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Introduction: People disappear for all kinds of reasons. Some dodge responsibilities, others leave without notice, and sometimes, you just lose track of someone during a legal process. When you have a legitimate reason to locate someone, skip tracing isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.At Easton Secure Solutions, we provide licensed skip tracing services to attorneys, financial professionals, and private clients across New York City and Long Island as well as the entire state of New York. We specialize in locating individuals who are difficult to find using legal and ethically compliant methods—including access to credit header data, and information regulated by the GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) and DPPA (Driver’s Privacy Protection Act).This isn’t a quick online search. It’s professional, verified, and done by investigators who know how to legally work with sensitive data—and make it count.<h2>&nbsp; What Is Skip Tracing?</h2> Skip tracing is the process of locating someone who’s become difficult to reach. That could be because they:<ul><li>Moved suddenly and didn’t leave a forwarding address</li><li>Changed jobs or disconnected their phone</li><li>Are actively avoiding contact—especially in legal matters</li></ul> Our skip tracing process goes beyond surface-level searches. We use restricted databases and investigative techniques available only to licensed professionals. This means we’re pulling from more accurate, up-to-date sources than anything you’ll find in a public people search engine.<h3>&nbsp; Who Uses Our Skip Tracing Services?</h3>⚖️ Law Firms &amp; Legal Professionals Attorneys and paralegals rely on us to find:<ul><li>Defendants in civil cases</li><li>Witnesses for testimony</li><li>Parties in divorce, custody, or probate matters</li><li>Individuals who must be served legal documents</li></ul> 💼 Debt Collection &amp; Judgment Recovery We help judgment creditors and collection agencies:<ul><li>Verify addresses for debtors</li><li>Locate people who owe court-ordered payments</li><li>Discover employer information when permissible</li></ul> 🕵️ Insurance Investigators Insurers contact us to:<ul><li>Confirm current residence or employment of a policyholder</li><li>Support fraud investigations with verified contact data</li></ul>📄 Process Servers When standard attempts to serve documents fail, we support process servers with verified location data and real-time updates.&nbsp; ✅ Private Clients – When It’s Legal and Appropriate Skip tracing isn’t just for professionals. We also serve private clients—but only when the request fits a legally permissible purpose under federal law.Here are examples of valid skip tracing use cases for individuals:<ul><li>A landlord locating a former tenant who owes back rent or caused property damage</li><li>A spouse or ex-partner needing to serve divorce or custody documents</li><li>A private individual attempting to collect a court judgment</li><li>A probate administrator or heir trying to locate a next of kin</li><li>A victim of fraud or theft pursuing someone involved in a legal claim</li></ul> We do not trace people just to “reconnect,” investigate personal relationships, or for anything that borders on harassment. If your reason is legal and clear—we’re here to help. If not, we’ll let you know upfront.<h3>&nbsp; How Our Skip Tracing Works</h3> We don’t rely on guesswork or auto-generated reports. Every trace is human-reviewed and backed by professional tools. Here's what the process looks like:1. Case Review We start by understanding your goal and verifying that your purpose meets the legal threshold for using credit header, GLBA, or DPPA-regulated data.2. Data Collection We access licensed databases and restricted information that include:<ul><li>Credit header data (names, addresses, phones, employment indicators)</li><li>Utility and lease records</li><li>Vehicle registration and driver data under DPPA</li><li>Real estate ownership and court records</li></ul>3. Analysis &amp; Cross-Verification We don’t just pull info—we cross-reference every piece of data using investigative methods to ensure accuracy. If a subject moved recently or is using multiple addresses, we’ll flag the most likely current one.4. Report Delivery You’ll receive a clear, concise report with:<ul><li>Possible current address and last active date</li><li>Known phone numbers or email addresses</li><li>Supporting documents (court, property, or licensing records if relevant)</li><li>Optional fieldwork confirmation or photo verification (available in NYC and Long Island) &nbsp; Tools We Legally Use Not all data is fair game. Here's what we're authorized to use—and why it works:</li></ul>🔍 Credit Header Data We use this to locate individuals based on credit-related identifying information (not credit scores or financial history). This is legal only under FCRA and GLBA-compliant use cases—like litigation, collections, or court processes.🔐 GLBA-Compliant Data Financial data protected under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act can be accessed for legitimate business or legal reasons, like locating someone for a lawsuit or recovery effort.