When Should You Hire a Private Investigator? 10 Real-Life Situations

Hiring a private investigator isn’t something most people plan to do. In many cases, people contact a private investigator because they’ve reached a point where questions remain unanswered, evidence is lacking, or they simply need reliable information before making an important decision.

Whether you’re dealing with a personal matter, protecting your business, or preparing for legal action, having accurate, legally obtained information can make all the difference.

At The Smith Investigation Agency, we work with individuals, businesses, law firms, insurance companies, municipalities, and property owners throughout Ontario. Every investigation is different, but they all have one thing in common: helping our clients uncover the truth through professional, ethical, and lawful investigative techniques.

If you’re wondering whether hiring a private investigator is the right decision, here are ten common situations where professional investigative services can provide valuable answers.

Table of Contents

• Why People Hire Private Investigators
• 1. Suspected Infidelity
• 2. Locating Missing People
• 3. Workplace Misconduct Investigations
• 4. Insurance Fraud Investigations
• 5. Background Investigations
• 6. Child Custody Matters
• 7. Landlord and Tenant Disputes
• 8. Corporate Investigations
• 9. Civil Litigation Support
• 10. Fraud Investigations
• Choosing the Right Private Investigator
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

Why People Hire Private Investigators

Contrary to what television often portrays, private investigators don’t spend their days chasing dramatic car pursuits or breaking into buildings.

Professional investigators gather information legally, document evidence objectively, and help clients make informed decisions. Sometimes an investigation confirms a person’s suspicions. Other times, it provides reassurance that concerns were unfounded.

Either outcome gives clients something invaluable: facts instead of assumptions.

1. Suspected Infidelity

One of the most common reasons people contact a private investigator is because they suspect a spouse or partner may be cheating.

Perhaps schedules suddenly changed.

Maybe there are unexplained absences, unusual spending, or inconsistent stories.

While these signs may raise concerns, they are not evidence.

Professional surveillance allows investigators to objectively document a person’s activities without speculation. If inappropriate behaviour is occurring, legally obtained evidence may help provide clarity for personal decisions or legal proceedings.

Just as importantly, investigations sometimes demonstrate that nothing inappropriate is happening, allowing clients to move forward with peace of mind instead of uncertainty.

2. Locating Missing People

Sometimes people simply disappear.

Former tenants leave owing thousands of dollars.

Family members lose contact.

Witnesses relocate.

Debtors become difficult to find.

Businesses need to locate former employees.

Licensed private investigators use lawful skip tracing techniques to locate individuals through public records, investigative databases, field inquiries, and other legitimate investigative resources.

At The Smith Investigation Agency, skip tracing is frequently used to help clients locate individuals for legal proceedings, debt recovery, civil matters, and landlord-tenant disputes.

Related Reading: Skip Tracing Explained: How Private Investigators Find People

3. Workplace Misconduct Investigations

Employers occasionally face allegations involving:

• Harassment
• Theft
• Policy violations
• Conflict of interest
• Time theft
• Workplace violence
• Employee misconduct

Internal investigations can sometimes create concerns about impartiality.

Hiring an independent investigator provides an objective third party who can interview witnesses, gather evidence, review documentation, and prepare professional reports while maintaining confidentiality.

Independent workplace investigations also help organizations demonstrate fairness throughout the investigative process.

4. Insurance Fraud Investigations

Insurance fraud affects everyone.

False injury claims, exaggerated disabilities, staged accidents, and fraudulent property claims can significantly increase costs for insurers and businesses.

Professional surveillance helps determine whether a claimant’s reported activities are consistent with the information provided during the claims process.

Investigations are conducted lawfully and objectively.

The purpose is not to prove fraud—but to document observable facts.

Related Reading: WSIB/WCB Investigations: What Employers Need to Know About Disability Claim Surveillance

5. Background Investigations

Not every background investigation involves employment.

People request background investigations before:

• Business partnerships
• Investments
• Hiring senior employees
• Entering significant financial agreements
• Dating relationships involving financial concerns
• Purchasing businesses

Depending on the purpose and applicable laws, investigators may verify identities, business histories, litigation records, corporate information, publicly available assets, and other relevant information.

Reliable information helps reduce risk before important decisions are made.

6. Child Custody Matters

Child custody cases are emotionally challenging.

When concerns arise about a child’s wellbeing, parenting arrangements, or compliance with court orders, factual information becomes extremely important.

Private investigators may document:

• Parenting time compliance
• Living arrangements
• Supervision concerns
• Substance use observed in public
• Other relevant behaviours occurring in public places

Investigators do not determine custody outcomes.

Instead, they provide objective evidence that legal counsel may use when presenting a case before the court.

7. Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Landlord and tenant disputes have become one of the fastest-growing areas of private investigations.

Landlords may require assistance locating former tenants, confirming move-out dates, locating workplaces for wage garnishment, or documenting bad-faith N12 notices.

Tenants may seek evidence regarding improper owner occupancy claims or illegal surveillance.

At The Smith Investigation Agency, we assist both landlords and tenants by providing impartial investigative services designed to uncover facts—not take sides.

Our services include:

• Move-day surveillance
• Skip tracing
• Employment confirmation
• Property research
• Surveillance
• Background investigations

Related Reading: Can a Private Investigator Help With Landlord-Tenant Disputes?

8. Corporate Investigations

Businesses face risks that extend well beyond theft.

Corporate investigations may involve:

• Intellectual property concerns
• Conflict of interest investigations
• Vendor fraud
• Procurement irregularities
• Internal theft
• Confidential information leaks
• Employee dishonesty

Professional investigators help organizations understand what occurred while preserving evidence and maintaining confidentiality.

Early intervention often prevents small issues from becoming much larger problems.

9. Civil Litigation Support

Civil lawsuits often depend on evidence.

Private investigators frequently assist lawyers and their clients by locating witnesses, documenting activities, conducting surveillance, obtaining statements, photographing locations, and gathering information that supports civil proceedings.

Investigative work may assist cases involving:

• Personal injury
• Contract disputes
• Property damage
• Business disputes
• Debt recovery
• Family law matters

Objective documentation can strengthen a case while helping legal professionals better understand the facts.

10. Fraud Investigations

Fraud takes many forms.

Examples include:

• Financial fraud
• Occupational fraud
• Benefit fraud
• Identity fraud
• Corporate fraud
• Vendor fraud
• Insurance fraud

Professional investigators analyze available information, conduct surveillance when appropriate, interview witnesses, review documentation, and identify evidence that helps clients understand what occurred.

Every investigation is tailored to the specific allegations and legal considerations involved.

Choosing the Right Private Investigator

Not all investigative agencies provide the same level of experience or services.

Before hiring a private investigator, consider asking:

• Are they licensed in Ontario?
• How much experience do they have?
• What types of investigations do they specialize in?
• How will they communicate throughout the investigation?
• Will evidence be collected legally?
• Will you receive professional reports?
• Do they understand court requirements if litigation becomes necessary?

Choosing an experienced investigative firm helps ensure the information you receive is accurate, reliable, and obtained lawfully.

Why Choose The Smith Investigation Agency?

At The Smith Investigation Agency, we understand that every investigation begins with uncertainty.

Our experienced investigators work throughout Ontario, providing professional investigative services for individuals, businesses, insurance companies, municipalities, legal professionals, and property owners.

We offer services including:

• Surveillance investigations
• Skip tracing
• Workplace investigations
• Insurance investigations
• Background investigations
• Landlord and tenant investigations
• Corporate investigations
• Fraud investigations
• Civil litigation support

Every investigation is conducted professionally, ethically, confidentially, and in compliance with Ontario’s legal requirements.

Whether you need answers for personal peace of mind or evidence for legal proceedings, our team is committed to helping you uncover the facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I hire a private investigator?

You should consider hiring a private investigator when you need objective information or legally obtained evidence that you cannot gather yourself. Common reasons include suspected infidelity, workplace misconduct, insurance claims, fraud, child custody matters, missing persons, and civil litigation.

Is hiring a private investigator legal in Ontario?

Yes. Licensed private investigators operate under Ontario’s legal and regulatory requirements and must conduct investigations lawfully and ethically.

Will anyone know I’ve hired a private investigator?

Investigations are conducted confidentially. Details of your case are only shared with those directly involved, subject to legal requirements.

Can a private investigator testify in court?

Yes. When appropriate, investigators may provide evidence, reports, and testimony regarding their observations and investigative findings.

How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?

Costs vary depending on the type of investigation, its complexity, travel requirements, and the time involved. A consultation is the best way to discuss your situation and receive an estimate tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Many people wait too long before contacting a private investigator, hoping a situation will resolve itself or that the answers will eventually become clear.

In reality, evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and opportunities to document important information may be lost.

If you’re facing unanswered questions involving a personal matter, business concern, insurance claim, landlord-tenant dispute, or legal proceeding, hiring a licensed private investigator early can help preserve evidence, establish the facts, and provide the clarity you need to move forward.

At The Smith Investigation Agency, we believe every client deserves accurate information, professional service, and investigations conducted with integrity. Whether your case is straightforward or complex, our experienced team is here to help you uncover the truth with confidence.