What can a private investigator not do?

Private investigators in Texas, and all over are superheroes for the people they save. However, there are some things that these superheroes cannot do either. It is better to know what private investigators in Texas can do or not do, to set the right expectations.

Following are five such things that a private investigator cannot do because of the laws and regulations:
1.    Breaking the Law
This one seems obvious, but it’s got more than you might think. Along with the limitations on the way of obtaining the information as well as other investigation techniques, a private investigator is prohibited from harassing a subject, trespassing any private property, using bribery, hacking techniques, pre-texting (refers to impersonating individuals), or any other deceitful methods in order to obtain information. They cannot be breaking the law for investigative purposes, or on behalf of their client.
2. Tampering with Mail
It is considered a federal offense for everyone, including the private investigators, to tamper with, open, or destroy another person’s mail.
3. Filming a Subject Through a Window to a Private House
Generally, investigators are allowed to exchange films as well as interactions which take place in public. However, they are not allowed to film the interior of a private property, through an open window.
4. Placing a GPS Tracker on a Vehicle Without a Consent
The trackers are only allowed to be placed with a consent from the owner. For example, a spouse is putting a tracker on the car his/her partner, he/she is allowed to do so only if the car is in his/her name and not in the partner’s. Likewise, a GPS tracker cannot be put on an on an employee's private car, by the employer. However, they can place a tracker on a company-owned vehicle. This is only when they have gone through the systematic steps of consent.
5. Hacking into an Email or a Social Media Account
Any kind of hacking, just isn't something that private investigators in Dallas will do. Few private investigators possess software, which helps them in accessing various information. This can be about profiles, for example, when were the photos posted and the data of where the person was at that time etc. However, in no case should a private investigator give an attempt to gaining access to a social media account, which belongs to another person.
In conclusion, there are a few things that private investigators are also restricted to do. However, smart and skilled P.Is know how to work their way around all of these laws, and still solve a case brilliantly. Call the best private investigator immediately at 214-662-1006 Dallas or 817-773-1385 Fort Worth or 832-260-8389 Houston.

Hiring a Private Investigator? Here’s what you need to know.

Being in the business of investigations since years, we have seen how people are confused while hiring a private investigator. The first and biggest confusion is whether or not to hire a private investigator at all. People are often scared about their secrets getting revealed, or the judging eyes that would look at them if they go on to talk about their doubts. 

Well, this could happen if you hire the wrong kind of private investigator. This is exactly why you need to brace yourself before hiring one.You need to hire a reliable and professional private investigations company in Texas to ensure the best results.

Here is a list of mistakes that you should avoid while hiring a private investigator in Texas -

• Hiring someone you can’t even reach

When hiring a private investigator, get to know their availability beforehand. You definitely don’t want to hire someone who will take your money, make promises and then not even pick up your phone when you need them. The real test begins after you pay them the money. Therefore, before you choose to hire a private investigator ask them about their previous cases and listen closely to how much  they talk about communication with the client.

• Not meeting them in person before sealing the deal

Given the convenience of the world today, everything can be bought online. This includes hiring a private investigator. Sure it is effortless and also saves you the judging eyes you might be scared of, but in the long run, this is a big fat mistake. Never hire a private investigator, without meeting them in person. There's a lot that you can only tell after meeting someone.

• Hiring them without research

Many private investigators can flaunt about cracking complicated cases, but have you checked this yourself? The best way to do it is ask them as many questions as you can about a case. Confident and logical answers will tell you what to do next. Therefore, if you choose to hurry into the decision of hiring them, you might even be their first client and wouldn’t even know about it. This would lead to big time chaos. Understand the different investigative services they offer like background check, infidelity investigations, computer forensics and data recovery Texas and more.

There are a few other mistakes that you could commit while hiring a private investigations company in Texas . We have shed some light on the same in our next blog. Stay tuned to know more about hiring a private investigator.For any type of investigative services in Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth or East Texas, feel free to get in touch at 214-662-1006 for Dallas, 817-773-1385 for Fort Worth or 832-260-8389 for Houston

Frauds - Sources of Investigation!

Investigative Resources of Texas plays the role of both an insurance fraud investigator Dallas and a financial fraud investigator Dallas. We have immense experience in handling such cases. In this blog we are going to enlighten you about the sources of information that a private investigator uses while investigation of a financial fraud.

You might think that the sources could only be accounting documents, payroll records, personnel files, internal memos and accounting system information. 

Well, there are many other sources such as:

• Public Records

Although there are multiple public records available on companies and individuals, a good insurance fraud investigator in Dallas would know how to identify and retrieve only the useful and accurate records. To access this type of information becomes very easy with data aggregators. They include searches like criminal, civil, and bankruptcy records, vehicle registration information driver’s license data, and real estate records. They may even include director and officer information, registered agent address and incorporation paperwork.

Information from these sources can be used by a financial fraud investigator in Dallas to know about the assets and activities of businesses and people.

• Non-Public Records

When a company investigates an employee it does not have an absolute right on personal records like banking information and federal tax returns. If they are imperative to the case then a judge may authorize access. Sometimes the documents might get voluntarily released in the interest of full disclosure.

Cash outflows and inflows can be studied through the banking records. These records become imperative when it comes to assembling a paper trail of the money. The other useful private records may include credit reports, telephone records, mortgage loan files, and credit card statements.

• Other Records

Internet websites and search engines provide lots of information. It’s important to know what is reliable, where to look, and how to get the best out of it all. Information on board members, management, and ownership is provided by corporate websites. Filtering the relevant ones is a skill.

When it comes to a fraud investigation it’s wise to refer to multiple search engines for information. Also looking beyond search engine data becomes imperative here.

Apart from the three mentioned above there are other sources as well. The most important thing is to look for information that is current and reliable regardless of the source.  Hence, hiring a professional firm like ‘Investigative Resources of Texas’ is the way to go!

Call us immediately at 214-662-1006 Dallas or 817-773-1385 Fort Worth or 832-260-8389 Houston.

How to Spot Online Scams by TexasGumShoe

Millions of people around the world fall prey to fraudulent schemes and scams each year. With people adapting and integrating technology in their daily lives, there has been an increase in use of mobile devices and computers for shopping, business transactions and more. This behavior has made consumers vulnerable and more susceptible to fraudsters. From tricking people into revealing their personal information to getting money wired under false pretences, there is variety of ways in which scammers target people. Calls, text, emails, scammers can approach in any form. So beware! Don’t become the victim of common online schemes and scams!

Here are few points that will help you identify and spot online scams – 

• Do not immediately respond to emails that ask you to re-send or re-enter your account details for verification. No matter how authentic the mail may seem, it is better to call and confirm with your bank whether they have asked for these details or not.

• Avoid using suspicious looking websites for shopping or any other transaction. If you come across a site that has multiple pop-ups or poor design, avoid entering your credit card or bank account information. It is better to stick to known and reliable websites for shopping online.

• Don’t fall for too good to be true offers or free trials. Instead of simply relying on the testimonials provided, it is better to read the fine print and conditions involved in the “free” offer.

• Deceptive prizes, lottery wins or sweepstakes are amongst the most common online scams. Scamsters ask for your bank details to transfer the “prize” money or many even ask to wire money upfront as processing or transfer fees. Do not wire money to unknown sources as the transaction is impossible to track or reverse.

• Do not download any attachments or click on links in an email that you suspect to be a scam. Ignore these types of emails.

You may come across swindlers anywhere and in any form, Be wise, be alert and make cautious decisions to avoid becoming prey to online schemes and scams. If you feel you have been duped and scammed, cal 214 662 1006 to get in touch with the most reliable private investigator in Texas.