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Social Media & Internet Investigations FAQ!

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Social Media & Internet Investigations FAQ!

We know that the investigative industry is not one people have a lot of knowledge of, especially when it comes to social media, internet investigations and cybersecurity. We want to be the agency that breaks those barriers and answers any questions that you may have.

Do private investigators go through social media accounts?

We are not legally allowed to access private social media accounts without permission from the account holder. We can only access public information from profiles. We typically use this information to verify facts, check for red flags, and conduct background checks. Depending on the case, we may also be able to access public records, such as court documents, to supplement our investigations.

Can a private investigator hack your social media?

No, private investigators cannot legally access or hack private accounts.

How important is Facebook for private investigators?

Facebook is an incredibly important tool for private investigators. It can be used to search for a variety of information that can be used to link individuals, locations, and employment. Private investigators can use Facebook to find out about the people they are investigating.

They can observe their activities, such as what they post, who they are friends with, and where they go. Additionally, private investigators can use Facebook to search for leads and look for patterns.

How do private investigators find so much information?

This depends on the location of the investigative agency as some provinces and states vary with the access to information. However, Private investigators use their licenses to access information from both provincial and federal databases. They can use these databases to look up public records and conduct background checks on individuals.

They may have access to many law enforcement agencies to obtain police reports, criminal records and other confidential documents. They can use this access to gain information. Private investigators may also use their access to gain information from private sources, such as banks, telephone companies, and other organizations.

Additionally, private investigators may utilize their own investigative techniques, such as surveillance, questioning, and searching public records. Private investigators have access to resources that are not available to the public.

They use these resources to find information.

What are the best online resources for Private Investigators?

Online resources for Private Investigators vary.

Factors to consider include the type of investigation, tools required, and budget.

What can private investigators find out?

Private Investigators can uncover a wide range of information from a variety of sources. This includes public records such as court documents, property records, marriage and divorce records, criminal records, tax records, and more. Private Investigators can also uncover information from social media accounts, including posts, comments, images, and videos.

Individuals can access private databases and records that are not open to the public. They can also interview witnesses and other people who may have information relevant to the case. Furthermore, private investigators can use sophisticated surveillance techniques to track down individuals, monitor activity, and obtain evidence. In short, private investigators can find out a great deal of information from many different sources.

How to protect my privacy from private investigators?

If you want to protect your privacy from private investigators, there are a few steps you can take:

  1. Avoid posting personal or sensitive information online. This includes information that could be used to identify you, such as:
  2. – Full name
  3. – Home address
  4. – Phone number
  5. – Email address
  6. – Place of work
  7. Set all your online profiles to private. This way, only those you want can access the information.
  8. You should install firewalls and anti-virus software on your computer and use a Virtual Private Network when accessing the internet.
  9. You should use strong passwords and two-factor authentication when possible to protect yourself from hackers.

Taking these steps will help protect your privacy and keep you safe from private investigators.

Do private investigators have friends?

Yes, we do 🙂

Can private investigators get text message records?

It is illegal to access customer phone records, including text messages, as stated in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. If an investigation company claims to provide access to text message records, it is important to contact the relevant licensing body. This is not an ethical or legal practice.

Additionally, individuals should know that their text messages are not completely private. Companies such as cell phone carriers can access and store certain data about their customers’ text messages. It is essential to understand the laws and regulations regarding text messages. Taking precautions to protect your privacy is also important.

How to hire a private investigator who can hack into a device?

Finding a private investigator who can hack into a device is not a legal option. You should ask your attorney for advice if you need help with a legal situation.

How to locate someone without hiring a private investigator?

The best way to locate someone without hiring a private investigator is to conduct a skiptrace. A skip trace is locating someone who has gone missing or gone off the grid. It involves searching various databases, public records, social media sites, and other sources to find information on an individual.

It can also involve interviewing neighbours, friends, and family members to get clues about the person’s whereabouts. Skiptracing is a process and can be expensive, so hiring the best investigative agency is important.

What does a private investigator do?

Individuals, businesses, or organizations hire private investigators to conduct investigations to uncover facts or evidence. They use various techniques to gather information and research data, including interviewing people, conducting background checks, and researching public records. Private investigators may also be hired to perform surveillance activities, such as following people, monitoring their activities, and documenting their movements.

Private investigators can be hired to do specific tasks. These tasks can include finding missing people, searching for assets, and providing security. Private investigators can provide assistance in legal matters. This could include establishing the authenticity of a will, finding witnesses, or collecting evidence for civil or criminal proceedings.

Are private investigators happy?

Yes, we are

How long do private investigations usually last?

Depending on various factors, private investigators can spend anywhere from one day to multiple days on a single case. Surveillance can be conducted for a variety of reasons.

These include tracking a person’s whereabouts, conducting background checks, and uncovering evidence of a crime. The investigation length varies. It depends on the client’s budget. If the budget permits, the investigator may need to carry out surveillance for multiple days or weeks.

Are private investigator reports discoverable?

Private investigator reports are typically confidential documents, only accessible to the client who commissioned the investigation. The report may be discoverable if it is used as evidence in a court proceeding. This can be done through the Freedom of Information Act.

This means that the public can access the report at a later date. In certain instances, laws can restrict or stop the public from obtaining the report. It depends on the kind of data that it contains.

What is it like to hire a private investigator?

Hire The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. for your private investigation needs. You can expect a personalized, confidential experience. It will be tailored to your specific case. Upon speaking to an investigator on our team, we will work together to devise a plan of action for your investigation.

This will involve obtaining any relevant details or information about the subject of your investigation. Once the information is collected and the action plan is established, we will begin the investigation process.

Our services are confidential. You can trust that your case will be handled with discretion. We guarantee your privacy.

How can I get in touch with a private investigator?

If you need to hire a private investigator, the best option is to contact us. We service cities and provinces across the country. Our team of experts is ready to help. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions. We will help you find the right private investigator for your needs.

We will assess the situation you are dealing with and provide an individualized plan tailored to your requirements. Our private investigators are highly experienced. They specialize in many areas, such as:

– Surveillance

– Background checks

– Skip tracing

– Asset searches

– Social media investigations.

We are dedicated to providing you with the best service and the most efficient results. Call us today to get started at (888) 950-4113, or visit the inquiry form below to reach out.

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.

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