The private investigator profession has often been glamorized in books, movies, and television shows. Perhaps the most famous detective of all time is Sherlock Holmes, who often appears on the big screen wearing a deerstalker hat, a trench coat, and holding a magnifying glass. Fans of the film noir detective films may think of damsels in distress approaching private detectives to crack down on their cheating husbands. We’ve all seen some kind of detective movie or show before, but what is the private investigation profession really like?
Background Searches
Individuals, companies, and corporations can hire private investigators to perform background checks on people. Skilled private investigators are able to search public records, conduct interviews and verify reference checks to provide a detailed profile for someone. Companies might hire private investigators to screen potential employees to ensure that they don’t hire criminals. With the rise of internet dating, people have been known to approach private investigators to ensure that their dates are really who they say they are. Sometimes, people who have been divorced several times conduct background checks on their partners before deciding whether or not they want marry them.
Surveillance
Oftentimes, people hire private investigators when they suspect that their spouses or partners are cheating. Private investigators are able to keep a watch on the suspected infidelity and report back their results. However, surveillance covers more than just cheating partners. Sometimes spouses hire private investigators to obtain information on their spouse or partner when a child custody battle is going on.
Personal Injury
Personal injury lawsuits cost insurance companies thousands of dollars, which attracts many frauds. Private investigators can provide information to help determine if a lawsuit is fraudulent by conducting an investigation. They interview witnesses, examine crash reports, and sometimes investigate the police transcription of 911 calls.
Locating People
When people are searching for missing loved ones, they often approach private investigators. Sometimes people are adopted and searching for their biological family members, and sometimes they are looking for people that simply vanished from their lives. Private investigators use their access to search databases as well as interviewing people who may be able to help them locate missing loved ones.
Workers Compensation Claims
According to insurance companies, over twenty percent of workers comp claims are fraudulent. Just one fraudulent claim can cost a business tens of thousands of dollars, so hiring a private investigator can save businesses lots of money.
Welfare Investigation
Welfare fraud can be investigated by private investigators. When people abuse public assistance programs, private investigators can identify all sources of income to determine if all income is actually being reported.
Stalkers
Private investigators are able to conduct investigations to help convict stalkers, who are often underinvestigated by police. However, anyone experiencing the threat of a stalker needs to work with law enforcement as well.
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