How to Choose a Licensed Private Investigator in New York

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.

 
1. Make Sure They’re Licensed

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?

• Ask for their license number and look it up on the New York Department of State website.
• Make sure it’s current—not expired or revoked.
• Ask them about any complaints or disciplinary actions. A solid PI won’t get defensive—they’ll just give you the info.
• If they’re not licensed, walk away. No matter how convincing they are.

 
2. Find Someone Who Knows Your Type of Case

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:

• Skip tracing: Locating hard-to-find people—often used for legal cases or family matters.
• Identity checks: Making sure someone is who they say they are (especially useful for online dating or business deals).
• Surveillance: For catching infidelity, monitoring insurance fraud, or checking workplace misconduct.
• OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence): Gathering digital clues from social media, online profiles, and public records.
• Child custody investigations: Documenting situations that might affect a child’s safety or well-being.

A good PI will walk you through how they approach these situations—not just give vague promises.

 
3. Check Reviews and See What Others Are Saying

Just like you’d look up reviews before hiring a contractor or picking a restaurant, do the same for a private investigator.

• Start with Google and Yelp reviews.
• Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
• See if they have testimonials on their website (bonus points if the feedback includes specific case types).

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.

 
4. Ask About How They Work—And If It’s Legal

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:

• Offering to get DMV or credit info without authorization.
• Hints at illegal surveillance or hacking.
• Dodging questions about how they gather information.

You want someone who plays by the rules and respects your privacy—and theirs.

 
5. See What Tools They’re Using

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:

• Reliable databases for background checks.
• Surveillance tech
• Facial recognition tools and online search techniques.
• Secure ways to deliver reports and evidence.

If they’re still doing everything with pen and paper, or they won’t explain their tools at all, that’s a red flag.

 
6. Pay Attention to How They Communicate

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:

• Be upfront about costs and timelines.
• Give regular updates without you having to chase them.
• Be easy to reach (or at least get back to you quickly).
• Respect your confidentiality.

If they’re vague, hard to reach, or their answers feel like sales talk—trust your gut.

 
7. Understand Their Pricing Structure

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:

• Hourly rates: Usually for surveillance or anything that takes time on the ground.
• Flat fees: Common for things like background checks, skip tracing, or identity verification.
• Retainers: Used when the scope is unclear or the case could take weeks or months.

Always get a written quote and breakdown before signing anything.

 
8. Go Local If You Can

Hiring someone who knows New York inside and out is a big plus. They’ll be familiar with:

• Local laws and what they can/can’t do here.
• How to pull records from local agencies or courts.
• Neighborhoods, transportation, and how people move around.

That kind of local knowledge can make a big difference in how fast and effectively they work your case.

 
9. Look for Extra Credentials (Optional, but Nice)

Some investigators go above the minimum requirements and get certified in things like:

• Digital forensics
• Fraud investigations
• Executive protection

They might also be members of professional groups like:

• National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
• World Association of Detectives (WAD)

These extras show they take their profession seriously and stay up to date.

 
10. Trust Your Gut

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.

 
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 skip tracing, surveillance, identity checks, or other investigative services, Easton Secure Solutions LLC is here to help.

No gimmicks. Just honest, professional work you can count on.

Reach out today to see how we can help you get the answers you need.