created a list of effective ways to find the right private investigator for your case.

Look for a PI That Is Licensed

Before hiring a private investigator, it is critical to ensure that they have a valid PI license. Considering that 45 states require PIs to have a license, it is almost guaranteed that a PI without a license is not legitimate. If you are unsure about whether the investigator you are considering hiring is licensed or not, you can always look up investigators by name on your state’s government website to check.

Ensure That Your PI Has Relevant Experience

The best private investigators have adequate experience that makes them qualified to do the job — and do it well. If they have a website, you can check it to see their qualifications. You should verify how many years of experience they have and if they regularly handle cases similar to yours. Not every PI specializes in every type of case, so it’s best to choose one whose strengths lie in the kind of investigation you need them to perform.

Always Meet Your Investigator in Person

If possible, you should request to meet a private investigator at their office. By meeting with them in person, you can get a sense of their professionalism and integrity when handling cases. If their office is a mess, or you spot evidence from other clients’ cases lying out in the open, it might be a good idea to look for another investigator. Furthermore, meeting them in person can give you a sense of whether they can do the job well.

Don’t Choose a Cheap PI

When a private investigator charges below-average prices, it usually means that they cannot get the results that allow them to charge higher fees. Whether this is because of a lack of experience or professionalism, or they just aren’t good at their job, it is best to avoid “budget PIs.” Typically, PIs that market themselves as being “cheap” do so to reel in clients and it is the only way that some investigators can get any business. Keep in mind that hiring a cheap investigator could even cost you more in the long run since you may have to hire an additional person who can actually get the job done.

Check Their Reviews From Previous Clients

It’s a good idea to do some investigation of your own prior to hiring a PI. Any private investigator can give their own testimony about their work. It’s best to get input from former clients because they tend to be more truthful about their experience working with the PI. Therefore, you should ask the investigator for references or read reviews from past clients to ensure you can trust the PI and their work.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a private investigator, you should take your time to vet your candidates carefully. Doing so will not only help you make sure that they’re legitimate, but you will also gain peace of mind knowing that you chose a PI that you can trust with your case. Barefoot Professional Investigations has been practicing in the Carolinas for almost 35 years. We have a comprehensive knowledge of investigative techniques and handle all of our cases with due diligence and professionalism. If you need a reputable investigative service in the Carolinas, contact us today!

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