Red Flags When Hiring Private Investigators: What You Need to Know
Picture this: you’re seeking the services of a private investigator to gather evidence for a legal case. You do your due diligence, research firms, and settle on what appears to be a trustworthy agency with glowing reviews and a professional website. Little do you know, behind the polished facade lies a tangled web of deception.
In many states, there are large insurance investigation firms, often marketing themselves as nationwide agencies, have perfected the art of deception. Instead of conducting investigations themselves, they outsource the work to smaller firms, often through fraudulent means. This outsourcing scheme not only jeopardizes the quality and integrity of the investigations, but also undermines the trust between clients and the industry as a whole.
So, how does this shadowy operation unfold? Let’s break it down.
Firstly, these large corporate firms lure clients with promises of comprehensive services in any state. Once they’ve secured a contract, they subcontract the work to smaller, often unsuspecting, agencies. These smaller firms may be unaware that they’re merely pawns in a larger game, believing they’re working directly for the client-hiring firm.
While this may seem like a minor issue, the consequences are not minor. Quality control is essentially thrown out the window, as the original firm has little to no oversight over the subcontracted investigations. Clients are left in the dark, unaware that their case is being handled by a third party, possibly compromising the confidentiality and accuracy of the information being gathered.
This practice not only harms clients, but also muddies the water and damages the reputation of honest, hardworking private investigators. Smaller firms, tricked into working for these predatory entities, may find themselves underpaid or even unpaid for their services, leading to financial strain and tarnished reputations within the industry. It’s a tale as old as time: David versus Goliath, the little guy being exploited by the behemoth. But in our industry, the stakes are higher. We deal with people’s lives, their secrets, and their vulnerabilities. Entrusting such sensitive matters to firms driven solely by profit margins is not just unethical—it’s dangerous.
So, what can be done to fight this problem? Awareness is key. Clients should always be asking probing questions about the investigators they hire, their internal operations and their subcontracting policies. Likewise, smaller firms must be very careful when entering into agreements with larger entities, ensuring transparency and clear contractual terms.
Let’s go through some basic information that you should know when searching for a private investigation firm:
Crossing State Lines: What's Allowed & What is not
First thing’s first, investigators must be licensed to work in the state where they are conducting their investigation. However, investigations don’t always fit cleanly within the borders of one state. Because of this, some states offer reciprocity to surrounding states. This means that an investigator who begins an investigation in his or her licensed state can continue the investigation in another state if there is a reciprocity agreement between the two states. If the investigation spans into a state that does not have reciprocity with the original state where the investigator is licensed, he or she may not operate within that state.
In Georgia, the Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies has Limited License Recognition Agreements with California, Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Click here to learn more.
The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division states that South Carolina only offers reciprocity with North Carolina. Click here to learn more.
As the client, it is important to verify that the investigation firm you are hiring is licensed in the state where the investigation is being conducted. If a firm is agreeing to take your case despite not having a license in your state, this could be a sign your investigation might be subcontracted to a smaller firm with that necessary licensure.
Bridging the Gap: How We Handle Investigations Across State Lines
As private investigators, it is our duty to uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and justice. At CGA Solutions, our team is licensed to operate in Georgia and South Carolina. We make it clear to our clients that while our employees conduct all investigations within these states, if a case extends beyond our jurisdiction into areas without reciprocity, we openly disclose to the client that we will hire trusted investigators in those states to conduct their own investigation and submit independent reports. This transparent approach ensures that clients are fully informed and allows for the continuation of the investigation across state lines, maintaining the integrity and quality of the process.
Some Other Private Investigator "Red Flags"
One of the most significant red flags is an investigator who lacks the necessary licenses or certifications. Proper licensing ensures that the investigator has undergone the required training and operates within the bounds of the law. However, there are other red flags that should be considered when deciding if a private investigation firm is the right fit for you:
Poor Communication
Communication is key in any professional relationship. If your potential investigator is slow to respond to calls or emails, provides vague answers to your questions, or seems evasive, it may be a sign of unprofessionalism or lack of commitment to your case.
No Clear Plan
A trustworthy investigator should have a clear plan of action for your case. If they seem unsure or unwilling to discuss their investigative strategies, it could indicate a lack of experience or competence.
Overpromising Results
Beware of investigators who promise guaranteed results or claim to have a success rate that seems too good to be true. Investigative work is inherently unpredictable, and any guarantees should be met with skepticism.
Questionable Ethics
Trust your instincts if something feels off about the investigator’s behavior or ethical standards. If they engage in shady tactics or seem willing to bend the rules to get results, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Lack of Specialization
Consider whether the investigator has experience or expertise relevant to your specific case. Hiring someone who specializes in your type of investigation, whether it’s surveillance, background checks, or fraud investigations, can greatly increase the likelihood of success.
In conclusion, the issue of large predatory private investigation firms exploiting smaller agencies is a pressing concern that demands attention. By shedding light on these shadowy operations and advocating for transparency and accountability, we can work towards safeguarding the interests of clients and preserving the integrity of the private investigation profession.
