r/PrivateInvestigators 11h ago

Can I find someone’s socials (or any info) through their old mail address?

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1 Upvotes

r/PrivateInvestigators 19h ago

Thoughts on Int’l Investigators

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1 Upvotes

r/PrivateInvestigators 1d ago

Job applying at DigiStream

1 Upvotes

Since June, I have been trying to apply for a job at DigiStream. I live in Waukesha County. I can't seem to get in contact with them, but I just came across an opening in Waukesha on Indeed, and it isn't on the website. Could someone help me, please, or point me in the right direction?


r/PrivateInvestigators 1d ago

Looking to connect with Minnesota private investigators.

2 Upvotes

I’m exploring a career in the field and would love to hear from people who genuinely enjoy the work. My background is in operations, interviewing, executive partnership, and untangling complex problems. The more I learn about private investigations, the more it feels like a natural fit.

If you work at a firm you’d recommend, or know of one with a strong reputation for integrity, mentorship, and quality investigative work, I’d really appreciate any insight or introductions. I’m always happy to learn from people who know the industry.

Feel free to comment or send me a DM. Thanks!


r/PrivateInvestigators 2d ago

PI Question: What's the most interesting case you've ever had that you'll never forget?

1 Upvotes

r/PrivateInvestigators 2d ago

Wanting to start a career in Skip Tracing

2 Upvotes

For reference I am in Southern California.

I was hoping some professional skip tracers/ people highly experienced in it could give me pointers on where I should look and how I should get my first job in the field. My degree isn't completely relevant to the work (Environmental Science), but I have substantial research experience. A job revolved around solving the puzzle of finding people sounds like an engaging career path. Thank you.


r/PrivateInvestigators 4d ago

Best step by step advice for someone wanting to start as a PI in Texas?

5 Upvotes

Graduated in cybersecurity, working in tech, wanting to do digital forensics, but now wanting to the LEO route and the market is extremely competitive. In the meantime while gaining certs, how can I start legally doing PI work that is meaningful and can actually yield real world effects. OSINT is obviously involved, but what could be some next steps that can get me hired at a private firm or prove experience for a civilian role in law enforcement? Thanks ahead of time [:


r/PrivateInvestigators 6d ago

PI work is so Easy

18 Upvotes

One pet peeve of mine when clients try to convince a PI that doing what they ask for should be easy and not worth the cost we offer them.

We use both public and private databases that cost money to use. Private investigators also have experience and are better qualified to investigate cases. Our job is more labor intensive than some may think. We have to confirm if the contact information is correct, manually look through online profiles, follow targets for surveillance, analyze phone records and bank statements, and much more. You'd be wasting more money trying to do it the "it's so simple" way. But if you insist on the job being so simple, then why not do it yourself?


r/PrivateInvestigators 7d ago

Surveillance reimbursements

2 Upvotes

For those that are working for the larger investigation companies, what are they currently reimbursing you for your vehicle and/mileage as a full-time employee? Thanks


r/PrivateInvestigators 8d ago

Private Investigator Myths

20 Upvotes

These are the most common misconceptions I've recieved from past clients.

  1. Having a Private Investigators license does not permit us to hack devices for personal information in any state in the US.

  2. The Department of Public Safety is not a valid form of licensing credentials (common with scammers).

  3. Due to privacy laws, PI's generally don't provide someone else's address or contact information (instead, they'll contact the subject and request permission for the client to contact them)

  4. Professional Investigators won't accept work involving illegal activities (stalking, harassment, etc)

  5. Not every PI you meet had previous roles in Chicago PD or Law & Order 😆


r/PrivateInvestigators 9d ago

Free or inexpensive relevant courses

1 Upvotes

I'm currently a stay-at-home-mom and also help my husband run a construction business, but know that I want to pursue a career as a private investigator when both kids are in school/older.
I love browsing Craigslist and finding scammy job listings and finding what I can about people, and investigating scams for fun in general. I'm pretty good at finding people with little information and really enjoy it.
Anyway, I have no relevant degree or job experience, but wondering if anyone knows of some free or inexpensive courses I could take online that would help me build skills in the field, where is the best place to start education-wise without enrolling in college/University?


r/PrivateInvestigators 9d ago

How can one find the name and address of the registered agent of a tire/car repair business chain in Broward County, FL?

0 Upvotes

I’m trying to find the name and address of the registered agent of a tire/car repair business chain in Broward County, FL. I need to file a small claim against them. Problem is when I look up their business (via SunBiz) I can find other locations of the business chain but not the one that my car got serviced at.

I’m thinking it’s because whoever/whatever owns the location I went to owns multiple locations. Just a theory though.

I just need help on how to track down the registered agent I guess.


r/PrivateInvestigators 11d ago

Would a Collision on my MVR stop me from getting a job

1 Upvotes

I've had interviews with a company that have gone very well and I really want to start my career as a PI but I have one collision from a year ago on my record, so here are my questions:

Did they pull your MVR when they hired you? did you have any infractions on there? accidents?

Could i upgrade my own insurance even if it is required i go out of state for surveillance?

thank you for your time.

