Private investigators serve a far broader range of clients than most people realize. While popular media focuses on dramatic scenarios, the reality is that people hire PIs for a wide variety of practical, often deeply personal reasons. Here's a comprehensive look at why people seek professional investigative services.
The Most Common Reason: Relationship & Infidelity Concerns
Suspecting a partner of infidelity is the most frequently cited reason clients contact us. These cases aren't just about confirming suspicions — they're about obtaining court-admissible documentation that can be used in divorce proceedings, asset division negotiations, and custody hearings.
What a PI does in these cases: mobile and stationary surveillance, photographic and video documentation, background research on known associates, social media analysis, and GPS tracking (where legally applicable). The result is a documented, factual record — not an emotional accusation.
Background Checks
The second most common service category. People hire PIs for background checks when:
- Entering a new romantic relationship and wanting to verify the person's identity and history
- Hiring a caregiver, nanny, or in-home employee
- Landlords screening tenants
- Employers conducting pre-hire screening
- Individuals considering a business partnership
- Families gathering information for custody proceedings
Locating Missing Persons
People go missing for many reasons — some voluntary, some not. Families hire PIs to find runaways, locate estranged relatives, reconnect with lost family members, or track down individuals who owe child support or are avoiding legal obligations. A licensed PI has access to databases and investigative tools that family members simply cannot access themselves.
Insurance Fraud Investigations
Insurance companies, employers, and even private individuals hire PIs to investigate suspected insurance fraud — particularly workers' compensation and personal injury claims. When someone claims they cannot work due to injury but surveillance shows them engaging in vigorous physical activity, that documented evidence can save companies and individuals significant money.
Legal Case Support
Attorneys across Pennsylvania hire PIs to support active legal cases. This includes locating witnesses, obtaining statements, conducting background research, serving legal documents, and gathering evidence for trial. Many attorneys maintain ongoing relationships with licensed PIs as an essential part of their practice.
Child Custody Matters
In contested custody cases, documented evidence of a parent's behavior, living conditions, and compliance with existing court orders can significantly influence a judge's determination. PIs provide objective, documented evidence rather than one parent's word against another's.
Due Diligence
Business owners, investors, and professionals hire PIs for due diligence investigations — verifying the backgrounds of potential business partners, investors, contractors, or employees in sensitive positions. Prevention is always less costly than the consequences of a bad hire or a fraudulent investment.
What a PI Will NOT Do
It's equally important to understand what ethical, licensed private investigators don't do:
- Phone tapping or illegal interception of communications
- Cloning or accessing another person's digital devices without authorization
- Hacking email, social media, or other accounts
- Trespassing on private property to conduct surveillance
- Impersonating law enforcement or other officials
- Providing results that have been illegally obtained
The Kanenson PI Intake Process
Every new client engagement at Kanenson PI begins with:
- A free initial consultation — no commitment required
- A thorough review of your situation and objectives
- A custom investigation plan designed for your specific needs
- A clear timeline and cost estimate before any work begins
- Regular client updates throughout the investigation
Whatever your reason for considering a private investigation, your first step is a confidential conversation. Contact Kanenson PI for a free consultation — no judgment, no pressure.