🚗 DPPA-Permitted Driver &amp; Vehicle Records The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act allows use of driver and registration information under specific legal conditions, like process service or enforcement of court orders.Every case we take is screened to ensure it fits the permitted purpose guidelines. We don’t cut corners.<h3>&nbsp; Why Clients Choose Easton Secure Solutions</h3> There are dozens of online “people search” services—but those aren’t built for results in serious legal or financial matters. Our clients choose us because we offer:<ul><li>Licensed Investigative Expertise – We’re registered and insured to conduct investigations in New York.</li><li>Legal and Ethical Compliance – We work within strict federal and state laws.</li><li>Discreet, Confidential Service – No one is ever notified that they’re being traced.</li><li>Hands-on Accuracy – Our results are verified by human analysts, not software guesses.</li></ul> Whether you’re an attorney with a tight deadline or a landlord trying to find a former tenant, we make sure your search is targeted, accurate, and compliant.<h3>&nbsp; When Should You Call a Skip Tracer?</h3> Skip tracing is right for you if:<ul><li>You’re trying to serve legal documents and the person is gone</li><li>A debtor has vanished and you’re holding a judgment</li><li>You’re involved in litigation or estate matters and can’t reach a necessary party</li><li>A fraud case requires current location info for the next legal step</li></ul> If you're unsure whether your case qualifies, reach out. We'll give you a straight answer.&nbsp; Serving New York We proudly serve all five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island—plus Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. We understand the local court systems, property trends, and how people move in and out of New York neighborhoods. Our services are also avaible remotely for the rest of New York State.&nbsp; Let's Talk If you need to find someone—legally and reliably—reach out to Easton Secure Solutions today. We’ll review your situation, explain what we can and can’t do, and help you move forward.📞 Call: 516 962-1267 📧 Email: eastonpro@eastonsecuresolutions.com 🌐 Website: <a data-mce-href="http://www.eastonsecuresolutions.com" href="http://www.eastonsecuresolutions.com">www.eastonsecuresolutions.com</a> 📍 Serving NYC &amp; Long Island

Skip Tracing in New York: When You Need to Find Someone: The Right Way

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Introduction:Let’s face it—background checks aren’t just for employers anymore. Whether you’re thinking about getting into business with someone, have concerns about a new relationship, or just want peace of mind before making a big decision, it’s smart to know who you’re dealing with. But before diving in, it’s just as important to understand what’s legal and what crosses the line.At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we take ethics and legality seriously. If you're in New York and considering a background check for personal reasons, here's what you should know.<h3>&nbsp; So, What Is a Background Check Anyway?</h3> A background check is essentially a way to gather and verify details about a person using public records and investigative tools. Private clients often want checks for things like:<ul><li>Learning more about a new romantic partner</li><li>Checking if a roommate is trustworthy</li><li>Verifying a business partner’s past</li><li>Looking into potential fraud or shady behavior</li><li>Making sure family members are safe</li></ul>Unlike background checks done for jobs or rentals—which are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)—personal checks follow a different set of rules.<h3>&nbsp; What the Law Says</h3> If you’re a private individual hiring someone to run a background check, you still have to play by some strict legal rules. Here are a few key things to know:1. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) This law mainly applies to employers and landlords, but parts of it matter for private checks too.You can’t access someone’s credit report, Social Security number, or financial history unless you’ve got a legally valid reason—like if you’re serving court papers or doing legal skip tracing. Pretexting (pretending to be someone else to get info) is flat-out illegal under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. There needs to be a legitimate reason behind the background check—no digging into someone’s life just for curiosity or revenge. 2. New York’s Privacy Laws New York is pretty strict when it comes to personal data. You can’t get access to things like:<ul><li>Medical records</li><li>Bank or financial account details</li><li>Sealed or expunged criminal records</li><li>Credit reports (unless the person gives permission)</li></ul> 3. What’s Fair Game There’s a big difference between public and private info. Legal background checks pull from sources like:<ul><li>Court and arrest records</li><li>Property ownership</li><li>Business licenses</li><li>Social media</li><li>Civil lawsuits If the information is public and legally accessible, it’s typically fair to use.</li></ul><h3>&nbsp; Ethics: Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should</h3> Running a background check comes with responsibility. Being ethical means balancing your right to protect yourself with the other person’s right to privacy.1. Think About Why You’re Doing It Ask yourself:<ul><li>Am I doing this for a legitimate reason?</li><li>Is this about safety or protecting myself/others?