Most people think private investigators are for rich people or movie plots. Then they call me.
“I feel stupid asking this, but…” is how half my conversations start. People think their problems aren’t serious enough or they should handle things themselves.
I’ve been doing security and investigation work for over 12 years. Trust me, if you’re wondering whether you need a private investigator, you probably do. Here’s when to stop second-guessing yourself.
1. Your Gut Keeps Telling You Something’s Wrong
You know that feeling when something’s off but you can’t put your finger on it? Don’t ignore that.
Your spouse is acting weird. Your business partner seems sketchy. Money’s disappearing and the explanations don’t make sense. Your ex is lying about something in court.
That nagging feeling exists for a reason. I’ve never had a client who was completely wrong about their suspicions. They might be wrong about the details, but something was always going on.
2. You’ve Tried Everything Else
You’ve asked direct questions and got BS answers. You’ve looked through phone records, social media, bank statements. You’ve tried talking to mutual friends or colleagues.
Nothing worked. The person you suspect is either really good at hiding things or you need tools and access you don’t have.
Private investigation isn’t your first option—it’s what you do when normal approaches fail.
3. Someone’s Lying About Money
Money lies are the worst kind because they affect everything. Business partner claiming the company’s broke while driving a new BMW? Ex saying they can’t afford child support but posting vacation pics every month? Employee with access to company accounts acting nervous around audit time?
Fraud investigation services and asset searches can find hidden income, secret accounts, and property people don’t want you to know about. I’ve tracked down money hidden in relatives’ names, shell companies, and even cryptocurrency accounts.
4. Your Divorce or Custody Case Needs Evidence
Family court judges see lying parents every day. They don’t care about your accusations or suspicions—they want proof.
If your ex is hiding assets, living with someone while claiming to be single, or doing things that affect your kids’ safety, you need documentation that holds up in court.
Surveillance investigation and background check services can provide video evidence, financial records, and verified information that changes legal outcomes.
5. You Need to Find Someone Who Doesn’t Want to be Found
Regular people aren’t good at finding people who are actively hiding. We have access to databases, professional contacts, and search techniques you don’t.
Skip tracing services and missing person investigation can locate people who owe you money, witnesses for legal cases, or family members you’ve lost touch with.
Last month I found a guy who owed a client $45,000. He’d moved states and was using his middle name instead of his first name. Took me three days. Would have taken my client years, if ever.
6. You’re About to Trust Someone with Important Stuff
Hiring someone for a key position? Investing money with a new partner? Dating someone your kids will meet?
Background investigations can reveal criminal history, financial problems, or past behavior that matters for your decision.
Employee background screening goes deeper than basic employment verification. We can find lawsuits, bankruptcy filings, and other red flags that explain why someone might be desperate for money or unreliable.
7. Someone’s Threatening or Stalking You
If someone’s making you feel unsafe, don’t tough it out alone. Document everything and get professional help.
Personal security and investigative services can identify who’s behind anonymous threats, gather evidence for restraining orders, or provide protection while you figure out your next steps.
Electronic surveillance and computer forensics can trace online harassment back to its source, even when people think they’re anonymous.
What NOT to Look for in Orlando Private Investigators
Plenty of investigators in Orlando will take your money and give you nothing useful. Here’s how to spot the bad ones:
Promises they can’t keep. Anyone guaranteeing specific results is lying. Good investigators tell you what they can do, not what they will find.
Super cheap rates. If someone’s way cheaper than everyone else, there’s a reason. Usually it’s because they don’t know what they’re doing or they’re cutting corners.
No license or sketchy credentials. Florida requires licensing for private investigator services. Check that before you hire anyone.
Pressure tactics. Legitimate investigative services don’t push you to sign contracts immediately or pay everything upfront.
The Real Cost of Waiting
I get calls from people who suspected something for months but didn’t act. They always wish they’d called sooner.
Woman in Winter Park suspected her husband was cheating. Waited eight months to hire us because she felt guilty about “spying.” Turns out he’d been draining their retirement accounts the whole time to support his girlfriend. Eight months of additional losses she could have prevented.
Business owner in downtown Orlando knew his bookkeeper was stealing but hoped he was wrong. By the time he called us, she’d taken over $80,000. If he’d acted on his first suspicions, the loss would have been under $20,000.
Orlando Private Investigator Services You Actually Need
Most people need one of these services:
Infidelity investigations – surveillance and evidence gathering for suspected cheating Asset searches – finding hidden money and property Background checks – verifying someone’s history before you trust them Missing person location – finding people who don’t want to be found Fraud investigations – documenting theft or financial crimes Legal support – gathering evidence for court cases
We Cover All of Central Florida
USA Security & Protection Group LLC handles private investigation throughout Florida:
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Weston, Plantation, Port Saint Lucie, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Fort Myers—and of course, Orlando.
From surveillance services to background investigations, we’ve probably handled cases like yours before.
Stop Wondering and Find Out
The worst part about suspecting something is the not knowing. It eats at you. Affects your sleep, your work, your relationships with other people.
Private detective services aren’t about being paranoid or vindictive. They’re about getting enough information to make smart decisions about your life.
Call us at (954) 477-1088 or email USACURITYPROGROUPLLC@GMAIL.COM. We’ll listen to what’s going on and tell you honestly whether investigation makes sense or if there are other ways to get answers.
