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When someone claims they’re broke—but you know better—it’s frustrating, especially in divorce, business breakups, or personal debt situations. Maybe your ex suddenly has no income. A contractor you’re suing says they own nothing. A former business partner moved money “off the books.”If you're dealing with someone hiding their wealth, a private investigator can help uncover assets they don't want you—or the court—to find.At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we work directly with individuals—not just attorneys—to locate hidden assets, expose financial deception, and document the evidence needed to support your civil claim. Whether you’re mid-divorce or considering a lawsuit, this guide will explain how real investigations bring hidden information to light.<h3>&nbsp; The Problem With “I Don’t Have Anything”</h3> In civil disputes, money matters. If you're going to sue someone—or split marital assets—you want to know what’s actually on the table. But many people:<ul><li>Underreport income</li><li>Transfer assets to relatives</li><li>“Sell” property to friends temporarily</li><li>Use digital wallets, crypto, or shell LLCs</li><li>Hide ownership behind straw buyers</li></ul>These tactics are used to avoid alimony, child support, court-ordered judgments, or debt repayment. In divorce, it’s especially common for one party to suddenly “go broke” just before filing.Google won’t reveal this. Neither will people search sites. But a licensed private investigator can find the trail—even if it’s buried beneath layers of deception.<h3>&nbsp; When to Suspect Asset Hiding</h3> Not sure if someone is hiding something? Here are red flags we often see in New York-based civil and divorce cases:<ul><li>Sudden financial hardship that doesn’t align with lifestyle</li><li>Use of cash-heavy businesses or multiple bank accounts</li><li>“Loans” or transfers to relatives with no repayment</li><li>Unreported vehicles or real estate</li><li>Inconsistent income on court paperwork</li><li>Claims of job loss while still living comfortably</li><li>Delayed or stopped payments during pending litigation</li></ul>If this sounds familiar, you may be right to suspect asset concealment.<h2>&nbsp; How a Private Investigator Locates Hidden Assets</h2> Our asset investigations are comprehensive, legal, and confidential. While we don’t access bank account balances or credit reports without a court order, there’s still a lot we can uncover.Here’s how we do it:&nbsp; 1. Public Record Searches and Property Scans Many people forget how much real estate and property ownership is public record. We check:<ul><li>Deeds and title records</li><li>Property transfers between family or shell companies</li><li>Co-owned or jointly titled properties</li><li>Multiple addresses linked to the subject<ul><li>Even if a home is held under a spouse’s or friend’s name, we can find associations—like overlapping utility accounts, recent transfers, or known aliases.</li></ul></li></ul>&nbsp; 2. Vehicle and Asset Tracking In divorce and civil disputes, vehicles and toys (boats, RVs, luxury motorcycles) are often hidden. We help uncover:<ul><li>Unregistered or recently transferred vehicles</li><li>Cars under LLCs or third-party names</li><li>Leased assets paid through business expenses</li><li>Evidence of hidden assets via online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, etc.)</li></ul>We also document lifestyle spending—a person claiming poverty shouldn’t be posting new jet ski photos or Instagram reels from luxury hotels.&nbsp; 3. Business Affiliations and LLC Research Some people funnel income through a business they claim is inactive or “not really profitable.” We uncover:<ul><li>Business ownership and partnerships (even silent ones)</li><li>LLCs and shell corporations tied to the person</li><li>Employer payment structures or 1099 side jobs</li><li>High-cash-flow industries (construction, landscaping, consulting, etc.)</li></ul>We also look into DBAs and fictitious business names often used to keep payments under the radar.&nbsp; 4. Digital and Social Media Footprint (OSINT) We conduct extensive OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) to scan:Online purchases or sales Public photos showing lifestyle contradictions Travel, events, and luxury items Business promotions not disclosed in court Friends or associates linked to hidden resources Social media is often where people slip up—and we’re trained to extract, document, and match posts to real-world behavior.&nbsp; 5. Witness Development and Lifestyle Checks If needed, we can discreetly:<ul><li>Contact neighbors, associates, or co-workers (within legal boundaries)</li><li>Conduct lifestyle surveillance to verify location and spending</li><li>Monitor behavior to see if someone is working while claiming they’re not</li><li>Confirm whether children are actually being supported as claimed</li></ul>When appropriate, we can prepare witness statements or documented summaries that assist your legal team—or give you leverage during negotiation.<h3>&nbsp; Real Case Example: Hidden Real Estate in a Long Island Divorce</h3> A client in Nassau County believed her husband had hidden a rental property before filing for divorce. He claimed he had no assets besides their main home.We discovered:<ul><li>A rental duplex titled to a newly created LLC</li><li>Lease agreements using a friend as the front</li><li>Utility and tax payments still traced to the husband</li><li>Rent payments collected in cash via Venmo</li></ul>With our report in hand, her attorney filed a motion to include the rental property in equitable distribution. Without the investigation, it would’ve stayed hidden.