Private investigator - or any ideas?

_Whimsical_

Hello people

I'm in a position where I have to find someone for legal reasons ,who does not particularly want to be found.At the moment I have a mobile number(which can't be traced to an address) and a name of a pub I believe is frequented by this person in a particular area of London....thats all though and for my purposes I need to provide a solisitor with a ressident address. I really don't know what to do next. I can't go and find anymore out myself as I'd be quickly recognised and I'm sure this person would bolt if they knew someone was searching for them...likewise I don't have anyone I can ask to do this for me. I realise this all sounds quite ominous but it's actually pertaining to a very delicate family situation and its awkward to go into too many details here. I wouldn't be doing this unless it absolutely necessary.

I was just wondering if any of you have tried a private investigator in the past and if you have what your experiences have been. It seems like a profession that could provide ample opportunity to swindle vunerable people out of a fair amount of cash .Does anyone have any other ideas besides a private investigator?

Nuttzz

I have used a PI to trace someone involved in a car accident, took him about 8 hours cost €500 including expenses, they do work but they are not cheap. I used www.psg.ie

billy the squid

Hired a private detective to prove that a sister's ex partner was giving a false address during a maintainence case, it took 4 days of survailance and cost €1200 euros, PI's are very very expensive and he may not find them.

I hope you find this person just be careful who you hire. we were lucky and hit a good detective with the first phone call. but €1200 and he didnt even have to leave Limerick.

davej

Heh, posting about whether to use a PI on the PI forum.

Sorry I have nothing else to contribute...

davej

_Whimsical_

Thanks a million for the replies....I have to say though..wow ouch expensive! I'm obviously in the wrong line of work. I had my concerns about it hiring a PI alright...Ive had simillar quotes as you both but I don't know if they were reputable firms or not...and stunning intelligent of me I didnt mention the london connection...they may have thought it was local. I'll have to try it if things dont change though. Thanks again Nuttzz and BillyTS

billy the squid

Well here are a few ways of telling
1. If the person has a decent enough advertisement in the golden pages, usually the crap ones buy a tiny little one.
2. Ask them what methods they will use to find the person you are looking for.
3. Make an appointment to meet the investigator either in his office or at your home.

Hiring a Private detective is the same as a HR manager hiring someone to work for their company. Agreeing a deal over the phone is not the best idea. Interview them as to what they can do for you before you give them a single penny.

You might have to come up with a deposit before he / she does anything. In our case we had to pay €600 up front.