What we can and can’t do
Our company motto is “Do the right thing for the right reason.” When you contact us, the first thing we do is to inquire about the type of information you need so we can figure out the best way to get that information. We also ask about the nature of your case, as it is important that we do our investigations for a legitimate business or legal reason. In some instances, we politely turn down cases and explain why we can’t help. If the reason for the investigation is unclear, underhanded or illegal, we will not get involved.
Illegal Records
Some people contact us with pre-conceived ideas about what they need done. For instance, we are often asked to check the phone records or bank records of others and we have to tell those people that checking those private records is illegal in China. Our business is obtaining information and with our experience we can often recommend other methods to achieve the case goals that are legal, ethical and yet effective.
We don’t work with “Confidential” clients:
When we work with a client, we need to have an open relationship. We need to know who the person or business is and what their true goals are. At the same time, you need to know that we will act professionally and with your best interest at heart. You also need to know that we will handle your information confidentially and with complete discretion. Once we feel comfortable that we know who you are and what you really need and you feel comfortable that we will be able to provide you with the work product you require while keeping all information private, we can then work together effectively.
Conflict of Interest:
With new cases, we always review the information and parties involved to make sure there is no conflict of interest. An example of a conflict might be that we already have a current or former client relationship with another party in the case. In the vast majority of cases, there is no conflict. But if there is a conflict, we will advise the client with the new case of this and we will either refer them to another investigation company, or we will ask the client (and the former client) if they agree to our being hired for the case, if appropriate.
Our clients need to have a direct relationship with the Subject of the investigation:
In the majority of cases, this is not an issue. There usually is a business or legal relationship between the client and the Subject. For instance, a company selling a product has a legitimate purpose to determining whether or not that same product is being knocked off and sold by another party.
In cases where there is not a direct relationship, we have to decline taking the case. An example of this can be found in domestic surveillance cases. We are hired by a wife to determine whether or not their husband is cheating on them. There is a legitimate legal reason for conducting the surveillance… providing her with the information she needs to decide whether or not to divorce. And there is a direct relationship between the client and the Subject. After the surveillance is complete, we are occasionally asked to conduct a background check on the “other woman”, with whom the husband is cheating. We explain that we cannot do this because there is no direct relationship between the wife and the other woman.
Another example is when we are asked to help locate missing family members or friends. People have many different motives for not keeping in touch with each other, so we need to be sensitive to the privacy of the Subject, as well as the needs of the client. In these more personal cases, where we are locating someone and there is not a direct business or legal relationship, we must also respect the privacy concerns of the Subject. So we always advise the client in these matters that we will be happy to locate the person. We will give them your letter or message, or we will make an in-person request for them to contact the client. We have sometimes called the client and put them on the phone with the Subject. But in this type of case we cannot provide the Subject’s address without their permission. Of course, most cases have a strong business or legal purpose and personal privacy is not at issue and the Subject’s address is provided with all of the other information developed.
We use a variety of sources and methods when investigating cases and the key to our success is creativity and resourceful use of our connections with people in many industries. It is also important to always follow the law and to get the information our clients need for legitimate reasons, without compromising anyone’s privacy.
