Adapted from an article originally published on Trustify***

1. Can private investigators break the law? 

No. A private investigator is no different from a nurse, or a teacher, or a grocer, or any other profession when it comes to obeying the law. There are certain techniques that investigators execute that may seem suspicious, but they are working within the law.

2. Can you have a private investigator follow someone? 

Yes. Surveillance is a popular request and is perfectly legal — so long as the investigator works within the law. Surveillance is the practice of closely observing a subject and documenting the interactions, locations, persons, activities the subject is involved in. Private investigators can only conduct surveillance on public property, so the stereotypes of stakeouts and following subjects are mostly correct.

3. Can a private investigator track someone with GPS? 

It depends. That depends on the state in which the case is located.

4. Can a private investigator hack into a phone, computer, social media account, email account, etc.? 

No. Hacking a phone, computer, etc. is illegal, even if you know how to do it. And the only way it would be legal is if you had permission from the owner.

5. Can a private investigator get bank records? 

No. Some private investigators have fine-tuned their researching skills to manipulate a variety of databases and know the ins and outs when it comes to accessing public records. However, bank records are protected.

6. Can a private investigator get travel information like hotel reservations or airplane tickets? 

Not Usually. When it comes to travel information, i.e. plane reservations, hotel reservations, car rentals, etc., is not prohibited, but it is very, very difficult.

7. Can a private investigator get medical records? 

No. Medical records are not accessible due to HIPPA laws.

8. Do private investigators work in conjunction with the police? 

Sometimes. Investigators are sometimes hired to give a “second opinion.” Private investigators often come in after police have worked a case.

9. Can private investigators find a lot of information online? 

Yes. Private investigators have honed research skills, including researching official records as well as a variety of databases. They know how to conduct deep web, social media account, and dating website searches.