Is it legal to hire a private investigator to stalk someone?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 19, 2026
The act of hiring a private investigator does not inherently violate any rules of law. Check with the private investigator that you are interested in retaining to ensure that he or she follows the law of your jurisdiction.
What can a private investigator do and not do?
In addition to limitations on how information can be obtained and other investigation techniques, a private investigator cannot harass a subject, trespass on private property, use bribery, hacking, pretexting (impersonating the individual whose records they are trying to obtain), or other deceitful methods for …
What can private investigators find out about you?
Private investigators can conduct stakeouts and follow individuals to learn more about their movements and what they might be doing. They can search through various databases online to get information on criminal records, marriages and divorces, mortgage records, and voter’s registrations.
Can you make a living as a private investigator?
The national average annual wage of an Private investigator is $57,100, according to the BLS, a little under $6,000 more than the average wage for all occupations, $51,960. Below is a list of the top-10 highest-paying states for private investigators: California average private investigator salary: $68,570.
How do you outsmart a private investigator?
Here are 8 ways to beat a surveillance investigator at their own game:
- Stay inside your house.
- Don’t answer your front door.
- Live in a tight-knit neighborhood.
- Put your vehicles in an LLC and park them in your garage.
- Delete your social media and online profiles.
- Consistently walk with a limp.
- Be a recluse.
How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?
The cost to hire a private investigator (PI) can also depend on the investigator’s experience, the complexity of the matter and the types of services you need. While many private investigators charge an hourly rate, some may charge a flat fee for basic services.
What are 7 types of clients that hire private investigators?
In truth, private investigators offer a mix of services that are useful to a wide array of customers. Here are 7 types of people that commonly use our services: As an HR pro, you strive to bring in quality employees to fill open positions in your company. But how can you be sure new employees will be a great fit?
Where can I find information for a private investigator?
Find Information Online – Private detectives have expertise and a wealth of experience in research and routinely crawl for information through official records, a variety of public databases and the internet. They’re keenly aware of how to leverage social media, dating services and the world wide web to obtain information for a case.
Can a private investigator obtain a medical record?
Acquire Medical Records – Private investigators cannot access medical records of other parties. They can, however, interview associates, friends and family of the subject to obtain information as to their medical history. In other words, if people are willing to share this information, a licensed PI will get it.