</li><li>Will I use the info fairly?</li><li>If it’s more about curiosity, jealousy, or control—that’s a red flag.</li></ul>2. Respect Boundaries Ethical investigators don’t:<ul><li>Hack accounts</li><li>Use fake identities</li><li>Spy on people in private spaces</li><li>They stick to what's legal and open to the public.</li></ul>3. Double-Check Everything Bad info can do real harm. A good investigator will:<ul><li>Use more than one source</li><li>Double-check facts before reporting anything</li><li>Never spread rumors or unverified details</li></ul>4. No Bias Background checks should never be used to discriminate. Period.5. Keep It Confidential Handling sensitive info means protecting it. A professional won’t leak your data or share results with anyone who’s not authorized.<h3>&nbsp; How We Do It at Easton Secure Solutions LLC</h3> Here’s what you can expect from us:We Follow the Law We stick to public records, open-source tools, and vetted databases—nothing shady or questionable.We Use Ethical Tactics No hacking, no impersonating, no secret surveillance.We Verify Identity We help confirm names, phone numbers, emails, social accounts—you name it.We Keep It Clear You get reports that are honest, factual, and easy to understand. No fluff or wild assumptions.We Make Sure You Understand Before starting anything, we walk you through what’s legal and ethical so you’re never left in the dark.<h3>&nbsp; When Should You Think About a Background Check?</h3> Some common reasons our clients reach out:<ul><li>Dating someone new online and want to be sure they are who they say they are</li><li>Starting a business and want to vet your potential partner</li><li>Worried about fraud, scams, or manipulation</li><li>Screening a new roommate or tenant Basically, if your safety, finances, or peace of mind are on the line, it may be worth looking into.</li></ul>&nbsp; Final Thoughts Background checks aren’t just about gathering facts—they’re about doing it the right way. If you need help making informed decisions without crossing ethical or legal lines, we’re here for you.Need a <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">background check</a> done the right way? Get in touch with Easton Secure Solutions LLC. We’ll treat your concerns with the care, privacy, and professionalism they deserve.&nbsp; <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Contact Us Today</a> Visit Easton Secure Solutions LLC or call us to talk about your situation. Let’s figure out how we can help—ethically and legally.

A Real Look at Ethical & Legal Background Checks for Private Clients

Introduction:When someone is facing criminal charges, the defense team needs more than just legal knowledge—they need facts, proof, and a clear understanding of what actually happened. That’s where private investigators come in.Private investigators play a behind-the-scenes but crucial role in criminal defense cases. They’re not just digging through old files or following people around—they’re helping defense attorneys build stronger cases, uncover inconsistencies, and make sure no detail gets overlooked.<h3>&nbsp; What Does a Private Investigator Do in a Criminal Defense Case?</h3> Let’s break it down. In criminal defense, a private investigator’s job is to find facts that support the defense. That could mean tracking down witnesses, finding surveillance footage, or even re-interviewing people the police already spoke to. Unlike law enforcement, private investigators work directly for the defense—and that changes everything. They’re not trying to prove guilt; they’re focused on finding the full story.&nbsp; Witness Interviews &amp; Background Checks One of the first things a defense investigator does is locate and interview witnesses. This might include people who weren’t talked to by police or who gave conflicting accounts. A skilled investigator knows how to approach these conversations with care, and more importantly, how to identify gaps or inconsistencies in their statements.Background checks are another essential tool. A witness may have a history that calls their credibility into question—previous charges, financial motivation, personal bias. A good private investigator will find out.&nbsp; Reviewing Evidence with Fresh Eyes A private investigator doesn’t take police reports at face value. They review every line, every timeline, and every claim. They’ll look at things like:Security footage from nearby locations that might have been missed Cell phone records that either support or contradict alibis Dispatch logs and body cam footage from responding officers It’s all about finding what wasn’t considered—or what was conveniently ignored.In some cases, law enforcement may have focused too quickly on one suspect and ignored other leads. A private investigator’s job is to revisit all of it with objectivity and detail.Visiting the Crime Scene Seeing a location firsthand can completely shift the understanding of a case. Can a witness really see that far in the dark? Was the line of sight blocked? Could a noise have been heard from a certain distance?PIs often visit the scene themselves or hire experts to help analyze it. This can include measuring distances, testing lighting conditions, or creating 3D reconstructions to support an alternate version of events.These findings aren’t just useful for attorneys—they can be powerful in court when presented visually to a judge or jury.Following the Digital Trail People leave digital footprints everywhere: texts, social media posts, photos, and timestamps. These days, a PI’s toolbox includes everything from metadata analysis to geolocation tracking.For example, if a key witness said they were home all night, but their phone pinged a cell tower across town? That could raise serious questions.And if someone posted something incriminating—or even something that proves the accused wasn’t at the scene—that’s huge. PIs who specialize in OSINT (open-source intelligence) can dig deeper into online platforms, forums, and even deleted content.