The Difference Between Finding a “Missing Person” and “Locating a Person”
The Critical Difference Between Finding a “Missing Person” and “Locating a Person”
Did you know that there actually is a difference between a “missing person” and “locating a person”? Locating someone from your past may be as easy as an internet or Facebook search, which you can do by yourself.
If you are looking for a lost relative, an old girlfriend, or a former colleague, then Google, LinkedIn.com, Ancestry.com, Facebook, Instagram or any other social media will be your first stop. But if it is truly a “missing persons” case, then it belongs in the law enforcement realm. Unfortunately, the police can only do so much, so it may be up to you to hire a private investigator.
Here are a few of the things police can and cannot do:
- They
cannot file a missing person report until the person has been missing for 24 hours. They will file a report after 24 hours, but this does not mean they will actively search for this person.
- They
cannot find a person who does not want to be found. Sometimes there may be a runaway situation; other times, someone may just want to disappear.
- Law Enforcement
can search the area where the person was last sighted and conduct interviews with friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
- In addition, they can check the missing person’s cell phone records, their “virtual” web footprint, and their credit or debit card usage in extreme cases.
- They can pull and examine footage from CCTV and security cameras if the person’s last location is known. (This is in rare circumstances, and sometimes can take days if not months to obtain footage from businesses).
In contrast, here is what a private investigator can do in addition to what the local law enforcement is doing or not doing:
- Investigators can investigate any type of missing person – kidnappings, runaways, fugitives, and cases where people have gone missing for any reason.
- They can even skip trace a missing person who don’t want to be found. There is no statute of limitations on finding a missing person for private investigators. They can even locate so-called “cold cases” because their hands are not tied by bureaucracy and budgets.
- Private Detectives can use tactics that law enforcement are not able to use to find your loved one. (Conduct Interviews, and search the area where the person was last sighted and conduct interviews with friends, neighbors, and colleagues).
- Private Investigators can also begin a search immediately instead of waiting for the initial 24-hour period to end.
While you as private citizen can use the Internet to search public records, private investigators have access to databases and contacts that the public does not have access to. Additionally, PI’s use their years of experience and training to search for a missing person in real time without relying on dated and possibly inaccurate information.
A PI is your dedicated resource for finding the missing person. They can more easily travel across state borders or across the country to follow any leads that turn up whereas local law enforcement has to follow certain rules and protocols that don’t allow them access to other states.
Oftentimes, people are more comfortable talking to a private investigator instead of the police. PIs can blend in better, and often people will reveal sensitive information and details that they aren’t as comfortable sharing with law enforcement.
Are you trying to find a missing person? Call us to see how we can help! Brooks Brothers Investigations 515-246-8100
Credit: Author Darrin Giglio, with NAI
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Internet Dating Investigation How do internet dating scammers operate? Online dating scammers will create fake profiles, including false pictures, names, address, citiesand information, which is usually catered to the type of victim they hope to attract. They will then gain the trust of subjects or victims through loving words, heartfelt conversations, and even gifts in order to attempt theft of money or identity. What is an online dating investigation? This is a internet dating investigation which is the use of a private investigator to reveal an online romantic partner’s true identity and motives. Investigators will take actions like gathering information across multiple platforms, conducting extensive background checks, and tracing messages back to their original sources. Ultimately, the data gathered by an investigator will be used to put the victim at ease, uncover potential criminal action, and prevent future fraudulent activities by turning evidence over to the police. Common Internet Dating Scams The Basic Swindle: The most common scam is when the con artist, after forming a relationship with their victim, requests money for seemingly valid reasons, like a family member in the hospital or a severe car crash. After the money has been sent, they cut contact. Money Laundering: Money laundering is also a fairly common scheme. It involves asking victims to send money or stolen objects, like laptops and cellphones, so that they are harder for the law to trace. Scammers also ask their victims to forward packages and cash checks. Internet Scandal: A recently rising scam involves con artists growing so close to their victims that intimate photos and/or conversations take place. Scammers then publish this private information and will only remove it when given a large fee. Even then, there is no guarantee that the information will be removed. Catfish: A term based on a heartbroken filmmaker's movie, a catfish scam is when someone uses fake online profiles to appeal to their victims romantically. These scammers use fictitious names and photos to lure people in, sometimes for no other reason than to have a relationship. How to Avoid Dating Scams Sometimes it's easy to tell when and online contact is inauthentic, but some signs are not as obvious. Here are some actions you can take in order to traverse the web safely. Ask to meet in person Most scammers will claim to be from your area but they are currently unavailable to meet due to working overseas or tending to a sick relative. Note profile inconsistencies This includes pictures that look overly glamorous or don’t line up with the person’s current claimed location. You can also Google image search any pictures they provide. Significant age differences are also common since scammers often target older victims. Keep a slow pace Con artists will often share or press for personal information right out of the gate. They will also declare strong feelings within a short period of time. Use the dating site to communicate Internet dating scammers will usually prompt their victims to use more personal means of communicating, like emails or texting. Look for abundant grammatical errors In their messages, look for abundant grammatical errors and vague statements. They may even call you by the wrong name. Don’t send money, information, or objects They will ask for money and usually accompany the request with a good excuse. However, you should never send money, objects, or even basic information to someone you haven’t met in person. Stick to well-known dating sites Ultimately, use only well-known dating sites that most people know the names of. These websites make it harder to create fake profiles but remain cautious. Why should I hire a private investigator? Internet dating scams often cause more pain than hurt pride or a broken heart. These scams are a form of fraud that can result in identity theft, crime, and significant loss of money. Having a professional, unbiased opinion that is familiar with these scams is vital to your safety and prevents money loss. Private investigators have experience recognizing and handling online dating scams. They also have access to tools, like background checks and high-powered software, which produce undeniable proof that will stand up in court. Need a Social Media Investigation? Social Media Investigator Call us at 1-(866) 631-ISPY 4779. 515-710-4803 BROOKS BRO INVESTIGATIONS Brookspi.com
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