Hiring a PI FAQ: What to Look For in a Private Investigator?
Being the largest private investigative firm in Canada we receive thousands of phone calls per year. With the amount of calls we get we hear tons of questions. We wanted to share some of those with you so you are informed when looking for a private investigator.
What is a private investigator legally allowed to do?
Private Investigators in Canada are legally allowed to conduct a variety of investigations and services on behalf of their clients. These services can include surveillance, background checks, skip trace, due diligence investigations, asset searches, computer forensics, and child custody investigations. In particular, private detectives in the greater Toronto area are experienced in conducting investigations in diverse and densely populated regions.
Surveillance activities can be conducted to track the movements and activities of individuals, while background checks can provide insight into a person’s criminal, financial, and personal history. Investigations related to child custody can uncover evidence to support parental or guardian rights.
Would you hire a 16-year-old as a private detective?
No, ensure you do not hire someone who is not legally allowed to operate as an investigator. In order to have a private investigation license, you must be 18 years of age.
How does one become a police detective in Canada?
To obtain a private investigator license you must complete 50 hours of PI training. Companies like Training Centre Canada offer online training for private investigators, security guards and use of force.
When does an investigation start?
When you are ready! To begin an investigation, call an investigative agency and speak with their agents to determine the best course of action for your situation. Pay a retainer and then schedule services.
Is it too late to become a detective at 30?
Not at all. The investigative industry needs investigators of all ages, genders and races.
What qualifications do I require to be a high profile detective?
Firstly to be licensed as a private detective and to continually work to ensure you solidify your craft.
What is the difference between GTA and Toronto?
Toronto is a city in Ontario, and the GTA is an acronym for the Greater Toronto Area. If you are searching for a private investigator in Toronto or a private investigator in the GTA, we can assist.
What is the best way to find a missing person in Canada?
If the person is someone you have lost contact with, hire a skip trace investigator to locate them. If the person is missing, you should contact the police.
Can a private investigator have someone’s phone tapped?
No, a private investigator cannot legally have someone’s phone tapped.
Which is the best private investigator firm in Toronto?
The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. are the best private investigators in Toronto.
Can a private investigator check phone records?
No, a PI cannot check phone records. We can conduct a phone search to confirm a person’s phone number.
How to hire a private investigator who can hack into a device?
Investigators cannot legally hack into someone’s phone. If you require a cyber investigation, we can discuss your unique case to determine what can be done.
Can private investigators hack phones?
No, we cannot legally hack phones. We often receive phone calls asking can a PI hack a phone. However, we cannot.
How can I get in touch with a private investigator?
On the bottom of this page is an inquiry form. You can fill it out or select the contact page and call our office to discuss your case.
What can private investigators find out?
Investigators are often hired to conduct surveillance and obtain evidence for a variety of cases, including workmans compensation, insurance claims, child custody and infidelity. As well as investigative research, skip tracing people, conducting background checks to learn about criminal history, arrest records and more.
How to hire a good Private investigator?
The size of a company matters. A larger private investigative firm can handle a variety of cases at a time without disrupting case completion. If you are conducting research, a larger company assists as well. Our agency operates in six provinces in Canada which gives us greater access to information.
Is it worth it to hire a private investigator?
Yes, an investigation can provide much-needed evidence for court or peace of mind depending on the situation.
How much does a private investigator cost?
Typically a private investigator for surveillance will charge a fee of $100 to $200 per hour for their services, plus additional fees for travelling, such as $1.00 or more per kilometre. They may also charge additional fees for administration, multimedia and an hourly minimum. Investigative research cases typically start at $800 and increase from there, depending on the service.
How much is a private investigator in Canada?
Surveillance costs will vary. However, surveillance services will be approximately $1,000 a day or more. Investigative research will range from $800 – $2500.
What are the disadvantages of private investigator?
Cost can be a factor when considering doing an investigation. We see many who want to conduct private investigation services and cannot afford it.
Can you tell if your phone is being monitored?
If your phone is slower than usual and appears to have screens turned on when you are not touching it, we recommend doing a software reset and do not include your previous apps as something could be downloaded that is not good.
Can someone hack my bank account with my phone number?
No, it is not possible for someone to hack into your bank account using just your phone number. While it is possible for someone to gain access to certain information about you from your phone number, such as your address, this would not be enough to gain access to your bank account. In order to gain access to a bank account, the person would need to have additional information such as the account number, username, password, or other security credentials.
Can you tell if someone has remote access to your phone?
Yes, you can tell if someone has remote access to your phone. One way to tell is if you notice any unfamiliar or suspicious activity on your phone, such as unfamiliar apps being installed, changes to the settings, or your data being used. You can also check your phone’s settings to see if any remote access software is installed. Additionally, if you notice any unfamiliar IP addresses accessing your phone, that could also be a sign of remote access.
How do I block my phone from being tracked?
To block your phone from being tracked, you can start by turning off any location services that your phone has enabled. You can do this by going into your phone’s settings and disabling GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data. Additionally, you can install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your phone to encrypt your data and help hide your location. You can also use a secure web browser to mask your IP address and help prevent your activities from being tracked. Lastly, if you want to take extra precautions, you can install an anti-tracking app on your phone to help further protect your privacy.
Common Reasons to Hire a Private Investigator?
Common Reasons to Hire a Private Investigator? Many people choose to hire a private investigator to help them make informed decisions or to obtain peace of mind. Private investigators can help individuals or businesses locate people or uncover information that they are unable to access on their own.
Surveillance investigators can also help employers investigate potential employees, assist in criminal defence cases, investigate infidelity, uncover fraud, and investigate cyber crimes. Private investigators can also provide services such as surveillance, background checks, and asset searches. Hiring a private investigator can provide a person or a business with evidence and resources to make an informed decision or to obtain peace of mind.
What are the top private investigation firms?
Throughout Canada, The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. is one of the best private investigation agencies.
Contact us today!
If you have any further questions that were not addressed in this information, please reach out to our agency, and we will be happy to discuss any details of your situation. Our customer service team is available to provide you with personalized support and answer any questions you may have.
About the Author
Whitney Joy Smith
Founder of The Smith Investigation Agency in 2014, Whitney Joy Smith’s extensive background as a private investigator is matched only by her passion for the role. A graduate of several respected institutions, including Northwest Florida State College and George Brown College, her early years in life were spent between Canada and the United States. This education, along with her formative years as a private investigator in various agencies, informed much of her knowledge of private investigative laws, regulations, and operating standards in both countries.
The recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, including the Consumers Choice Award, Best in Ottawa, and many others, Whitney takes pride in working closely with her ever-growing agency to raise the bar, maintain compliance, and meet the investigative needs of clients. Whitney is active in various membership and supporting roles, including the CPIRC, CBN, CAPI, Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Her experience-driven, thought-provoking articles have been featured in everything from Readers Digest to Business News Daily, and she strives to continually redefine standards for those in the private investigative and security fields. Learn more about Whitney and the team at The Smith Investigation Agency today.