&nbsp; Locating New Leads and Alternative Suspects Sometimes, the truth hasn’t come out because the right questions haven’t been asked. A good criminal defense investigator knows how to think outside the box. Maybe there’s another individual who had motive and opportunity but was never investigated. Maybe there’s a witness who never came forward out of fear.Private investigators know how to approach sensitive situations and build trust. The information they uncover could shift the entire direction of a case.&nbsp; Working as Part of the Defense Team Private investigators don’t work in isolation. They’re part of the team. That means ongoing communication with defense attorneys, paralegals, and expert witnesses. When an investigator is experienced in criminal defense work, they understand legal procedures, deadlines, and what holds up in court.They can also be called as expert witnesses themselves, testifying on how evidence was gathered and why certain findings matter.<h3>&nbsp; The Bottom Line: Private Investigators Can Make a Real Difference</h3> Criminal defense cases are high-stakes. Freedom, reputation, and future opportunities are all on the line. And while defense attorneys do incredible work in the courtroom, they can only fight with the facts they have.A private investigator helps uncover those facts—often the ones nobody else thought to look for.If you're handling a <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/investigations" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/investigations">criminal defense case</a> in New York City or Long Island and need support with witness interviews, digital evidence, or uncovering new leads, consider working with a licensed investigator who specializes in defense work. Getting answers isn’t optional—it’s essential.<a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us">Contact us today!</a>

How Private Investigators Assist in Criminal Defense Cases

Introduction:Finding someone who doesn’t want to be found—or who simply vanished from the grid—isn’t about luck or guesswork. It’s about strategy, technology, and experience. That’s where modern skip tracing comes in. Whether you're dealing with a legal matter, a personal search, or a financial issue, skip tracing is often the first—and most effective—step toward resolution.At Easton Secure Solutions, we specialize in locating individuals across New York and Long Island, using a blend of cutting-edge tools, real-world investigation, and good old-fashioned persistence. This isn’t the skip tracing you’ve seen in TV dramas—it’s smarter, legal, and built for 2025.<h2>&nbsp; What Is Skip Tracing?</h2> Skip tracing is a term used in the investigation world to describe the process of locating someone who has “skipped”—meaning they’ve left their last known address, stopped responding to calls or messages, and essentially become unreachable. This could be intentional (like avoiding a lawsuit or unpaid debt) or unintentional (losing touch with family or missing an important court date).A proper skip trace doesn’t just tell you where someone might be. It provides a verified location—and ideally, insight into how and why that person moved or changed their information.<h3>&nbsp; Who Uses Skip Tracing?</h3> Skip tracing isn’t just for bounty hunters or TV detectives. It’s a vital service used by:<ul><li>Law firms needing to locate defendants, witnesses, or heirs</li><li>Process servers who need accurate addresses to deliver legal documents</li><li>Landlords or property managers pursuing tenants who broke leases</li><li>Collection agencies trying to locate debtors</li><li>Individuals trying to find missing family, friends, or adoptees</li><li>Businesses conducting due diligence or identity verification</li></ul>The common thread? They all need accurate, legal, and timely information.<h3>&nbsp; Why Skip Tracing Has Evolved</h3> The biggest shift in skip tracing has come from how people live—and communicate—today. Most people no longer have landlines or keep the same address for long. Many don’t register cars in their name. Even fewer are listed in public directories. But what they do have are digital footprints.At Easton Secure Solutions, we take a modern approach to skip tracing by combining:<ul><li>Phone and email trace tools</li><li>Address history and utility records</li><li>Social media activity and online behavior analysis</li><li>Open-source intelligence (OSINT)</li><li>Proprietary databases licensed for investigative use</li><li>Facial recognition cross-checking (in select cases)</li></ul>This layered approach helps us separate fact from fiction. Anyone can type a name into a search engine—but we know where to look when that stops working.<h3>&nbsp; Why Work With a Licensed Private Investigator?