<h3>&nbsp; What You Can Do With This Information</h3> Once we complete the investigation, we provide a full written report, photos, documentation, and records that are legally sourced and usable in court.You can then:<ul><li>Bring this to your divorce or civil attorney</li><li>Use it to amend a financial disclosure</li><li>File for discovery or legal remedies</li><li>Leverage the information for a fair settlement</li><li>Report intentional deception or fraud</li></ul>We don’t give legal advice—but we give you what most attorneys wish they had from the start: hard evidence.<h3>&nbsp; Can I Hire You Without a Lawyer?</h3> Yes—many of our clients come to us before retaining an attorney. In fact, some use our findings to:<ul><li>Decide whether hiring a lawyer is even worth it</li><li>Strengthen a demand letter or settlement negotiation</li><li>Prepare for mediation or small claims court</li><li>Get peace of mind without escalating things prematurely</li></ul>You don’t need a legal case open to investigate assets. You just need a reason—and we handle the rest confidentially.<h3>&nbsp; How Much Does It Cost?</h3> Every case is different, but here’s a typical breakdown:<ul><li>Basic Asset Scan (public records &amp; known affiliations): $199–$399</li><li>Full Asset &amp; Lifestyle Report (with OSINT &amp; verification): Starting at $599</li><li>Surveillance or additional scope: Quoted by case</li></ul>We always provide a clear scope of work before we begin, and you’ll never pay for services you don’t need.<h3>&nbsp; Serving New York City and Long Island</h3> Easton Secure Solutions LLC is fully licensed in New York. We serve clients across:<ul><li>Manhattan</li><li>Brooklyn</li><li>Queens &amp; Bronx</li><li>Nassau &amp; Suffolk Counties</li><li>Staten Island</li><li>New York State (by request)</li></ul> Whether you’re planning for divorce, chasing a judgment, or just want to confirm the truth before it’s too late—we can help.&nbsp; Let’s Uncover the Truth If you suspect someone is hiding assets, don’t wait until it’s too late. Once property is sold or money is transferred, getting it back can be nearly impossible. We help you act early—and act smart.📞 Call today: (516) 962-1267 📧 Email: eastonpro@eastonsecuresolutions.com ➡️ Learn More About <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/">Our Services </a>| Submit a <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/client-intake" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/client-intake">Confidential Case Review</a>&nbsp; People can hide things. But they can’t hide forever. Let us help you find what matters.

How Private Investigators Uncover Hidden Assets in Divorce and Civil Disputes

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In today’s digital age, it’s easy to assume that Google can uncover just about anything. Type in a name, phone number, or email, and within seconds you have access to pages of results. Add in people search sites like Spokeo, BeenVerified, or TruthFinder, and you might think you’re getting the full picture.But here’s the truth: If you’re dealing with a serious issue—whether it’s fraud, a missing person, harassment, or civil litigation—Google and people search sites are not enough.In fact, relying on them alone can mislead you, waste valuable time, and potentially even make things worse.This is where a licensed private investigator comes in. At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we go far beyond surface-level search tools to legally, ethically, and effectively uncover information that actually holds up in real-world scenarios—from court cases to crisis intervention.Let’s explore what these popular online tools really offer, where they fall short, and why working with a professional PI gives you more accuracy, depth, and actionable results.<h3>What You’re Really Getting From Google and People Search Sites</h3> Let’s start by breaking down what these tools do offer.Google, at its core, is a search engine. It crawls public-facing web content—news, websites, blogs, social media, and public records indexed by search engines. It’s a great starting point, but it’s inherently limited by:<ul><li>Privacy restrictions</li><li>SEO manipulation (irrelevant or misleading results)</li><li>Deleted or outdated pages</li><li>Noise from unrelated individuals with the same name</li></ul>People search websites often promise more: “background checks,” “criminal records,” “addresses,” and more. But most of what they deliver includes:<ul><li>Old address history</li><li>Possible relatives or associates</li><li>Phone numbers (often outdated or inactive)</li><li>Social media handles</li><li>Bankruptcies or property records—if available</li></ul>This information is frequently outdated, incomplete, or pulled from third-party public records. Worse, many sites piece together profiles from broad guesses, leading to false positives or mismatches—especially in New York where common names are abundant.<h3>Why Google and Search Sites Fail in Serious Situations</h3> If you’re just curious about a long-lost classmate or want to confirm if someone exists, Google and data broker sites might do the trick.But if your concern is serious—like:<ul><li>Tracking a person who owes money or disappeared</li><li>Verifying if someone is using a fake identity</li><li>Investigating harassment, stalking, or fraud</li><li>Preparing for a legal dispute or child custody case</li><li>Identifying someone involved in a real-world scam</li></ul>…then these platforms are woefully inadequate.Here’s why:1. They Can’t Verify Identities People search engines don’t actually verify anything. They rely on databases that may be outdated by months or years.If someone is using an alias, burner phone, or fake online persona, these platforms can’t:<ul><li>Confirm who’s really behind a number or email</li><li>Cross-reference information across multiple identifiers</li><li>Distinguish between two people with the same name in the same city</li><li>Spot manipulation or identify connected digital profiles</li></ul>A licensed PI uses verified data sources and investigative techniques to connect the dots and legally confirm identities.