Common Cases Handled by Private Investigators, Especially in the U.K.

Private investigators in the U.K. play a crucial role in addressing various issues that require discreet and professional inquiry. Whether working for individuals, businesses, or legal entities, investigators utilise a range of techniques and tools to uncover the truth. Their work is not just about gathering evidence, but also about providing reassurance and peace of mind to their clients.

Reveal PI, a private investigator agency with offices in Birmingham, U.K., has curated a list of the most common cases handled by U.K. private investigators. Similar to cases taken on by private investigators in the U.S. and elsewhere, the list gives prospective clients insight into the cases handled by such firms. 

Fraud Investigations

Private investigators are often hired to uncover fraudulent activities, which can take many forms, including insurance fraud, financial fraud and identity theft. Detectives work to gather evidence that can be used in legal proceedings or to recover losses.

Types of Fraud

  • Financial Fraud: Uncovering embezzlement, investment scams, or other financial deceptions.

  • Identity Theft: Tracking down perpetrators who have stolen personal information.

  • Insurance Fraud: Investigating false claims made to insurance companies.

Techniques Used

  • Document Analysis: Examining financial records, contracts, and other documents for inconsistencies.

  • Surveillance: Observing suspects to gather evidence of fraudulent activities.

  • Interviews: Conducting interviews with witnesses or involved parties to collect information.

Missing Persons

Locating missing persons is another critical service provided by private investigators. Whether it's a runaway teen, a missing family member, or someone who has disappeared under suspicious circumstances, investigators use a variety of methods to track down individuals. These cases can be highly complex, often requiring coordination with law enforcement, which showcases private investigators’ impressive skills and capabilities.

Techniques Used

  • Public Records Search: Accessing databases and public records to find leads.

  • Interviews: Talking to friends, family, and acquaintances for potential information.

  • Surveillance: Monitoring locations where the missing person is known to frequent.

Background Checks

Conducting background checks is a common task for private investigators, especially in pre-employment screenings, tenant vetting, or checking the background of someone involved in personal relationships. Background checks help verify the integrity and history of individuals, providing peace of mind to the client.

Types of Background Checks

  • Historic Domestic Abuse: Checking for past criminal records.

  • Employment Verification: Confirming previous employment and professional qualifications.

  • Credit History: Reviewing financial stability and creditworthiness.

Techniques Used

  • Database Access: Utilising specialised databases to gather comprehensive information.

  • Reference Checks: Contacting previous employers, landlords, or other references.

  • Interviews: Conducting detailed interviews with relevant parties.

Corporate Investigations

Businesses also hire private investigators to handle various external issues. While a company’s in-house human resources department can conduct reviews of an individual at work, a private detective can gather evidence on the individual outside of their work. 

Types of Corporate Investigations

  • Employee Background Checks: Ensuring potential hires have the qualifications and background that they claim.

  • Internal Theft: Investigating cases of theft within the company.

  • Corporate Espionage: Identifying and preventing unauthorised information sharing or spying activities.

Techniques Used

  • Surveillance: Monitoring employees suspected of misconduct.

  • Forensic Accounting: Analysing financial records to detect discrepancies.

  • Digital Forensics: Examining electronic devices for evidence of wrongdoing.

Surveillance Operations

Surveillance is a cornerstone of private investigation work. Investigators use surveillance to gather information on various subjects, whether it's for infidelity cases, fraud investigations, or tracking the movements of a missing person.

Techniques Used

  • Physical Surveillance: Following subjects to observe their activities.

  • Technical Surveillance: Using equipment like cameras and listening devices (within legal limits) to monitor subjects.

Infidelity Investigations

One of the most frequent reasons individuals seek the services of a private investigator is to confirm suspicions of infidelity. For instance, a wife or a husband might hire an investigator to look into their spouse's suspicious behaviour. Private detectives can conduct surveillance, gather photographic or video evidence, and monitor the subject's activities to determine whether they are involved in an extramarital affair. These investigations require a high level of discretion and sensitivity, as the findings can have significant personal and legal consequences.

Techniques Used

  • Surveillance: Monitoring the subject's movements and interactions.

  • Electronic Monitoring: In some cases, investigators may use GPS trackers (within legal limits) to track the subject's location.

  • Social Media Analysis: Reviewing the subject's online activity for clues about potential infidelity.

Private investigators in the UK, the U.S. and worldwide handle many cases, from personal matters like missing persons and infidelity to complex corporate investigations and fraud detection. Their work often involves meticulous surveillance, detailed background checks, and careful analysis of data and records, all while adhering to strict data protection and privacy laws. By understanding the common cases private investigators handle and the methods they use, clients can better appreciate the value and professionalism quality private investigators bring to their work.

Maria Olsen