|
||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
| Frequently Asked Questions | ||||||||
|
||||||||
I have never hired a private investigator before. What can I expect?
Most people who call regarding personal issues do feel nervous and are uncomfortable talking about problems in their life. This is entirely normal, and we do understand. We are here to help you in any way we can by gathering information for you. Anything you tell us is confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone else. We know how important discretion can be and will only call you at numbers you provide or mail you at locations you have authorized. It's our job to help you obtain information to solve your problems, not to create more problems for you. <top>
Our staff is ready and able to provide as much service as needed. We do ask that you give us at least 24-hours notice for large or multiple cases, since the staff has to be allocated and time set aside to take care of your needs. <top>
A retainer is the initial lump sum paid up front to cover investigative cost associated with your case. For example; you want a person followed for many hours and written reports on their background prepared. We calculate approximately how much the service will cost and provide an initial estimate. This figure is the retainer. Once the retainer is received we will proceed with the case. If, as the case is progressing, it becomes clear that we are likely to exceed the retainer, we will stop and give you the option of increasing the retainer to account for the additional work. We will not perform services above and beyond the retainer without your consent.
For flat rate cases, such as locates or personal profiles, you will only pay the fee required for that service. There will be no additional charges, unless you ask for additional services. Other investigations are done on an hourly rate. Weekdays our rate is $125 per hour. Weekends (which start Friday 5:00 P.M.) and holidays we charge $135 per hour. Additional fees consist of mileage at .58 cents per mile, plus any out of pocket expenses. There is a minimum on outside field work cases, such as surveillances. This is 4 hours minimum of field work by one investigator plus a minimum of .5 hours travel each way and report preparation time. The greatest determiner of the charges for any investigation will ultimately be time. If the goal can be achieved in 5 hours, then you will be paying the $625 minimum, and no more. If the client wishes us to follow someone all weekend, with two investigators to avoid possible detection by the subject, then the cost of the investigation will increase accordingly. <top>
There are no guarantees when it comes to an investigation. There are many variables that determine the outcome of a case, but we can promise we will do everything humanly possible to meet all your goals, while staying within the law. If we don't think it's possible to get the information you request, we'll try to find other solutions for you or recommend alternative courses of action. <top>
Open communication with our clients is an important factor and key to our success at Huntting Investigative Service. We will keep you informed as developments take place or if we have more questions. <top>
Many flat rate cases, such as personal profiles can be completed in just 24 hours. Some investigations take longer, such as employment reports; they can take up to a week, sometimes more depending on the complexity. For hourly cases, each investigation is different. This will be discussed with your case manager before we begin the work. It will all depend on how many days we estimate and what all has to be done to meet your goals. You will not get your final report until the end of the case. You can expect to receive your final case report often in less than 5 business days after completing the case, however if that falls on a holiday it could take a bit longer. <top>
You can receive your final report by in any form you wish. Your options may include but not limited to; e-mail, U.S. mail, telephonic, in person or verbal. If you do not wish to receive a report at all, please be sure to let the case manager know when your case is completed, and it will be noted in your file. <top>
Yes, Private Investigators must follow the laws to the letter as set down by the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, in addition to state and local laws. While we have access to information that you as a private citizen do not, there are limits on what we can do with it or who we give it too. We will advise you during your initial consultation if something you are requesting isn't legally possible. <top>
Discretion is a cornerstone of our business. What you tell us is secret and will only be accessible to investigators who are working on your case. We will only give out information about your case to those people you authorize to receive the information. When the case is finished your file will be kept in our offices where we are by law obliged to keep it for five years. Even if on the off chance that a subject catches the investigator during surveillance, they will never disclose why they are there or whom they are representing. <top>
We handle cases nationwide. Rates outside Ventura-Los Angeles-Orange and Santa Barbara Counties area usually come with a flat rate for travel, instead of the standard mileage. Call for further information. <top>
We've all seen the online offers on websites to find your long lost friend or loved one, and while many of the tools they're useful to the occasional novice, there is a major component missing the data is almost always obsolete. When we initiate a “locate” on a person we also make sure we are finding the right person and not just getting close. Utilizing all of our professional resources, we look for the most current information about them and cross check the information. After all, a four year old address won't do you much good in most cases. <top>
Yes, we can run a check on the company as well as the principles involved. Going into business with someone can be risky and all the knowledge you have ahead of time will certainly help you make an intelligent choice about the risks you are willing to take. <top>
Yes, we have processes in place to accommodate the corporate customer payment process. However, based on our client-agency agreement, final payment is still due prior to the delivery the final written report (our work product). <top> |
| Huntting Investigative Services | 885 Patriot Drive, Suite J | Moorpark, CA 93021 | 805.529.1914 | |
| © 2010 by Huntting Investigative Services. All Rights Reserved. |
First, we'll go over the details of your case with you and try to determine what is going to be the best course of action to achieve your goals. We'll try to narrow that scope as much as possible to ensure the most effective use of our time and your money. After we have ascertained the approximate cost of the case, we will send you a Client Retainer Agreement form. Once you've completed and returned the form to us (with the required retainer amount) we'll begin planning for and working on your case. We will update you as needed as the case progresses. When the case is completed, we'll provide you with your comprehensive report about your investigation and a final invoice for services rendered, which is due upon receipt.