➡️ See our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">Identity Verification Services</a>2. They Don’t Provide Court-Usable Evidence Even if you uncover some information through a people search website, you’re not getting anything that’s documented, sourced, or admissible in court.Attorneys, police, and courts often disregard reports from these platforms because they:<ul><li>Lack proper sourcing</li><li>Are unverified</li><li>Can’t be authenticated under legal scrutiny</li></ul>A professional PI provides documented, timestamped, and verifiable reports that you can use in legal, civil, or administrative actions.➡️ Need to Build a Case Before Hiring a Lawyer? <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/client-intake" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/client-intake">Start Here</a>3. They Can’t Investigate Real-Time Behavior Online tools have no way of showing you what someone is doing right now. That matters if you’re:<ul><li>Trying to prove someone is cohabitating</li><li>Verifying employment or income status</li><li>Monitoring a suspected fraudster</li><li>Confirming whether someone really moved out</li></ul>At Easton Secure Solutions, we conduct legal surveillance, OSINT sweeps, and asset verification in real time—something no website can offer.4. They Don’t Catch Deception or Fraud Scammers, abusers, and deceptive individuals know how to hide in plain sight. They:<ul><li>Use fake names or alternate spellings</li><li>Reroute phones through VOIP</li><li>Create social media under false pretenses</li><li>Pose as business owners, professionals, or even romantic partners</li></ul>These tactics work because search sites and basic online lookups don’t have the tools to cut through deception.A private investigator does.We use:<ul><li>Verified proprietary data tools</li><li>Reverse engineering of contact details</li><li>OSINT-based social media analysis</li><li>Facial recognition tools (legally compliant)</li><li>Professional intuition developed from years in the field</li></ul>5. They Don’t Help You Take Action Even if a search tool gives you a hint, you’re still stuck trying to figure out the next move. Do you:<ul><li>Call the number and risk tipping someone off?</li><li>Try to confront them with sketchy evidence?</li><li>Report them without full confirmation?</li><li>Guess your way through legal paperwork?</li></ul>Working with a private investigator changes everything. We don’t just uncover data—we help you understand what it means and what to do with it.<h3>Real Case Example: When Google Got It Wrong</h3> A Brooklyn client contacted us after sending $1,000 via cashapp for a vintage watch from a seller on Facebook Marketplace. The seller deleted their profile and vanished.The client had already tried:<ul><li>Searching the phone number (no results)</li><li>Running the email through BeenVerified</li><li>Searching the name on Google (found multiple matches, none helpful)</li></ul>We traced the cashapp username to a VOIP number used in two other fraud complaints and linked it to an active utility record in Queens. Surveillance confirmed the individual had a history of marketplace scams. Our findings were packaged and submitted to law enforcement, and the client was able to file a fraud complaint backed by real evidence.Google couldn’t deliver answers—but a licensed PI could.<h3>Here’s What a Real Investigation Can Reveal</h3> When you work with Easton Secure Solutions, you’re not relying on guesses. We provide:✅ Verified name, DOB, and current address ✅ Employment or income confirmation (when legally accessible) ✅ Social media accounts connected by usage patterns ✅ Surveillance documentation ✅ Contact with witnesses or neighbors (when appropriate) ✅ Assets, properties, and business affiliations ✅ Fraud or scam patterns linked to online behavior ✅ Court-ready documentation of findingsAll of it is obtained legally, discreetly, and in accordance with New York State law.<h3>What We Need to Start</h3> Even if you’ve hit a wall with online searches, we can often start with just:<ul><li>A phone number or email</li><li>A photo or social media handle</li><li>A brief description of the situation</li><li>Payment history or text/email exchanges</li><li>Your goal (locate, verify, document, serve, etc.)</li></ul>You don’t need a full file—we build the case from what you do have.<ul><li>Costs and Options<ul><li>Basic Identity Verification: $199</li><li>OSINT + Profile Development: Starting at $399</li><li>Surveillance or Deep Background Investigations: Quoted per case</li><li>Fraud Reports / Legal Documentation: Available upon request</li></ul></li></ul>We serve New York City, Long Island, and surrounding areas, and we never take shortcuts or use gray-area tactics.Stop Guessing. Start Investigating. At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we bridge the gap between “something’s not right” and real answers backed by evidence. Whether it’s a person who’s vanished, an ex hiding assets, or a scammer causing real-world harm, we bring clarity to complex situations where search engines fall short.📞 Call now: (516) 962-1267 📧 Email: eastonpro@eastonsecuresolutions.com ➡️ Visit Our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/">Website</a> | <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/client-intake" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/client-intake">Submit a Case Now</a>When Google Fails, We Don’t If you’ve searched, clicked, and scrolled but still don’t have the answers you need, it’s time for real investigation. Let us get you the truth—legally, confidentially, and efficiently.

