“Perfect service and communication! Exceeded expectations in every way. Highly recommend!!”
— Client Review
Hiring a private investigator isn't just about uncovering information - it's about trust, discretion, and results. Whether you're a corporation conducting due diligence or an individual dealing with a sensitive legal matter, choosing the right PI firm can mean the difference between resolution and wasted time.
At National Business Investigations, Inc. (NBI), we've been helping clients make informed decisions for over 50 years. But before you hire any PI firm, here are five things you need to know:
1. Licensing & Compliance
Make sure the firm is licensed in your state. A reputable PI firm should hold valid investigative licenses, carry liability insurance, and comply with all state and federal privacy laws. Ask for proof.
2. Experience Matters - Especially in Your Industry
Not all investigations are the same. Surveillance for a workers' comp case differs vastly from asset tracing in a corporate fraud matter. Look for a firm with deep experience in your specific area: corporate, legal, insurance, cybersecurity, or personal matters.
3. Technology & Methodology
The tools of modern investigation include digital surveillance, data forensics, GPS tracking (where legal), and deep background research. Ask what tools the firm uses and how they ensure evidence integrity.
4. Discretion and Confidentiality
A great PI firm operates with the utmost discretion. They understand the sensitive nature of investigations and have internal protocols to protect client confidentiality at every level.
5. Transparent Reporting & Communication
You should never be in the dark. Look for a firm that provides regular updates, clear documentation, and legally admissible reporting. Ask for sample reports or references if possible.
Trust the Professionals Trusted by Fortune 500s and Law Firms Nationwide
At NBI, we combine decades of investigative experience with cutting-edge technology and a nationwide network of licensed professionals. Whether you need surveillance, background checks, digital forensics, or asset tracing - we get answers that stand up in court and in the boardroom.
👉 Schedule a confidential consultation today
National Business Investigations, Inc. - Discreet. Reliable. Results-driven.
About the Author
Michael D. Julian is President of MPS Security & Protection and a 30-plus-year veteran of the security and investigations industry. He served as President of the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) from 2005 to 2015 and has led executive protection, residential security, and corporate investigations engagements for Fortune 500 principals, high-net-worth families, and public figures across the United States. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.
Services
Focused investigative support for complex, high-stakes matters.
Legal
Witness locates, interviews, evidence recovery, financial records investigations, cyber crimes, and asset search & recovery.
Explore Legal Investigations >>Insurance
Validate claims, identify red flags, document activity, and support defensible decisions in potential fraud matters.
Explore Insurance Investigations >>Corporate
Executive background investigations, due diligence, business intelligence, theft, computer forensics, and protection support.
Explore Corporate Services >>Workers Comp Fraud
Gather the investigative information needed to evaluate legitimacy and disability level with clarity and confidence.
Explore Workers Comp Support >>Asset Searches
Pre-litigation, mid-case, or post-judgment—identify where assets may reside to support appropriate strategy and settlement.
Explore Asset Discovery >>Surveillance Services
Obtain evidence that may not otherwise be provable in or out of court—especially when other methods fall short.
Explore Surveillance >>Every investigation starts with a commitment…
and ends with a guarantee.
Having been in business for decades, we know there are many investigation companies you can call on. One does not thrive for over fifty years in this industry without a foundation of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
We can never promise results—but we always guarantee our performance. If you are not happy with our performance, you only pay what you believe our investigation is worth.
Reviews
Read ReviewsWe’re ready to work with you. Are you ready?
Contact us to get started and find out why clients choose NBI for high-accountability investigative support.
Recent NBI Insights
Wage-and-Hour and PAGA Claims in California: What an Investigator Adds to the Defense File
California wage-and-hour and PAGA claims are decided on records and witnesses. Here is what a licensed investigator contributes to the defense file, f…
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Premises Liability Investigations in Southern California: Building the Record Before It Disappears
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