Private Investigator - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your fee for PI services?

A typical detailed background check would cost between CAD 650 and 1500. Surveillance is more costly, as it requires the private investigator’s physical presence on site. It is charged at an hourly rate. At Wolf Group, we charge CAD 100 per hour. Unlike many other private investigation agencies in Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto, we do not charge additional fees for mileage, parking, meals, internet, tolls, or phone calls.

I think my partner is cheating on me, but I have no idea what exactly is going on. How can you find this out?

We can perform physical surveillance and check where and how the person spends their time. In addition to other measures, it is also possible to track their vehicle. This allows you to check when and which places they visit, among other things. Your private investigator can take high-resolution pictures and videos, which will be included in your report.

I know that my spouse is not faithful. How many hours are required to find out the truth?

When we deal with matrimonial infidelity, depending on the circumstances, at least 4-6 hours of physical surveillance are required. At the end of the process, we will provide you with photographic evidence that can be used in court (in case you find it necessary).

What information do I need to provide to the private investigator before they begin the investigation process?

We highly recommend that you provide us with as much information as possible. You may think otherwise, but every tiny piece of information can make a big difference and save you a considerable amount of time and money. Examples of useful information include IDs, photographs, video files, social media profiles, license plates, and vehicle descriptions.

Can you guarantee results?

You should know that no private investigation company can guarantee positive results (regardless of the budget). We charge the client not for guaranteed results, but for the professional work aimed at achieving the best possible results.

The client needs to understand that a so-called “negative” result is still a valid result. For example, if the client suspects that their partner is cheating on them, but the comprehensive investigation that included physical surveillance demonstrates that the person in question had no interaction with any third party, this is still considered a result. It is possible that the person in question used to see someone in the past or will see someone in the future. It is also possible that virtual communication occurred during the investigation process, but these possibilities remain beyond the scope of the investigation.

The rate of investigation success depends on the amount of time dedicated to the investigation process. At the same time, the amount of time we allocate to each investigation case strictly depends on the client’s budget. Therefore, the more time we allocate, the higher the rate of success the client should expect. The client should always take this into consideration when planning their budget.

It is also important to understand that, besides providing the client with high-quality work (which is our default approach to each and every private investigation case) and using all possible legal means to achieve the result the client expects, our goal is to make sure your budget is used in the most rational and efficient manner. We analyze the situation and we suggest both optimal and minimal budgets.

What information do I need to provide to obtain a comprehensive background check on a person?

The more information you provide, the better and faster the results you may expect. The minimum information required is the person’s first name and last name. Ideally, we also need the date of birth.

What are the steps of the investigation process?

■ You contact us or request a free quote.
■ All additional details should be discussed with a private investigator.
■ We provide you with a service quotation.
■ You fill out and electronically sign a service mandate (the document that authorizes us to conduct a private investigation for you).
■ The fees are to be paid at this point.
■ You provide the information we need.
■ The process begins.
■ Reports are being sent. Your private investigator will contact you periodically to keep you informed about the investigation’s progress. They may ask you some additional questions.

Can you set up video surveillance within my business premises so that I can monitor my employees?

Yes, once you sign the mandate, we can assist you for a limited period to identify unauthorized activity on your business premises.

I only have the first name and last name of a person, as well as the place where they work. Can you find the address and other information?

Yes, we can do this. In some cases, however, physical surveillance may be required.

Is there a way to monitor my partner’s activity in social networks? Can I log in to one of their personal social media accounts, such as Facebook or Instagram?

No, this is considered illegal; however, we can, to a large extent, detect various kinds of social media connections and distant relationships without hacking a personal account.

I believe that one of my employees is withholding important information from me. Can you discover the truth?

We will identify all the dark spots in the track record of your employee or anyone related to your business.

I suspect that one of my employees is stealing goods from my warehouse. Can you verify this?

Do not worry, we can find the thief.

Can you get phone logs or listen to my partner’s phone conversations?

No, this is illegal without their consent; therefore, we cannot help anyone with such a request.

My partner is spending a lot of time on social networks and adult sites. Can you find out what exactly he or she is doing?

Unfortunately, if they use a nickname and fake profile images and/or avatars, we cannot identify them.

I am worried since my kid is hanging out with a group of “friends” that seem suspicious. Can you find out where my kid goes and what they do?

Yes, we can definitely help you with this type of investigation. Once we conduct several operational search activities, we will provide a detailed report.

My spouse often travels abroad on business. I think that in hotels, they may engage in intimate activities. Can you check it out?

Yes, we can find it out. This investigation will require physical surveillance.

A candidate seeking employment at my company has previously worked in another country or province. Can you check their professional background?

Yes, of course. You will be presented with a detailed report.

I am planning to marry a Canadian citizen or resident. Can you check his financial and personal background, including previous relationships?

Yes. We can provide you with a detailed report.

Can you find someone’s actual address (their actual place of residence)?

We can find the latest registered address of a person in Montreal or anywhere else in Canada. To determine the actual place of residence, we must conduct several specialized search activities, including physical surveillance.

How can I use the information obtained by my private investigator?

You can only use such information in a lawful manner that does not violate any regulations. You can also use this information in court.

Is the evidence obtained by the private investigator admissible in court?

All the evidence gathered by your private investigator is completely legal and can always be used in court. Additionally, if and when necessary, our investigator will serve as a witness in court (at no extra charge to you, provided the hearing lasts less than three hours). The acceptance of the evidence, however, always remains the prerogative of the court.

I would like to gain a better understanding of how a private investigation works. Where can I find additional information?

We encourage you to visit our blog regularly.