When Google Isn’t Enough: What a Real Investigation Reveals That People Search Sites Can’t

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Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Letgo make it easy to buy and sell just about anything—from furniture and electronics to used cars and rental properties. But with that convenience comes a darker side: scammers and fraudsters hiding behind fake profiles, burner numbers, and deceptive listings.Every week, people fall victim to online marketplace scams. Maybe you paid for an item that never arrived, met someone for a deal that turned out to be bait-and-switch, or discovered too late that the seller’s identity was completely fake.The big question becomes: Is there anything you can actually do about it?If you’ve been scammed—or suspect you're being set up—a licensed private investigator can help. We specialize in uncovering the real person behind shady transactions, identifying fraudulent behavior, and helping victims take legal or civil action.Let’s break down how these scams happen, why they’re so hard to trace on your own, and exactly how a PI can step in.<h3>Common Types of Online Marketplace Scams</h3> Online scams can vary depending on the platform and the scammer’s strategy. Here are the most frequent ones we encounter:1. The “Item Never Delivered” Scam You agree to buy a product, send payment through Zelle, CashApp, or Venmo—and then silence. The seller blocks you or deletes their account.2. The Overpayment Scam A “buyer” sends you a fake check for more than the item’s price, asking you to send the difference. Days later, the check bounces and you’re on the hook.3. Rental or Property Scams A too-good-to-be-true apartment is listed. You’re asked to wire a deposit before seeing it in person. Turns out, the listing was stolen from a legitimate rental site.4. Fake Product Listings Luxury watches, phones, or event tickets are listed at a discount. You pay, and what arrives (if anything) is fake, broken, or not as described.5. Marketplace Impersonation Someone uses a stolen identity or sets up a burner profile, pretending to be a trusted seller. Often combined with location spoofing or stolen photos to build trust.Scammers thrive because they rely on anonymity. But that’s where a professional investigator can make a difference.<h3>Why It’s So Hard to Solve on Your Own</h3> Even tech-savvy buyers hit roadblocks when trying to investigate scams themselves. Why?<ul><li>Phone numbers are often VOIP or prepaid burners</li><li>Emails may be tied to throwaway accounts or encrypted services</li><li>Social media profiles are fake, stolen, or quickly deleted</li><li>Payment apps offer limited recourse once a transaction is “complete”</li><li>Law enforcement may not prioritize the case unless the dollar amount is high or there's a pattern of fraud</li></ul>When you’ve only got a name, a phone number, or a profile picture, it may feel impossible to get justice.That’s when people turn to us at Easton Secure Solutions LLC—to take the investigation deeper than Google or people search websites ever could.<h3>How a Private Investigator Tracks Down Marketplace Scammers</h3> Here’s how we approach online scam investigations using legal, verified methods:1. Reverse Tracing Contact Information Even if the scammer used a burner phone or email, there’s often a trail left behind. We analyze:<ul><li>Phone numbers (even disconnected or VOIP)</li><li>Email addresses linked to marketplaces, payment apps, or classified ad sites</li><li>CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle usernames and transaction patterns</li></ul>Using proprietary databases, we cross-reference this info with credit header data, utility records, and device usage patterns to help identify the person behind the transaction.➡️ Explore our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">Identity Verification Services</a>2. Image and Profile Analysis Scammers often reuse the same photos, listings, or profile info across platforms.We use:<ul><li>Reverse image search to detect stolen property photos</li><li>Metadata analysis (when available) to trace image sources</li><li>Username history tools to check for pattern behavior</li><li>Marketplace history searches to see if this person has scammed others</li></ul>In many cases, we can tie the activity to a known scam ring or repeat offender.3. OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) Investigation Our investigators comb through public and semi-public digital records to build a full profile, including:<ul><li>Social media activity</li><li>Past posts on forums or niche selling sites</li><li>Craigslist and Facebook groups</li><li>Online reviews, reports, or complaints against the seller</li></ul>This allows us to build a timeline and behavior pattern, critical for confirming fraud and preparing documentation for legal action.➡️ Learn how <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/osint" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/osint">OSINT</a> strengthens our investigations4. Real-Time Surveillance or Verification (When Local) If the scammer is local and you’re planning to confront them or retrieve the property, we can perform:<ul><li>In-person surveillance to confirm location or identity</li><li>Sting-style verification (if legally applicable) to document false claims</li><li>Contact with witnesses, neighbors, or known associates if necessary</li></ul>We always remain compliant with New York state laws and never use pretexting, hacking, or any illegal tactics.<h3>Real Case Example: Facebook Marketplace Car Scam</h3> A client in Nassau County paid $2,500 for a used car listed on Facebook Marketplace. The seller insisted on Zelle payment and claimed the vehicle would be delivered within 24 hours. It never came.After the seller stopped responding, the client tried reporting it to Facebook and Zelle—but neither offered real help.We stepped in.