What Information Does a Private Investigator Need to Start a Case in New York?

If you're thinking about hiring a private investigator in New York, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:
“What do I need to give you to get started?”

The good news? You don’t need to have a full dossier or concrete proof in hand. In fact, many clients come to Easton Secure Solutions with only a name, a phone number, or even just a vague situation. That’s enough to begin.

Still, the more accurate and relevant information you can provide, the faster we can get results—and the more cost-effective the investigation becomes.

This blog will walk you through the basics of what information a PI typically needs to launch a case in New York, why certain data matters, and how we use it legally and strategically.

 
Why the Starting Information Matters

A licensed private investigator works by collecting, verifying, and analyzing data from legal sources. The information you share helps us:

• Define the scope of the case
• Choose the right tools and databases
• Develop a search strategy
• Avoid false leads or duplicate identities

Whether the case involves skip tracing, surveillance, fraud, or civil support, having a clear picture of your goals—and even just a few accurate data points—can dramatically improve the timeline and outcome.

 
Common Types of PI Cases in New York

Here at Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we routinely handle:

• Missing persons and skip tracing
• Child custody and cohabitation surveillance
• Fraud and identity verification
• Harassment or stalking investigations
• Civil dispute preparation (before you hire a lawyer)
• Contractor or vendor fraud
• Online impersonation and social media deception

Each case type requires slightly different starting info, which we’ll break down below.

 
1. Basic Identifying Details (If Available)
The most helpful pieces of information include:

• Full legal name (first, middle, last)
• Date of birth or estimated age range
• Last known address or city
• Phone numbers (active or disconnected)
• Email addresses (especially if used for communication)
• Known aliases, usernames, or nicknames

Even if some of this information is outdated, we can use it to cross-reference with verified databases and develop leads.

➡️ Explore our Skip Tracing Services

 
2. Descriptions of the Problem or Behavior
You don’t need legal jargon—just a clear, honest explanation of what you’re experiencing or suspect. We commonly hear things like:

• “My ex may be living with someone else but is denying it in court.”
• “A contractor took my money and disappeared.”
• “Someone is texting me from a number I don’t recognize and won’t stop.”
• “I think someone is using a fake identity online to scam people.”
• “I don’t know if I have a case yet, but I need to know what’s really going on.”

This gives us context, identifies potential laws or privacy boundaries, and helps us determine what’s legally allowable in terms of surveillance, data search, or direct contact.

 
3. Any Communications or Documentation You Have
If your case involves interaction—through text, email, apps, or contracts—please share those documents. They help us:

• Verify phone/email connections to the individual
• Identify digital behavior or clues (tone, grammar, style)
• Spot forged or questionable documents
• Confirm business fraud or impersonation

For example, in a contractor scam case, even a partial invoice or text exchange can give us critical identifiers like phone numbers, business names, and payment trails.

➡️ See how we handle Fraud Investigations

 
4. Social Media or Online Profiles
Social platforms are goldmines of investigative leads. If your case involves someone active online—or pretending to be someone else—links to the following can help:

• Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
• Dating apps or Craigslist ads
• Discord servers, Reddit handles, forums
• Online reviews or business listings

Even if the account is private or deleted, remnants of usernames, comments, and posts may still be traceable through OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) techniques.

➡️ Learn more about our Identity Verification Services

 
5. Photos, Videos, or Visual Records
While not required, providing a clear photo of the subject (or a vehicle, home, or workspace) can dramatically speed up results—especially in surveillance or verification cases. We use these for:

• Facial recognition (within legal bounds)
• Linking images to online profiles or metadata
• Confirming identities in person
• Identifying vehicles or property ownership
   
  6. Your Goals and Concerns
  The “why” behind your request matters just as much as the “who.” Let us know:
• Are you trying to locate someone for a legal case?
• Is the situation potentially criminal or civil?
• Are you considering hiring an attorney later?
• Do you want direct contact with the subject—or just confirmation?

Knowing your goals allows us to tailor the investigation—whether that means being discreet, preparing evidence for court, or offering consultation for next steps.

 
Real-World Example: Starting a Case With Just a Phone Number

A client in Queens reached out to us after receiving suspicious texts from an unfamiliar number referencing personal details. She didn’t recognize the name, had no address, and feared it might escalate.

With only the phone number and two screenshots, we:

Linked the number to a VOIP account tied to a known burner email
Identified a matching name in multiple scam complaints
Verified an IP trail that suggested connections to three similar harassment cases in the Bronx
Produced a report she used to file a police complaint—and protect her family
She originally thought it was “nothing”—but the case turned out to involve a broader scheme.

 
What If You Have Very Little Info?

That’s okay. Many cases begin with just a gut feeling, partial name, or suspicious interaction. We’re trained to build profiles from minimal input—and we’ll never pressure you to provide anything you don’t have.

 
Legal, Confidential, and Fully Licensed in New York

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we understand how delicate some of these situations can be. We’re fully licensed in the state of New York and operate within all local and federal privacy laws. Your case and your identity remain confidential at all times.

Our starting services include:

✅ Basic Locate/Identity Check – $199
✅ Enhanced Verification + OSINT Report
✅ Surveillance and Asset Verification (quoted after review)

We proudly serve New York City and Long Island with investigations grounded in truth, legality, and client trust.

 
Contact Us Today to Start Your Investigation
Whether you have a full file or just a single clue, we’re ready to help you take the next step—with clarity, discretion, and purpose.

📞 Call now: (516) 962-1267
📧 Email: [email protected]
➡️ Visit our Contact Page or Identity Verification Services

 
Before you take legal action—or if you’re not sure what to do next—get the facts first. Let a licensed PI in New York uncover the truth.