</h3> Many skip tracing tools are restricted to professionals. In New York, for example, only licensed private investigators are authorized to access certain types of information. Using unlicensed or third-party data scrapers isn’t just risky—it can backfire, especially if the information is used in court or a legal dispute.Easton Secure Solutions is fully licensed and insured to operate in New York, and we follow the letter of the law. That means you get results you can use—confidentially and legally.<h3>&nbsp; What Makes a Successful Skip Trace?</h3> A successful skip trace doesn’t just end with a name and an address. It’s about confirming that the person is actually connected to that location. We verify patterns—utility usage, delivery logs, known associates, and even online habits—to ensure we’re not giving you outdated or misleading information.And just as important: we don’t rely on just one tool. We cross-reference everything.&nbsp; Common Situations Where We Help<ul><li>A law firm can’t locate a defendant to serve legal papers</li><li>A landlord is tracking down a former tenant for unpaid rent</li><li>An insurance company needs to verify someone’s identity</li><li>An adult adoptee wants to reconnect with a biological parent</li><li>A sibling wants to locate a family member who’s gone off-grid</li><li>A business is trying to verify a potential client’s background</li></ul>Every situation is different, but the goal is the same: locate the right person, the right way.<h3>&nbsp; Results You Can Trust</h3> Skip tracing is not about chasing ghosts—it’s about using every legal tool available to find someone with a high degree of certainty. When we deliver results, we do so with confidence, supported by verified data and careful research.We don’t guess. We don’t speculate. We give you real answers, fast.Ready to Find Someone? If you're looking to <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates">locate someone</a> in New York City or Long Island, don’t settle for guesswork or outdated search tactics. Let a professional, licensed investigator handle it—discreetly, legally, and efficiently.<a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us">Contact Easton Secure Solutions today </a>to discuss your case in confidence.

Modern Skip Tracing: How Private Investigators Locate People in a Digital World

Introduction:A lot of homeowners and small business owners turn to sites like Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, or Bark when they need to hire a pro—whether it’s for home repairs, renovations, or personal services. These platforms promise convenience, competitive quotes, and “vetted” professionals. Sounds like a win, right?But here’s the catch: behind the polished apps and glowing five-star reviews, scams are alive and well. As a private investigator, I’ve seen the damage these scams can cause—wasted money, stalled projects, and a whole lot of stress. My goal here is simple: show you the most common traps on these platforms and how a PI can help you avoid (or recover from) them.<h3>&nbsp; Why These Scams Keep Happening</h3> Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and Bark connect millions of users with service providers every year—from electricians and landscapers to tutors and personal trainers. But their size and ease-of-use also make them easy targets for scammers. Signing up as a “pro” is often quick, and oversight varies. That’s why search terms like “Thumbtack scams” or “HomeAdvisor fraud” keep trending—people are getting burned.There’s little transparency in how these platforms vet professionals. Some require background checks, others don’t. Some rely heavily on user reviews, which are easy to manipulate. And once money changes hands, these companies usually don’t step in to help. Their support teams aren’t built for investigation—they’re built for volume. If you’ve been scammed, the burden is often on you to resolve it.That’s where a PI comes in.&nbsp; 1. The Upfront Payment Trap What happens: A contractor asks for a large payment upfront—maybe 50% or more—before doing any real work. Once they get paid, they vanish or delay the project until you give up.<ul><li>Red flags: High-pressure for immediate payment, no detailed contract, no verifiable references.</li><li>How I help: I can run a background check, confirm licensing and business history, and spot any past complaints. If they’ve already disappeared, I can work to locate them and build a case for recovery. You'd be surprised how often these scams follow patterns that can be tracked.</li></ul>&nbsp; 2. Bait-and-Switch Pricing What happens: You get a low quote to start with, but once work begins, the price suddenly shoots up. They’ll blame surprise “issues” or material shortages. You either pay more or risk being left with a half-finished job.<ul><li>Red flags: Rock-bottom prices, no written scope of work, vague or changing communication.</li><li>How I help: I can dig into the contractor’s past, uncover similar complaints, and help document what’s happened if legal action is on the table. I also help clients understand if they’re being gaslit during negotiations—a tactic shady contractors often use to make you feel like you're the problem.</li></ul>&nbsp; 3. Fake Reviews and Profiles What happens: Scammers create brand-new profiles with fake names, stock photos, and glowing (usually fake) reviews. Once hired, they do poor-quality work—or nothing at all.