<ul><li>Using the Zelle ID, phone number, and Facebook profile, we identified:</li><li>A connection to a prior Facebook scam account from Queens</li><li>A second CashApp linked to the same phone used in another recent complaint</li><li>Utility records confirming the scammer’s residence in Jamaica, NY</li></ul>The client submitted our findings to the NYPD along with a complaint to the state Attorney General. Within weeks, the scammer was linked to several other reports and criminal charges were filed.<h3>When Can You Take Legal or Civil Action?</h3> If we identify the person responsible and confirm fraudulent behavior, your options open up:<ul><li>File a police report with supporting documentation</li><li>Submit a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office (NYS)</li><li>Sue in small claims court to recover your money</li><li>Alert the payment platform with verified evidence to potentially reverse the charge</li><li>Warn others via Better Business Bureau or scam-tracking databases</li></ul>You don’t need to let it go. A private investigator gives you the tools to fight back with facts.<h3>What You Need to Start the Case</h3> You don’t need a full profile or deep background check. Most of our cases start with:<ul><li>The phone number or email used in the deal</li><li>Screenshots of messages, listings, or transactions</li><li>Profile names, handles, or links from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp</li><li>CashApp/Zelle/Venmo usernames or payment receipts</li><li>A short explanation of what happened</li></ul>Once we review the materials, we’ll suggest the best approach and provide a clear quote for the investigation.<h3>How Much Does It Cost to Investigate a Marketplace Scam?</h3><ul><li>Basic Identity Verification: $199</li><li>Full Marketplace Fraud Investigation: Custom-quoted after review (often $399–$1,500 range depending on depth)</li><li>Court-Ready Report with Evidence Package: Optional add-on available</li></ul>We tailor every case based on how much information you already have and how far you want to go with recovery.Serving in person within NYC and Long Island — Licensed, Discreet, and Results-Driven. Remote services available Nationwide. At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we’re based in New York and serve clients across Long Island, the five boroughs, and surrounding counties. Our team is licensed, ethical, and focused on results.We specialize in:✅ Fraud investigations ✅ Online impersonation and scams ✅ Skip tracing and identity verification ✅ Pre/Post-court evidence gathering📞 Call today: (516) 962-1267 📧 Email: eastonpro@eastonsecuresolutions.com ➡️ Visit our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/client-intake" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/client-intake">Client Intake Page</a> to start now.You Don’t Have to Accept Being Scammed If you’ve been taken advantage of on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or another platform—don’t give up. Even when the trail seems cold, a licensed PI can uncover the facts, find the scammer, and give you the documentation to hold them accountable.Let us do what Google can’t. Get your answers—and your power—back.

Can a Private Investigator Help With Online Marketplace Scams?

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.<h3>&nbsp; Why the Starting Information Matters</h3> A licensed private investigator works by collecting, verifying, and analyzing data from legal sources. The information you share helps us:<ul><li>Define the scope of the case</li><li>Choose the right tools and databases</li><li>Develop a search strategy</li><li>Avoid false leads or duplicate identities</li></ul>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.<h3>&nbsp; Common Types of PI Cases in New York</h3> Here at Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we routinely handle:<ul><li>Missing persons and skip tracing</li><li>Child custody and cohabitation surveillance</li><li>Fraud and identity verification</li><li>Harassment or stalking investigations</li><li>Civil dispute preparation (before you hire a lawyer)</li><li>Contractor or vendor fraud</li><li>Online impersonation and social media deception</li></ul>Each case type requires slightly different starting info, which we’ll break down below.&nbsp; 1. Basic Identifying Details (If Available) The most helpful pieces of information include:<ul><li>Full legal name (first, middle, last)</li><li>Date of birth or estimated age range</li><li>Last known address or city</li><li>Phone numbers (active or disconnected)</li><li>Email addresses (especially if used for communication)</li><li>Known aliases, usernames, or nicknames</li></ul>Even if some of this information is outdated, we can use it to cross-reference with verified databases and develop leads.➡️ Explore our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates">Skip Tracing Services</a>&nbsp; 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:<ul><li>“My ex may be living with someone else but is denying it in court.”</li><li>“A contractor took my money and disappeared.”</li><li>“Someone is texting me from a number I don’t recognize and won’t stop.”</li><li>“I think someone is using a fake identity online to scam people.”</li><li>“I don’t know if I have a case yet, but I need to know what’s really going on.”</li></ul>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.