FAQ

Will all my information be kept confidential?

Yes. As investigators, we know how important information privacy is for every individual and in particular personal information and data. We are extremely careful with your private details and ensure that all the information we gather pertaining to the case is submitted to you only. Any details that you share with us to carry out surveillance or checks on a person or persons are held in the strictest of confidence. Since you have placed trust in our ability to fulfill your requirements, you can rest assured that we will never share investigative details with anyone else. Unless you give us, Five Boroughs Investigations, express permission and instruct us to share a few details to retrieve more information from the opposite party, we shall not do so.

What information would I have to share with you in order to request that you follow someone on my behalf?

Besides providing us with a recent picture of the subject along with a physical description, we would advise that you give us, Five Boroughs Investigations, details about the favorite haunts of the person, such as restaurants, malls, bars, friends’ houses, etc. Anything you have, including information about the subject’s motor vehicle plate number, address, place of work. This will help us start with the initial tracking. Details such as cell phone and landline numbers will also be helpful. Our trained professionals will follow the person across rural and urban areas to obtain the courtroom quality photo/video evidence you require.

How soon can you start an investigation after I share required details with you?

Our investigation process usually starts within 24 hours (if not sooner) of receiving all required information from a client. If surveillance is required on a subject located in a place where we don’t have field staff, it may take a few more hours to get our operative there and get set up and running. If the investigation requires us to gather authorization forms as stipulated in the law, we may need a few extra hours or days depending on the situation. We investigate all kinds of claims: locate missing persons, help you collect evidence if you feel that you are being framed on a false charge. We understand the importance of immediate action and will always endeavor to start the investigation process as soon as possible without breaking any legal requirements.

Do you charge for consultation or advice before you start an investigation?

No, we will not charge any fee for listening to your case and for your initial consultation. If you come to us with a problem and we sort it out through discussion and consultation alone, we may not charge anything. Each situation is unique, and we find that sometimes, we can offer the client suggestions or an avenue that may be better suited than the services we can offer. If your case requires surveillance or investigation that may verge on the border of illegality, we may have to refuse the case. Each situation must be discussed to find the correct path to resolve your issue. We will, however, give you friendly advice, free of charge, to help you deal with the problem.

What are your charges for basic tracking or shadowing services? Does the cost depend on the details required of the subject’s movement or the duration for which the shadowing is being done?

We charge on a case-to-case basis depending on the strategies that we need to adopt. In situations where immediate results are needed, we will have to deploy extra manpower and equipment leading to cost escalation. We have a standard starting retainer for general investigation cases, but this too is subject to your unique situation. We urge you to give us a call to discuss your unique situation and we will better be able to give you an idea based on the information you provide in accordance with your requirements

What if my suspicion of my partner cheating is proven to be false?

When you hire us for an investigation to prove or disprove your suspicion of spousal or partner infidelity; If we find out that the suspicion was unfounded, you only gain your peace of mind. You can also rest assured that all our investigative services are carried out with the utmost secrecy and if your suspicions are proven wrong, then you need not worry about putting your relationship at risk. In reference to documents collected, we can destroy all information gathered during the investigation in front of you. Rest assured you can clear your conscience and continue your relationship without living under a cloud of guilt or fear of being exposed.

Is it an offence to conduct surveillance on a person who doesn’t have a criminal record?

If you have a legitimate legal reason to conduct surveillance on another person, the situation is absolutely within the boundaries of the law. However, the ability to record audio/video surveillance varies depending on the location of the individuals involved. Audio, video, photographs, internet activity etc; all have strict privacy issues which vary according to location. Licensed legal investigators are aware of these laws, ensure that the evidence is obtained legally and can be used in the court of law. If the person you want to conduct surveillance on is your minor child, limitations are different. There are many laws and regulations to follow when it comes to surveillance, whether it is audio, video, internet or simply physically tracking an individual. Make sure you use professionals such as Five Boroughs Investigations who are aware of the laws in your area. We are the surveillance specialists and will be able to conduct your investigation within the legal framework!

How likely is it that the suspected cheater will find out that they are being followed?

Not very likely at all! Our highly trained specialists are experts and remain covert throughout the investigation procedure so that the subject is never aware of their presence. Once our services are retained, we always advise our clients to avoid suspicious behavior in the presence of the subject. Until you have evidence in hand to prove your suspicions, do not for any reason confront the individual or intimidate him/her. Never threaten with “I’ll hire an Investigator!”, this only makes our job more difficult as it will raise the subject’s suspicions and make them more alert to any tracking activities.

What type of evidence will I receive after the investigation process is over?

Depending on your requirements as initially agreed during the consultation process, we shall present you with all evidence collected by our field agents as part of the surveillance and/or investigation procedure. If you require photographs, video or audio of the person or persons the subject is meeting along with details of conversations, we will also provide these. Your case may require certified evidence that is presentable in court, documentary evidence along with the photographs, we shall provide them to you and we often back these up with court appearances to validate the information. Each case is unique, let’s discuss the details and determine what documents or documented proof you may require.

Would I be able to use the evidence provided by you in court?

Yes, if you need to have evidence that stands up in court our operatives will be able to provide it. Whether it’s spousal infidelity, investigating a business partner or doing due diligence on a future partner or spouse, we will offer you not only the evidence but also the means to prove it. With our state-of-the-art equipment we will also go the extra mile to ensure the target is unaware of being observed so the investigation is carried with the utmost discretion by using hidden video cameras and long range recording equipment to create the highest quality record for your case. Our discreet professional private investigators will find the evidence you need and pull together a thorough package that is both accurate and incontrovertible and will be valid in the court of law.

What type of investigations are you likely to avoid doing?

There are certain cases in which private investigators such as us at Five Boroughs Investigations will not be allowed to get involved according to the law. We will not be allowed to pose as law enforcement officers, make audio or video recordings that violate state or federal law, tap telephones, or undertake any other illegal activities on behalf of our clients. We will be able to advise you during the initial consultation where our limitations are and guide you to the best solution for your case.

When and how do I pay for your services?

We require that all investigation services are paid for in advance (via retainer) before we begin our tracking and surveillance activities. Clients can make payments by the usual methods – cash, check, money order, credit card, bank wires, Zelle or Venmo. Every situation is unique, please contact us for a free consultation.