"Help! I need a P.I.!'

So you suspect your spouse or significant other is cheating on you. You go to an attorney and more than likely he/she says, "Get me some evidence. Hire a P.I." You've never hired a Private Investigator before. But you've heard some nasty stories about nefarious P.I.s that were rumored to take the money and run. What do you look for? How can you be sure you are getting the best P.I. for your money?

Here's some tips to follow to assist you in your search. These tips are based on my 25 years as a police detective and private investigator:

1.  Ask for referrals. Do you know someone who was satisfied with the services they received from a particular P.I.?

2.  Be careful of the phone book. Just because the P.I. is listed in the phone book does not mean he/she is reputable. It just means they paid for the advertising!

3. Interview at least three P.I.s. Ask to see their SLED license. Why? Because in South Carolina, every private investigator has to be licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. If the P.I. can't show you their SLED license, run! Beware hiring an out of state P.I. to do the work in the State of South Carolina. Why? Because any P.I. from out of state must have a SLED license to work in this state. Do you feel comfortable with this P.I.? What are their credentials? Just because the P.I. was a former cop does not make them a good P.I. Has their past experience in law enforcement helped them in their present work for your case?

Remember, you are the client. So ASK QUESTIONS before handing over any money.

4. Beware the "Hook" technique.  By this I mean that the P.I. asks you, "How much can you afford?" Why do they need to know? They could be sizing you up to get the most money out of you.  And, beware of the "low retainer" trick. It is very unusual to catch the cheater the very first day. So time will be money. I have seen P.I.s who will get a small retainer, then come back and say, "We did not catch him, we need more money." After a few weeks the client has constantly fed the money machine with nothing to show for it. It's chasing good money after bad. A good P.I. who specializes in your type case will know what they need upfront to do a good job for you. Remember, "cheap ain't good and good ain't cheap."

5. Don't expect miracles. If the P.I. has not caught the cheater within the first 2 weeks, stop for now. Hold off throwing anymore money into the case. The cheater may have gotten wind of the P.I. and you are then wasting your money. Just remember, the other lover wants attention too. So the cheater will most likely mess up again. Be patient.

6. Ask for a copy of the Contract and a report.  Every licensed P.I. in SC has to have a contract (this is per SLED) Do not hand over any money until you have read and agreed to the terms of the contract.  As for a report, if the P.I. won't give you one, demand one.  How do you know they were where they said they were? Was video taken with a date/time stamp showing they were there? I've heard too many horror stories of clients who could not locate their P.I. and never got anything to show for their money. Don't be another number.

7. Call SLED.  SLED has a Regulatory Division where you can address any concerns you have on any Private Investigator. Don't be scared of retailation from the P.I. Make use of your tax dollars at work.

It's bad enough to be victimized by a cheating spouse or significant other. The last thing you need is to be victimized by someone who sports themself as a professional but is nothing more than a smooth talker.

Do your homework, take your time and good luck catching the cheater!