&nbsp; 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:<ul><li>Verify phone/email connections to the individual</li><li>Identify digital behavior or clues (tone, grammar, style)</li><li>Spot forged or questionable documents</li><li>Confirm business fraud or impersonation</li></ul>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 <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/investigations" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/investigations">Fraud Investigations</a>&nbsp; 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:<ul><li>Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok</li><li>Dating apps or Craigslist ads</li><li>Discord servers, Reddit handles, forums</li><li>Online reviews or business listings</li></ul>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 <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">Identity Verification Services</a>&nbsp; 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:<ul><li>Facial recognition (within legal bounds)</li><li>Linking images to online profiles or metadata</li><li>Confirming identities in person</li><li>Identifying vehicles or property ownership &nbsp; 6. Your Goals and Concerns The “why” behind your request matters just as much as the “who.” Let us know:</li><li>Are you trying to locate someone for a legal case?</li><li>Is the situation potentially criminal or civil?</li><li>Are you considering hiring an attorney later?</li><li>Do you want direct contact with the subject—or just confirmation?</li></ul>Knowing your goals allows us to tailor the investigation—whether that means being discreet, preparing evidence for court, or offering consultation for next steps.<h3>&nbsp; Real-World Example: Starting a Case With Just a Phone Number</h3> 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.&nbsp; 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.<h3>&nbsp; Legal, Confidential, and Fully Licensed in New York</h3> 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.&nbsp; 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: eastonpro@eastonsecuresolutions.com ➡️ Visit our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/contact-us">Contact Page</a> or <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">Identity Verification Services</a>&nbsp; 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.

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

Young man in a uniform installing new window blinds

Hiring a contractor should be a sign that things are moving forward—whether you’re renovating a home, improving your business, or investing in professional services. But when a contractor disappears mid-job, takes your money without delivering, or gives you nothing but excuses, that excitement quickly turns into frustration.Worse yet, many people assume there’s nothing they can do except “chalk it up” to experience.But here’s the truth: A licensed private investigator can help track down fraudulent contractors, document the misconduct, and build the case you need to pursue legal, civil, or even criminal remedies.<h3>&nbsp; The Rise of Contractor Fraud — And Why It’s Hard to Handle Alone</h3> Contractor and service provider fraud is on the rise, especially in high-demand areas like New York City and Long Island. From fake license numbers to shell companies and cash-only scams, bad actors often target:<ul><li>Homeowners needing urgent repairs (roof, plumbing, mold)</li><li>Landlords seeking cheap renovations or evictions</li><li>Elderly clients with little tech-savviness</li><li>Business owners outsourcing critical services like IT or marketing</li></ul>Victims often find themselves with:<ul><li>A large deposit paid—and no work started</li><li>Shoddy, unfinished work that’s now a safety or liability concern</li><li>No way to locate or contact the person again</li></ul>That’s where hiring a PI makes a real difference.<h3>&nbsp; What a Private Investigator Can Do in Contractor Fraud Cases</h3> At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we regularly assist victims of contractor scams by uncovering who’s really behind the business, tracking them down, and gathering evidence to assist with court filings, small claims, or criminal complaints.Here’s how we help:&nbsp; 1. Identify and Locate the Individual Behind the Business Many fraudulent contractors work under:<ul><li>Fake business names or dissolved LLCs</li><li>Nicknames or partial identities</li><li>Unlicensed operations using another person's credentials</li></ul>We perform skip tracing to verify who’s truly behind the contract. This includes:<ul><li>Tying phone numbers and emails to real individuals</li><li>Finding residential addresses and current employers</li><li>Checking licensing boards, court filings, and utility data</li></ul>This step is crucial if you plan to serve papers, file a lien, or recover damages.➡️ Explore our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates">Skip Tracing Services</a>&nbsp; 2. Verify Business Registration and Licensing Contractors may claim to be “licensed and insured,” but many:<ul><li>Use someone else’s license</li><li>Operate under expired or fake credentials</li><li>Register under a different name to avoid lawsuits We check:</li><li>New York and national contractor license databases</li><li>Business registration records (LLC/DBA)</li><li>Historical addresses and business ownership transfers</li><li>Civil complaints or violations</li></ul>In some cases, the fraud extends beyond your project—indicating a pattern of misconduct useful in both criminal and civil court.&nbsp; 3. Collect Evidence for Civil or Criminal Action If you want to pursue a lawsuit or criminal charges, you’ll need proof. We help gather:<ul><li>Screenshots of texts, emails, and online ads</li><li>Bank records tied to deposits or payments</li><li>Surveillance (when necessary) to prove activity</li><li>Witness statements or subcontractor interviews</li><li>Past victim reports or related complaints</li></ul>This allows you to walk into court prepared—or submit a police report with all supporting documentation.