<ul><li>Red flags: Generic praise in the reviews, a brand-new profile with no history, or resistance to meeting in person or hopping on a call.</li><li>How I help: I can verify the person’s identity, dig into their digital footprint, and confirm whether they’re a real professional or someone playing the system. If someone’s recycling business names or creating multiple aliases, I’ll find it.</li></ul>&nbsp; 4. The Ghosting Game What happens: You book someone through Thumbtack or Bark. They confirm the job. Then… nothing. They stop answering calls, ignore messages, and your deposit disappears with them.<ul><li>Red flags: Sudden silence after payment, shifting excuses, or last-minute emergencies that keep piling up.</li><li>How I help: I specialize in locating hard-to-find people. Whether you're trying to recover money or just get closure, I can track down the person and gather the evidence you need to move forward. If legal action is on the table, having proof they received payment and intentionally vanished is key.</li></ul><h3>&nbsp; How a Private Investigator Protects You</h3> Look—platforms like Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and Bark aren’t bad in and of themselves. They are actually very convenient and good. But like any tool, they can be misused. Scammers know how to work the system. As a licensed PI, I know how to investigate shady contractors, verify credentials, and dig up the real story behind five-star profiles and flashy sales pitches.At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we’ve helped clients all across New York and throughout the United States, avoid bad deals, recover losses, and hold scammers accountable. We don’t just offer background checks—we offer peace of mind, and real investigative support when things go south.Sometimes, our work helps clients decide whether to move forward with a contractor before they sign anything. Other times, we step in after damage has been done. Either way, you don’t have to go it alone.<h3>&nbsp; Tips to Protect Yourself Before You Hire</h3><ul><li>Go beyond the platform: Search the provider’s name on Google, add “scam” or “complaint,” and see what pops up.</li><li>Get everything in writing: A real pro won’t hesitate to give you a clear, written contract.</li><li>Start with something small: Test out a new pro before handing over a big job.</li><li>If it feels off, don’t ignore it: Trust your instincts. And if you’re not sure—call a PI. &nbsp;<h3>Don’t Let a Scammer Walk Away with Your Money</h3></li></ul>The rise in scams on Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and Bark doesn’t mean you have to avoid these platforms—it just means you need to be smart about using them. If you’ve already been scammed or something just doesn’t sit right, Easton Secure Solutions LLC is here to help. <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">We specialize in business background checks and identity verification</a>.Let’s get to the bottom of it—and help you get back on track.<a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us">Reach out for a confidential consultation today.</a>

Unveiling Common Scams on Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and Bark: Protect Yourself with a Private Investigator

Man, laptop and review in workplace together for teamwork, collaboration and partnership with strategy. Detective, technology and investigation for justice, corruption and crime with video evidence

Introduction: Hiring a private investigator isn’t something most people do every day. So when you find yourself needing one—whether it’s to track down a missing person, confirm someone’s identity, or dig into a situation that doesn’t sit right—it’s important to know what to look for. The right investigator can save you time, money, and stress. The wrong one? They could make things worse.Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing a PI in New York.<h3>&nbsp; 1. Make Sure They’re Licensed</h3> This one’s non-negotiable. In New York, private investigators are required to have a state-issued license. That license means they’ve gone through the proper channels, have some training under their belt, and (ideally) know what they’re doing.How do you check?<ul><li>Ask for their license number and look it up on the New York Department of State website.</li><li>Make sure it’s current—not expired or revoked.</li><li>Ask them about any complaints or disciplinary actions. A solid PI won’t get defensive—they’ll just give you the info.</li><li>If they’re not licensed, walk away. No matter how convincing they are.</li></ul><h3>&nbsp; 2. Find Someone Who Knows Your Type of Case</h3> Not all private investigators handle the same kinds of situations. Some focus on finding missing people or tracking down debtors (skip tracing), while others do more digital work like background checks, identity verification, or social media deep dives.Ask them straight up: “Have you worked on cases like mine before?”Here are a few examples of services some PIs specialize in:<ul><li>Skip tracing: Locating hard-to-find people—often used for legal cases or family matters.</li><li>Identity checks: Making sure someone is who they say they are (especially useful for online dating or business deals).</li><li>Surveillance: For catching infidelity, monitoring insurance fraud, or checking workplace misconduct.