The Most Common Questions Private Investigators Get Asked.

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What services do private investigators offer?

Private investigators here in the UK and abroad offer a wide range of investigation services tailored to individual and corporate needs. These include performing covert surveillance, conducting background checks, tracing assets and debt recovery, investigating infidelity and matrimonial issues, verifying employee integrity, preventing corporate espionage, conducting bug sweeps, detecting insurance fraud, fake employee sickness and assisting in locating missing or lost individuals.  A large part of what we do here at Anderson & Co on a daily basis is people tracing, background checks and corporate surveillance, with the occasional matrimonial investigation too.

Is hiring a private investigator legal in the UK?

Yes, it is perfectly legal to hire a private investigator in the UK. They must adhere to strict legal and ethical standards, including observing privacy laws such as the Data Protection Act and RIPA 2000, and not engaging in illegal activities such as unauthorized surveillance or obtaining information through misleading and illegal methods. Any legitimate, professional, Private Investigator will always operate within the law. Any Private investigator offering services such as phone hacking stay away from. Not only is it highly illegal, but nigh on impossible to do remotely in this day and age. It will be a scam, and you will end up with absolutely nothing!

How much does hiring a private investigator cost?

The cost of hiring a private investigator in the UK can vary widely, dependent on several factors such as the nature and intricacy of the investigation, geographical location, and the investigator’s level of expertise. On average, hourly rates can span from £50 to £200, and some investigators might offer flat-rate fees for specific services, providing a clear estimate after an initial consultation. Day rates may be offered for investigations requiring lengthy sessions of surveillance. Typically, a day rate is offered at around £450 per day, per agent, based on a 10-12 hour day. It is also important to know that expenses may be charged as an extra on top of the hourly or daily rate agreed.

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What sort of expenses are charged on top of the hourly or daily rate agreed?

Generally speaking, there are often expenses that occur while we are live on an investigation. It’s often difficult to quote for on the job expenses prior to an investigation as we typically have little to no idea of where the subject may be going and what he, or she may be doing while under surveillance. Sometimes there may be very little movement and activity, sometimes a subject may cover several hundred miles within a day, utilizing a variety of different transport links, eating in restaurants and staying in hotels. Wherever the subject goes, we must go too, to enable us to be able to obtain the photographic evidence required. This should always be explained to the client prior to any investigation proceeding. We always try to be fair and reasonable and will update the client as we move forward throughout the day so there are no surprises.

Are People Traces a fixed fee?

Yes, once you have explained your situation to us, or any other legitimate and professional private investigator, a quote will be given for the work to be carried out. If the client has a lot of information regarding the subject of the investigation it will most certainly be cheaper than a trace whereby the client has a little bit of information, but the information is vague.

It's exactly the same with background checks. A fixed fee will always be provided once we have an idea of your situation and the scope of information required. Background checks however can differ hugely depending on the type of background check needed. Again, if the client has lot’s of information and just requires a little reassurance on a person of interest, it will work out cheaper than let’s say a Catfishing case whereby the client has limited information and that information for the most part may be false, fictious and again very vague.

Typically speaking people traces can vary from £195 to £350. Background checks can vary from £450 to £800.

There are also occasions where we may be conducting a trace or background check but we need to make applications for birth, marriage and death certificates. These are obtained for a small extra cost if needs be.

How Long do checks take?

Our basic UK traces are always turned around within a two-day timeframe. Our background checks vary and can often be two, to three days work. We always guarantee our background checks within a week from when payment is received. It’s very rare that we aren’t able to meet those deadlines. If you have gone with a company and after several weeks you haven’t received your trace, or background check, I would give up any hope of receiving it. We often take calls from clients who have sadly fallen victim to fraudsters and cowboys within the industry who after several weeks are not able to provide anything at all.

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Will the person know that checks are being carried out on them?

Absolutely not. All checks, whether it be are simple trace or more in-depth background check are conducted with complete discretion. The subject of the enquiry is not notified at any stage. Information is only shared between us, the investigation company, and the client.

Can I have a one-man team for an investigation?

Generally speaking, any surveillance investigation, whether it be corporate surveillance, insurance fraud or a matrimonial investigation requires a minimum of two operatives to conduct the surveillance. Tactically it makes things so much better and easier for the operators and therefore allows us a much better chance of obtaining the evidence required without giving away any form of exposure and compromise. If, however, an investigation only requires static observations (watching an address or area) one operative will be suffice with most cases.

Are you able to travel abroad?

Absolutely, our operators are able to travel abroad. Over recent years we have conducted investigations in The Republic of Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Thailand and Switzerland, too. The cost of flights, hotels and any other expenses must be covered by the client. Often we will also need to rent vehicles too. International investigations usually require a much larger budget for the above reasons. It is also important to know that there are also many countries where surveillance is illegal and therefore we can’t always assist if the subject is thought to be heading to such places – The middle east being one of those areas!

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How do I choose the right private investigator?

To select the right private investigator, it is crucial to ensure they have the appropriate background and expertise relevant to your case. Verify their credentials, ask for client testimonials, and check for membership with reputable industry organizations like the Association of British Investigators (ABI) and World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI) which sets professional standards for practice.

Any professional and legitimate Private Investigator should also be ICO registered and have some form of insurance. While it is not absolutely necessary to be a limited company, I would advise that you avoid anyone that isn’t. I say this because most of the fraudsters and rip off artists, who operate within the investigations sector are not registered limited companies. They will have a well-made website and sit pretty on the top of page one for Google via a sponsored add. They won’t have a Google maps listing, no physical office and nowhere you can leave negative feedback, find out who they really are, and report them. Be very careful, please!

Will my information remain confidential?

Maintaining client confidentiality should be a top priority for legitimate private investigators. We implement comprehensive data protection protocols to safeguard your information, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and maintain confidentiality agreements to protect your interests throughout the investigation.

How long does an investigation typically take?

The length of an investigation largely depends on its complexity and objectives. Straightforward cases might resolve in a few hours or days, while more complex investigations can extend over several weeks or months. During your initial consultation, any legitimate and professional investigator should provide a realistic timeline based on the scope of work outlined.

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What qualifications should a private investigator have?

While there’s no mandatory licensing for private investigators in the UK, many possess prior experience with the police, government, military, or security fields. Accreditation or membership with professional bodies like the ABI or the UK Professional Investigators Network (UKPIN) can offer assurance of their expertise and professional integrity.

Can a private investigator provide evidence for court?

Yes, Private investigators can collect evidence that is admissible in court, provided it’s obtained legally. They can prepare detailed, in-depth and professional reports, furnish photographic or video evidence, provide witness statements, and testify in court if their presence is required to validate the findings.

What should I expect during the initial consultation?

Throughout an initial consultation, expect to discuss the specifics of your situation openly and confidentially. The investigator will outline their methods, define realistic outcomes, provide a cost estimate, and establish a timeline. This meeting is also a crucial opportunity to assess the investigator’s approach and compatibility with your needs.

Always ring around and get different advice and quotes from different companies. Any legitimate and professional investigator should advise you in a similar way regarding a plan of attack and cost. Anyone you talk with who is way outside of what others have advised, stay away from!

Are there any restrictions on what a private investigator can do?

Private investigators must operate within legal frameworks, which restrict them from engaging in activities such as hacking, trespassing, unauthorized phone tapping, or accessing private records without permission. Our work should always comply with all relevant laws to ensure that our findings are legally defensible. As mentioned previously, anyone offering illegal services, please avoid. It will be a scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is, and you will most likely end up losing your hard earned money!

If you need to enquire about our services, don't hesitate to get in touch!