<h3>&nbsp; Real Case Example: Fraudulent “Roofing Contractor” Tracked to New Jersey</h3> A Long Island homeowner contacted us after paying $5,500 to a man claiming to be a licensed roofer. He started the job, tore off old shingles, then vanished—leaving the home exposed to weather and unsafe.The name on the invoice didn’t match any business on file in New York. The phone number had been disconnected. She tried a people search website but got nowhere.We conducted a full skip trace, linked the contractor’s phone to a burner email, and identified his real name via an old utility record. We tracked him to a new address in New Jersey, confirmed three prior small claims suits in different counties, and documented recent Facebook Marketplace ads promoting roofing services under a new alias.Our findings helped the client file a small claims suit and submit a formal fraud complaint with the New York Attorney General.<h3>&nbsp; Why Hiring a PI Matters in These Cases</h3> Many victims assume that small claims court or the police will handle everything—but that’s not always the case.Law enforcement typically won’t act unless:<ul><li>A clear pattern of fraud is proven</li><li>The individual is identified and located</li><li>Losses exceed a certain amount (varies by jurisdiction)</li></ul>Civil lawyers won’t move forward without:<ul><li>Verified identity of the party being sued</li><li>Accurate service address for legal documents</li><li>Evidence of the fraud or breach of contract</li></ul>By hiring a PI first, you’re preparing both pathways—civil and criminal—with the information they need to act.<h3>&nbsp; What We Need to Start a Contractor Fraud Case</h3>To get started, we usually only need:<ul><li>Name of the individual or business (even partial)</li><li>Phone number or email used in communication</li><li>Invoice, quote, or text/email conversation</li><li>Description of the agreement and what went wrong</li></ul>From there, we attempt to verify the subject’s identity, locate them, and document findings in a clear report you can submit to:<ul><li>Small claims court</li><li>Your attorney</li><li>Local law enforcement or licensing boards</li></ul>Basic Identity Verification Investigations start at $199, available in New York State and Nationwide and we offer customized pricing depending on the depth of the case.<h3>Who We Help</h3>We’ve helped:<ul><li>Homeowners defrauded by unlicensed contractors</li><li>Landlords left with half-finished or dangerous renovations</li><li>Small business owners scammed by ghost IT or design vendors</li><li>Elderly victims tricked into paying upfront for repairs that never came</li><li>Property managers dealing with vendor impersonation or bounced checks</li></ul>In all cases, our goal is simple: Identify, locate, and document the individual responsible so that you can take the next legal step.<h2>&nbsp; Serving NYC and Long Island — Licensed and Experienced</h2> At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we serve clients across New York City and Long Island who have been victims of contractor fraud and deceptive service providers. As a New York-licensed private investigator, we know how to track down the people who don’t want to be found—and help our clients seek restitution and justice.📞 Call us now: (516) 962-1267 📧 Email: <a href="mailto:eastonpro@eastonsecuresolutions.com">eastonpro@eastonsecuresolutions.com</a>➡️ Visit our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/person-locates">Skip Tracing Services</a> or <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">Identity Verification Services</a>&nbsp; Don’t Let a Fraudulent Contractor Get Away With It Even if it feels like the trail has gone cold, we can help. With verified tools, real investigative experience, and legal compliance, we’ll uncover the facts and help you take back control of your case.

Can a Private Investigator Help Track Down a Fraudulent Contractor or Service Provider?

Scam Alert Warning with Cybersecurity Icons. A person using laptop, warning sign for scams with icons representing online threats, phishing, and cybersecurity. Unknown person, suspicious scammer,

In today's digital world, it’s easier than ever for someone to hide behind a fake name, profile picture, or entire online persona. Whether it's on dating apps, social media, or through email and messaging platforms, fake identities are more than just an inconvenience—they're often tied to fraud, deception, emotional manipulation, or even criminal activity.So what can you do if you suspect someone is lying about who they are online?If you’ve reached a dead end trying to investigate on your own, a licensed private investigator (PI) can help you uncover the truth—legally, discreetly, and often faster than you think.<h3>&nbsp; The Rise of Online Identity Fraud</h3> From catfishing to romance scams to business impersonation, fake identities are everywhere:<ul><li>A new romantic interest always dodges video calls and gives vague answers.</li><li>A “contractor” offering cheap work insists on communicating only via encrypted apps.</li><li>Someone’s using your photo or name on a fake profile to deceive others.</li><li>A person you're talking to online is asking for money or personal information—but won’t prove who they are.</li></ul>These aren’t rare cases anymore. In fact, the FTC reports billions in annual losses from fraud connected to fake online identities, especially in areas like romance scams, crypto schemes, and phony online businesses.