</li><li>OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence): Gathering digital clues from social media, online profiles, and public records.</li><li>Child custody investigations: Documenting situations that might affect a child’s safety or well-being.</li></ul>A good PI will walk you through how they approach these situations—not just give vague promises.<h3>&nbsp; 3. Check Reviews and See What Others Are Saying</h3> Just like you’d look up reviews before hiring a contractor or picking a restaurant, do the same for a private investigator.<ul><li>Start with Google and Yelp reviews.</li><li>Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.</li><li>See if they have testimonials on their website (bonus points if the feedback includes specific case types).</li></ul>No PI will have 100% glowing reviews, but if there’s a pattern of shady behavior, bad communication, or clients feeling ripped off, pay attention.<h3>&nbsp; 4. Ask About How They Work—And If It’s Legal</h3> This part is huge. Some investigators cut corners or offer to do things that are flat-out illegal. That might sound tempting if you're desperate, but it can backfire fast.Watch for red flags like:<ul><li>Offering to get DMV or credit info without authorization.</li><li>Hints at illegal surveillance or hacking.</li><li>Dodging questions about how they gather information.</li></ul>You want someone who plays by the rules and respects your privacy—and theirs.<h3>&nbsp; 5. See What Tools They’re Using</h3> Today’s investigations often involve more than just sitting in a car with binoculars. A sharp PI should be using up-to-date tools and software to get accurate info faster.Things like:<ul><li>Reliable databases for background checks.</li><li>Surveillance tech</li><li>Facial recognition tools and online search techniques.</li><li>Secure ways to deliver reports and evidence.</li></ul>If they’re still doing everything with pen and paper, or they won’t explain their tools at all, that’s a red flag.<h3>&nbsp; 6. Pay Attention to How They Communicate</h3> The best PIs are clear, professional, and responsive. From your first call or email, you should get a sense of how they handle business.They should:<ul><li>Be upfront about costs and timelines.</li><li>Give regular updates without you having to chase them.</li><li>Be easy to reach (or at least get back to you quickly).</li><li>Respect your confidentiality.</li></ul>If they’re vague, hard to reach, or their answers feel like sales talk—trust your gut.<h3>&nbsp; 7. Understand Their Pricing Structure</h3> Rates vary depending on what you need. Some work by the hour, others charge flat fees. More complex cases might require a retainer.Here’s a general breakdown:<ul><li>Hourly rates: Usually for surveillance or anything that takes time on the ground.</li><li>Flat fees: Common for things like background checks, skip tracing, or identity verification.</li><li>Retainers: Used when the scope is unclear or the case could take weeks or months.</li></ul>Always get a written quote and breakdown before signing anything.<h3>&nbsp; 8. Go Local If You Can</h3> Hiring someone who knows New York inside and out is a big plus. They’ll be familiar with:<ul><li>Local laws and what they can/can’t do here.</li><li>How to pull records from local agencies or courts.</li><li>Neighborhoods, transportation, and how people move around.</li></ul>That kind of local knowledge can make a big difference in how fast and effectively they work your case.<h3>&nbsp; 9. Look for Extra Credentials (Optional, but Nice)</h3> Some investigators go above the minimum requirements and get certified in things like:<ul><li>Digital forensics</li><li>Fraud investigations</li><li>Executive protection</li></ul> They might also be members of professional groups like:<ul><li>National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)</li><li>World Association of Detectives (WAD)</li></ul>These extras show they take their profession seriously and stay up to date.<h3>&nbsp; 10. Trust Your Gut</h3> At the end of the day, this is someone you’re trusting with sensitive, personal stuff. If anything feels off—whether it’s their attitude, lack of transparency, or how they handle your questions—it’s okay to move on and talk to someone else.You should feel confident and comfortable working with them.&nbsp; Final Thoughts Hiring a private investigator is a big decision. If you take your time, ask the right questions, and go with someone who’s licensed, experienced, and ethical, you’ll set yourself up for a better outcome.If you’re in New York City or Long Island and need help with <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates">skip tracing</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/surveillance" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/surveillance">surveillance</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">identity checks</a>, or other <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/investigations" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/investigations">investigative services</a>, Easton Secure Solutions LLC is here to help.No gimmicks. Just honest, professional work you can count on.<a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us">Reach out today</a> to see how we can help you get the answers you need.

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