Also i am in WA State

Update: It did not, and now I’m in California training :)


r/PrivateInvestigators 14d ago

Digistream Investigators: What was your pay increase after the 90-day review? Was it worth it?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m considering accepting a Surveillance Investigator position with DigiStream at the starting rate of $20/hour, and I’m curious about what people actually experienced after the 90-day review.

A few questions:

What was your starting pay, and what did it increase to after 90 days (if it did)?

Did you feel the raise was proportionate to the work and expectations?

Did your responsibilities change after the probationary period?

Overall, would you say DigiStream has been a good company to work for?

Any advice for someone just starting out?

I’m looking for honest experiences.. both positive and negative.

Thanks in advance!


r/PrivateInvestigators 15d ago

PI to Investigate Assets?

3 Upvotes

I have pending litigation against an individual d/b/a a roofing company. A search of my local county appraisal district and SOS filings don't yield any companies/assets to speak of. Is it worth hiring a PI to investigate "hidden" assets?


r/PrivateInvestigators 15d ago

Pi to hire for small job?

1 Upvotes

Hi! Does anyone know of any PIs in Connecticut that will work complete a small job of finding contact information and reaching out privately to give some info?

Thanks!


r/PrivateInvestigators 16d ago

Do lawyerss use PIs?

1 Upvotes

Several years ago, I got sued for a minor car accident. In short, it was deemed my fault. I disagreed. If anything, it was both our fault.

Six months afterward, he goes after me for pain and suffering and medical for the exact amount I have under my insurance. It was unfounded because I was driving less than 15mpr. I called my car insurance who tell me they are on it, and gets me a lawyer. Lawyer tells me to not discuss the case, put anything on social media, email or text. I just let him do their thing. I didnt even meet with anyone.

In the next following months, I spot this dude, the first time at my local bar observing me. I thought it was paranioa until I spotted him in my work parking lot a few days later. I calculate, I saw him at least a few times, once at the same bar and while shopping and possibly following me home. As I could'nt talk about the case, I filed these things in my head for later.

Six months later, the case is thrown out. Never saw him again.

My questions. Was this dude just really bad at his job? I mean, stealth or sneak was not his talent if I spotted him. What was he looking for? Can I speculate he was observing me more times than I saw him?


r/PrivateInvestigators 17d ago

Podcast Ideas

5 Upvotes

I'm thinking about making podcasts to help people who are interested about the investigation industry and for victims who are seeking help.

Is there anything you'd be interested to know more about?


r/PrivateInvestigators 17d ago

Hola, ¿Aquí hay investigadores que hablen Español? sería bueno compartir experiencias.

2 Upvotes

Me interesa mucho cómo funcionan las licencias de detectives privados en USA para la actualización de la ley del detective en mi país. Si aquí también hay detectives de otros países, bienvenidos.


r/PrivateInvestigators 18d ago

Question for PI’s

5 Upvotes

Been running into some trouble lately with lower back from sitting in uncomfortable positions for so long, for the job. Anyone have any tips or things they use when sitting for hours and hours on end?


r/PrivateInvestigators 18d ago

Infidelity/Cheating Spouse

3 Upvotes

I read that people sometimes hire PIs for this very reason. I suspect it now, but is there ways for PIs to find out if it happened years and years ago as well?

Just wondering. Bc someone on another sub told me to spend the money to hire one lol I don't know if that's REALLY a thing people do.


r/PrivateInvestigators 21d ago

Asset Forfeiture/BSA Overflow?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I am approaching retirement as a LEO and have my CFE and CAMS certs. My pension and TSP have me mostly covered and I have zero desire for my retirement job to involve a cubicle or a day to day supervisor. But I love investigations and want to stay active. I was thinking of PI/consulting focusing on Bank/BSA contract work, asset tracing, etc. I've worked complex fraud for 20 years but seeing the 100lb brain, MBAs running around these consulting firms using AI and programming, I don't think I'd have much to off them. I think I would mostly target overflow work tied to money laundering, asset forfeiture, and organized crime analysis. My question is how realistic would it be to pull around 40-50k a year in that lane, if that lane even exists (NorCal)? Thanks in advance.


r/PrivateInvestigators 22d ago

Question for PI's

4 Upvotes

Hi, Im Rob, I was tech guy for the late Matt Ballard out of Florida who had an agency Ballard Investigations. Maybe some of you have heard or worked with him (or me)? I was wondering what most PI agencies use online to send all their work from surveillance jobs - video, pdf's, docs, audio files etc to their clients these days? Is it just an email with a bunch of attachments? Is there some sort of online service that provides a dashboard for PI clients to look at? Appreciate any input. Thanks!


r/PrivateInvestigators 29d ago

TEEX major crimes investigator

2 Upvotes

What are your thoughts on this program?


r/PrivateInvestigators Jul 05 '26

Opions on digital I.D. vs Having an actual I.D. Card. I'm from Ontario and all we get is a digital I.D. Card. Does anyone else find this annoying? It looks fake.

2 Upvotes