<h3>&nbsp; What a Private Investigator Can Do in Fake Identity Cases</h3> When you hire a PI to investigate a potential fake identity, you're getting more than just a digital footprint search. You’re getting a licensed professional who knows how to cross-reference fragmented information, verify identities, and legally uncover who's really behind the screen.Here’s how we handle these cases at Easton Secure Solutions:&nbsp; 1. Analyze the Digital Trail Even the most “private” fake accounts often leave clues:<ul><li>Username history and reused handles</li><li>Reverse image searches tied to stolen profile photos</li><li>Email domains or phone numbers linked to past accounts</li><li>Patterns in message timing and grammar that match other scams</li></ul>We conduct a full OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) sweep to identify connections and trace activity to other profiles, emails, or past scams.➡️ Learn more about our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/osint" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/osint">OSINT services</a>&nbsp; 2. Phone Number, Email &amp; IP Tracing Many online scammers use prepaid phones, Gmail accounts, or messaging apps. Still, we can often:<ul><li>Link emails or phone numbers to known users via data cross-referencing</li><li>Identify geolocation patterns when activity occurs across platforms</li><li>Detect alias re-use in online communities, job sites, or classified ads</li></ul>This is crucial in determining whether the person is pretending to be someone else or creating multiple personas for fraud.&nbsp; 3. Facial Recognition &amp; Image Matching If you have a photo of the person—even from social media—we can often verify their real identity using advanced tools:<ul><li>Reverse image searches across the web</li><li>Facial match tools comparing the image to known individuals (within legal limits)</li><li>Cross-reference with public and semi-public profiles like LinkedIn, real estate sites, or business registries</li></ul>This is especially useful in romance scams or professional impersonation cases.&nbsp; 4. Surveillance (When Justified and Legal) In rare, high-stakes cases involving ongoing fraud or legal harm, we may recommend discreet in-person surveillance only if the subject’s real-world identity has been narrowed down. This can help prove cohabitation, catch an impersonator, or gather legal evidence tied to a specific person.<h3>&nbsp; Real Case Example: Romance Scam Turned Financial Fraud</h3> A Long Island client reached out after engaging in a year-long online relationship with a man who claimed to be a traveling engineer. Despite promising to visit her, he always had excuses. Eventually, he asked for a "loan" to cover a passport renewal.Something didn’t feel right.We traced the email address to multiple fake dating profiles across other states. The image he used belonged to a European model—verified through facial recognition tools. By cross-referencing the CashApp handle he used, we identified a real-world account linked to a known scam ring operating out of Queens.We documented the findings, and the client was able to submit a police report with verified evidence. Her bank cooperated after learning the identity involved a known fraudster.This case could’ve cost her tens of thousands had she not investigated in time.<h3>&nbsp; Why You Shouldn’t Try to Investigate Alone</h3> When people suspect someone is faking an identity online, the first instinct is to Google the name, reverse search the phone number, or ask mutual contacts for clues. While that may give you surface-level info, it rarely leads to confirmation—and sometimes it can be risky.Here's why:<ul><li>You could alert the scammer and cause them to disappear.</li><li>You might misidentify the wrong person and create legal exposure.</li><li>You may waste time chasing outdated or inaccurate data.</li><li>You likely don’t have access to proprietary or real-time databases.</li></ul>A licensed PI works with verified, non-public data sources, has experience in complex online investigations, and knows the legal boundaries for obtaining and using information.<h3>&nbsp; When Fake Identity Cases Turn Civil or Criminal</h3> These situations often escalate quickly:<ul><li>Romance or financial scams can involve fraud, wire fraud, or even elder abuse.</li><li>Fake business identities can lead to civil lawsuits for damages or restitution.</li><li>Social media impersonation may violate harassment or defamation laws.</li><li>False identity in child custody cases can affect court decisions or supervised visitation. In these situations, having a licensed PI involved early helps preserve the digital trail, verify identities, and protect your rights before it’s too late.</li></ul>&nbsp; What We Need to Start a Fake Identity Case You don’t need a full name or address. Most of our cases begin with just:<ul><li>A phone number or email</li><li>A screenshot of the profile or messages</li><li>A photo (if available)</li><li>A brief description of the situation From there, we build a profile and follow the digital breadcrumb trail to uncover the truth.</li></ul>Our Basic Identity Check starts at $199, and more complex investigations are quoted after a free consultation.&nbsp; Serving New York City &amp; Long Island with Discreet Online Investigations At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we understand how emotionally and financially damaging fake identity cases can be. Whether you’re dealing with a potential scam, impersonation, or online deception, we’ll help you verify the facts—discreetly, legally, and quickly.📞 Call today: (516) 962-1267 📧 Email: eastonpro@eastonsecuresolutions.com ➡️ Visit our <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/background-checks">Identity Verification Services</a>&nbsp; Don’t Let a Fake Identity Control the Narrative You don’t have to second-guess. Get peace of mind with facts—and take the next steps confidently, whether it's through legal action, police involvement, or simply cutting ties.

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