The Official Barefoot Professional Investigations Blog

Hiring a private investigator can be one of the smartest decisions you make. Whether you’re dealing with a legal case, infidelity suspicions, or corporate fraud, the stakes are high. And unfortunately, not all investigators operate with the same level of professionalism, legality, or ethical responsibility. 

In this guide, we’ll pull back the curtain on common ricks of hiring a private investigator, the red flags to watch for, and why countless clients throughout the Carolinas continue to choose Barefoot Professional Investigations. 

Is It Legal to Hire a PI?

Let’s clear this up right away: Yes, it’s absolutely legal to hire a licensed private investigator. In North and South Carolina, private investigators are regulated and must be licensed to operate lawfully. That said, hiring the wrong PI—one who cuts legal corners or stretches ethical boundaries—can land you in trouble by association. 

Private investigators don’t have freedom to do anything—they must follow federal, state, and local laws around surveillance, trespassing, wiretapping, and evidence handling. For a clear breakdown of what they can and can’t do in sensitive legal scenarios like custody or divorce, check out FindLaw’s article on using a private investigator in family law cases. 

From unauthorized surveillance to illegal wiretapping, unethical practices can backfire and jeopardize your case. That’s why knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) is essential when considering the risks of hiring a private investigator. 

5 Red Flags to Watch Out For When Hiring a PI

1. They Won’t Put Anything in Writing 

Professional investigators should have no issue offering written agreements that outline scope of work, fees, timelines, and terms. If a PI insists on operating under the table or avoids documentation? Huge red flag. 

Why does this matter? Because you need clear terms to protect yourself legally and financially. 

2. Too-Good-to-Be-True Guarantees 

No investigator—no matter how seasoned—can guarantee a specific outcome. Be wary of anyone who claims they can “definitely find your person” or “get the evidence 100%.” 

PIs are investigators, not magicians. False promises often signal inexperience or desperation. 

3. No Verified Experience or References

Can’t find any client testimonials, online reviews, or evidence of successful cases? That’s a major red flag. You deserve proof of performance before trusting someone with sensitive information. 

Real professionals have a track record—and proud clients willing to vouch for them. If you’re looking for more questions to ask a PI before you hire them, check out this blog post from us for more professional advice. 

4. Lack of Licensing or Insurance

A licensed PI should be able to provide their state credentials and proof of insurance without hesitation. If they can’t (or won’t), walk away. 

If something goes wrong—like a trespassing claim or lawsuit—you could be legally exposed if your PI is not licensed or insured. 

In South Carolina, private investigators must be licensed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Verifying this is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re working with a legitimate professional. 

In North Carolina, PIs are regulated by the Private Protective Services Board, which oversees licensing and compliance for all private investigators operating in the state. If they can’t provide proper verification, it’s time to look somewhere else. 

5. Poor Communication or Vague Updates

Investigators are often dealing with fast-moving, high-stakes situations. If you’re getting radio silence, generic responses, or inconsistent updates, that’s a problem. 

You need a partner, not a mystery. Transparency builds trust. 

Can Hiring a PI Backfire? 

In short: Yes—when you hire the wrong one. 

Bad investigators don’t just waste your time and money—they can harm your reputation, compromise legal proceedings, and put you at risk of litigation. Imagine surveillance that violates privacy laws, or a PI that misrepresents themselves while gathering evidence. Courts can throw out critical findings, and your opposition could even countersue. 

The good news? These risks of hiring a PI are completely avoidable when you do your research and choose the right professional for your intended case and situation.