FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
We have put together some common questions and answers.
Q. How much do you charge?
A. Each case is unique therefore we assess each matter on its individual basis. The cost will depend on duration, location, number of resources needed, labour, availability etc. See our pricing page to get you started here
Q. How long does it take?
A. The duration of an investigation will depend on its individual merits. Some investigations take half a day and some can last for weeks. When we present our proposal we will usually estimate how long we think the investigation is going to take.
Q. Are you licensed?
A. The investigation industry is currently unlicensed. Therefore, anyone can pose as a private investigator. We have written a guide that should shed some light on how to select a competent private investigator. Can be viewed here
Q. Are you insured?
A. Yes. As a full member of the Association of British Investigators, we are required to hold a valid Professional Indemnity insurance certificate of at least £250,000.
Q. Can you find X person? (ex-partner, lost relative, lost friend etc.)
A. Generally, yes. Tracing a person its possible as well as tracing that person’s hidden assets for example. However, because of data protection and GDPR regulations, there are strict rules on how individual’s data can be processed. We require a legitimate reason in order to conduct the trace and disclose the information to the client. Alternatively, the subject consent will be required. We have written a guide that should shed some light on legitimate reason and consent. Can be viewed here
Q. What is the process from start to finish?
A. We receive inquiries via emails, phone calls or through our website. Irrespective of how you contact us the process is the same. A member of our team will ask for more information when required. Once we have enough information to make an informed decision we will then make a proposal and explain how we are going to achieve the results and what are the costs involved. It is entirely up to the client to decide if they want to go ahead with the investigation or not. At the end of our investigation, we will forward to the client the relevant evidence supported by a full expert witness report with our findings. Of course, we will keep you updated during the process.
Q. What constitutes evidence?
A. Evidence can be a still photograph, a video motion picture, a report from a credit reference agency etc. Our evidence is supported by a factual report with the account of how that evidence was obtained and what was observed including time, location etc. The evidence we provide can stand in Court and it’s irrefutable. See samples of our evidence here
Q. What information’s do you need from me?
A. We usually require the client’s full name, address and best contact details. We may also require some supporting evidence such as Court Orders, photographs, transcripts etc. If the matter involves a third-party we may also need their details (if known).
Q. Why do you need though my name, address etc.?
A. We need to establish that inquiries are legitimate and because we have a duty of care when conducting private investigations to respect everyone’s right to privacy in accordance with Data Protection principles. If we are not satisfied that a certain matter is genuine then we may refuse to investigate it.
Q. Do you pass my data to anyone else?
A. No. We do not share our client’s data with anyone else unless ordered by a Court of Law or with a warrant.
Q. How is my information stored?
A. All data is stored securely in our administration office. Data is encrypted and stored in accordance with Data protection principles.
Q. Can I pay for your services at the end?
A. We usually require payment on account for all our investigation services. At our own discretion, we may offer different payment terms for recurring business such as instructions received from solicitors and other detective agencies.
Q. What types of payments do you accept?
A. We currently accept BACS payments and PayPal.
Couldn’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us today.
Last updated 09/2018