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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: Ever feel like someone just disappeared—no forwarding address, no digital trail, no answers? Whether it's a legal matter, a family concern, or a financial issue, not knowing where someone went can leave you feeling stuck.That’s where skip tracing comes in. It’s not a guessing game or a social media rabbit hole—it’s a targeted, legal investigation process led by licensed professionals. At Easton Secure Solutions, we specialize in locating people throughout New York City and Long Island, using modern techniques rooted in experience, discretion, and results.<h3>&nbsp; What Is Skip Tracing—and Why It Matters</h3> Skip tracing is the process of locating someone who has intentionally or unintentionally become unreachable. They might be avoiding responsibilities, such as rent or legal action, or they may have simply dropped off the radar due to a move, job change, or personal reasons.What sets professional skip tracing apart is accuracy. A licensed private investigator in New York has access to tools, databases, and knowledge that go far beyond a typical online search.&nbsp; Who Uses Skip Tracing Services? Skip tracing isn’t just for lawyers or debt collectors. If you’ve ever needed to find someone who isn’t responding or whose whereabouts are unknown, skip tracing might be exactly what you need. We frequently assist:<ul><li>Attorneys trying to locate defendants, witnesses, or heirs</li><li>Landlords searching for tenants who broke their lease</li><li>Families hoping to reconnect with estranged relatives</li><li>Businesses performing due diligence or identity checks</li><li>Insurance companies verifying hard-to-reach policyholders</li><li>Individuals trying to locate biological family members</li></ul>When done properly, skip tracing gives you verified, usable information—not speculation or outdated guesses.<h3>&nbsp; How Skip Tracing Works in Today’s World</h3> The digital age has changed everything. People no longer stay at one address, use the same phone number, or even maintain a stable online presence. Public directories are becoming less useful, and online search engines only scratch the surface.At Easton Secure Solutions, we combine:<ul><li>Phone and email tracing</li><li>Address history and utility record analysis</li><li>Open-source intelligence (OSINT)</li><li>Social media behavior tracking</li><li>Proprietary databases only available to licensed PIs</li><li>Selective facial recognition for identity cross-verification</li></ul> This multi-layered strategy allows us to separate real leads from noise—and provide information you can trust.<h3>&nbsp; Why Hire a Licensed Private Investigator in New York?</h3> Here’s the truth: many skip tracing services online rely on outdated or unverified data—and some even operate outside legal bounds. In New York, skip tracing must be done by a licensed private investigator to ensure compliance with state laws and protect your rights.At Easton Secure Solutions, we are fully licensed, insured, and committed to ethical investigations. That means your information is handled confidentially, and the results we provide are backed by documentation, cross-verification, and investigative integrity.Skip tracing is more than just finding someone—it’s about doing it legally, discreetly, and effectively.&nbsp; Real-World Results, No Gimmicks Whether you're trying to serve legal papers, settle an estate, track down a debtor, or reconnect with someone important, we treat every case with urgency and respect. Our clients come to us for one reason: they need real answers. And that’s exactly what we deliver.Instead of relying on assumptions or hiring an unverified online service, work with a licensed professional who understands the landscape of New York—and how to get results.We don’t waste time. We don’t take shortcuts. And we don’t make promises we can’t keep.&nbsp; Situations Where Skip Tracing Can Help Here are just a few common cases where skip tracing makes a difference:<ul><li>A law firm can’t find a defendant and needs to serve legal papers.</li><li>A property manager needs to recover unpaid rent from a tenant who disappeared.</li><li>A business owner wants to verify the legitimacy of a potential client.</li><li>A relative is looking for someone who’s gone off-grid after a family fallout.</li><li>An adoptee is seeking biological parents or siblings.</li></ul> These aren’t just names on a screen. They’re real people who need to be found for real reasons—and we know how to make that happen.<h3>&nbsp; Why Choose Easton Secure Solutions?</h3> Choosing the right investigator makes all the difference. Here’s what you get when you work with us:<ol><li>Experience You Can Rely On: We know the tools, the laws, and the region.</li><li>Discreet and Legal Methods: Everything we do is compliant and confidential.</li><li>Prompt Results: We value your time and move quickly to get answers.</li><li>Local Focus: We serve clients throughout New York City and Long Island—and we know how to navigate the unique challenges of each borough and neighborhood.</li></ol>No fluff. No guesswork. Just reliable investigative work from a licensed New York private investigator.&nbsp; Let’s Help You Find the Answers You Deserve If you’re searching for someone—whether it’s personal or professional—don’t rely on shortcuts or outdated data. Trust a licensed, local expert who can help you find the right person the right way.Call Easton Secure Solutions at (516) 962-1267 or visit <a data-mce-href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/" href="https://eastonsecuresolutions.com/">www.eastonsecuresolutions.com</a> to schedule a confidential consultation.Let’s take the next step—together.

Modern Skip Tracing: How a Private Investigator in New York Finds the Unfindable

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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