How to Identify a Fraudulent Private Investigator: Red Flags to Watch For

Protecting Yourself from Scams in the NYC and Long Island PI Industry

Hiring a private investigator in New York City or Long Island is a major decision. Whether you're trying to confirm suspicions of infidelity, locate a missing person, or conduct a background check, the integrity and legitimacy of the investigator you choose matters.

Unfortunately, not all private investigators advertising in NYC or Long Island are legitimate. Some operate without proper licensing, make impossible promises, or even engage in illegal activities—putting your case, and you, at serious risk.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, a licensed and insured PI agency serving all five boroughs and both Nassau and Suffolk County, we’ve seen how fraudulent agencies operate. Here’s how to protect yourself and make sure you’re hiring a real professional, not a scammer.

 
1. A Valid PI License Is Required in New York—No Exceptions

In New York State, private investigators must be licensed by the Department of State. This law applies to anyone offering investigative services in New York City, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as across Long Island.

Unlicensed investigators often market themselves online using vague or misleading language. Some may claim they don’t need a license because they “work under the radar” or provide “consulting” services. In reality, anyone conducting investigations for hire in New York must hold a valid PI license.

✅ What to Do:
Use the NYS License Verification Tool to confirm whether the agency or investigator is legally authorized to operate in New York.

 
2. Watch Out for Overpromises and Unrealistic Guarantees

Some agencies in NYC and Long Island promise too much, too fast. If someone claims they can "guarantee results in 24 hours" or insists they can "find anyone in Queens with just a phone number," it’s time to be skeptical.

In reality, legitimate investigations—especially in busy areas like Manhattan or Brooklyn—take time, diligence, and legal compliance. No honest PI will guarantee results, because investigations often rely on cooperation, public records, and external timelines.

🚩 Watch Out For in NYC/LI Ads:

No verifiable contact information—no local phone number, no listed service areas, and only a vague web presence.
Vague language like “we can do it all” without describing specific services.
No mention of licensing, credentials, or legal compliance.

3. Illegal Services Are a Major Red Flag

Be wary of any PI offering to do things that seem shady, like placing a GPS tracker on someone’s car without permission or "hacking" into emails. In New York, these actions are illegal unless very specific, legal conditions are met—and even then, most require court orders or ownership of the property involved.

Some fraudulent agencies in Staten Island, Nassau County, or Bushwick may offer services like accessing DMV records or credit headers. In New York, this type of data is restricted and may only be accessed in legally permissible investigations, such as fraud cases or court-authorized skip tracing—not for casual personal inquiries.

✅ Licensed NY Investigators Will Never:

• Promise unrestricted access to DMV records or credit header data unless it's for a legally permissible investigation with proper documentation.
• Engage in digital account breaches or impersonation.
• Install tracking devices on vehicles they don’t legally control.
• Offer services like wiretapping or phone cloning, which are federal crimes.
   

  4. Look for a Real Local Presence in NYC or Long Island

Many scam operations hide behind websites that make them look bigger or more local than they are. A legitimate private investigator should list a service area, a verifiable New York State license, and a real phone number (not just a burner or virtual line).

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we proudly serve New York City and Long Island, including Astoria, Jamaica, Harlem, Flatbush, Patchogue, Huntington, and Hempstead. We don’t hide where we operate—and neither should any reputable agency.

✅ What to Look For:

Local area codes and location-specific services
Clear service region (boroughs, counties, or neighborhoods)
Registered business name and NYS license number
 

5. Reviews Matter—But Vet Them Carefully

Online reviews can help you gauge an agency’s credibility, especially for PI services in New York, where competition is high. But scammers often use fake reviews to build up a false reputation.

Stick to verified platforms like Google Business, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. Look for detailed reviews from clients based in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and other parts of NYC—not just vague five-star praise.

🔍 Pro Tip:
Search the agency name with terms like “scam,” “complaint,” or “lawsuit” plus your borough or town, e.g., “XYZ Investigations Bronx complaint” or “PI agency Long Island scam.”

 
6. Ask the Right Questions—Specific to Your Location

A real private investigator in NYC or Long Island will understand the legal and logistical landscape of the region. Whether it’s surveillance in Midtown, skip tracing in Nassau, or an OSINT check in Suffolk County, they should explain how they handle the work lawfully and effectively in your area.

✅ Ask These Questions:

• Are you licensed in New York State?
• Do you have experience in [my neighborhood or borough]?
• How do you ensure your work complies with NYS laws?
• Can I get a written agreement outlining the scope of work?
   

  7. Never Pay Without a Clear Agreement

Scam PI agencies often ask for large upfront payments without a contract. Some will promise updates that never come, or vanish after the first payment. This is especially common in high-demand areas like Queens, The Bronx, or Nassau County.

A real agency will provide a written service agreement detailing:

• What services are included
• How the information will be delivered
• Estimated timelines and billing terms

✅ Legitimate Investigators Provide:

• A formal written contract or retainer agreement
• Clear explanation of costs
• Cancellation policy
   

  8. Trust Your Instincts—And Use Local Knowledge

New Yorkers are sharp, but anyone can fall victim to a scam if the setup looks professional enough. If something feels off—if the PI pressures you, avoids your questions, or seems too eager to “bend the rules”—it’s likely a red flag.

Your case deserves professionalism, discretion, and legal safeguards. Whether you're in Harlem, Long Beach, Massapequa, or Bay Ridge, you should feel confident, not suspicious, when hiring a private investigator.

 
Choose a Trusted Local PI Agency
At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we’re committed to protecting clients across New York City and Long Island with transparent, lawful, and effective investigative services. We specialize in:

• Infidelity investigations
• Skip tracing and locate services
• Identity verification
• OSINT and social media checks
• We are licensed by New York State, fully insured, and proud to be a trusted name in the five boroughs and surrounding counties.

 
Contact Easton Secure Solutions LLC
Looking for a licensed, local, and ethical investigator in NYC or Long Island? Contact us for a confidential consultation today. We’re here to give you the answers you need—legally, professionally, and discreetly.