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Identity Theft Investigations: How Private Investigators Help Victims Get Justice

Understanding Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the digital age. With personal information more accessible than ever through online databases, social media, and data breaches, criminals can easily steal identities to commit fraud, open accounts, or even commit crimes in someone else's name. Victims of identity theft often face financial losses, damaged credit, and legal troubles they never saw coming.

While law enforcement agencies do their best to track down identity thieves, their resources are often stretched thin, and cases can take months—if not years—to resolve. This is where private investigators (PIs) step in to help victims reclaim their identities and bring perpetrators to justice.

How Private Investigators Help Identity Theft Victims

Tracing the Source of Identity Theft

A private investigator can determine how and where identity theft occurred by examining data breaches, investigating phishing scams, identifying unauthorized access to personal records, and reviewing social media for impersonation. Understanding the origin of the theft allows victims to take necessary steps to secure their information and prevent future attacks.

Gathering Evidence for Law Enforcement

Victims often struggle to provide sufficient evidence for law enforcement to pursue identity thieves. PIs collect crucial details such as IP addresses used for fraudulent transactions, surveillance footage, digital footprints, and connections to known criminals. A well-documented case increases the likelihood of law enforcement taking action.

Tracking Down the Perpetrators

Identity thieves can be local or operate from overseas. PIs use skip tracing, undercover operations, business inquiries, and online marketplace investigations to locate scammers. In some cases, the perpetrator may be someone the victim knows, such as a coworker or ex-partner. PIs discreetly investigate these connections to uncover the truth.

Helping Restore Credit & Reputation

Recovering from identity theft involves more than just catching the perpetrator. PIs assist victims by contacting financial institutions to dispute fraudulent transactions, providing evidence to credit bureaus, advising on security measures, and assisting with legal processes. By working with banks and credit agencies, PIs help victims regain control of their financial standing.

Preventing Future Identity Theft

Victims of identity theft remain vulnerable to further attacks. A private investigator can recommend preventive steps such as setting up fraud alerts, identifying cybersecurity weaknesses, removing personal data from broker sites, and educating victims on spotting scams. Prevention is key to reducing future risks.

When Should You Hire a Private Investigator?

Hiring a PI is advisable if law enforcement is not actively investigating the case, fraudulent transactions continue despite reports, the victim needs help identifying the thief, financial institutions require more evidence, or legal issues arise due to identity misuse. A PI can expedite the resolution process and increase the chances of holding the perpetrator accountable.

Final Thoughts

Identity theft is a stressful and overwhelming experience, but victims don’t have to face it alone. At Roland Investigations, we specialize in uncovering the source of fraud, tracking down perpetrators, and helping victims restore their identity and financial security. If you or someone you know is struggling with identity theft, we are here to help. Contact us today to take the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.

By Roland Investigations 1-15-2025

Is It Legal to Search for and Find Someone’s Assets

When it comes to financial investigations, asset searches play a crucial role in legal cases, business dealings, and personal matters. Whether you’re trying to collect on a judgment, locate hidden assets in a divorce, or verify financial claims in a business partnership, the question often arises: Is it legal to search for and find someone’s assets? The short answer is yes—as long as it’s done legally and ethically. How so, and how do we at Roland Investigations go about doing it? We’ll cover just that in this month’s article.

When Is an Asset Search Legal?

Asset searches are completely legal when conducted within the bounds of federal and state laws. Here are some of the most common legitimate reasons for performing an asset search:

• Judgment Collection – If you’ve won a lawsuit but the debtor claims they cannot pay, an asset search can uncover hidden bank accounts, real estate, or vehicles that can be used for repayment.
• Divorce Proceedings – During a divorce, one spouse may attempt to hide assets to avoid fair distribution. Legal asset searches help ensure equitable division of property and finances.
• Estate & Probate Matters – When handling an estate, an asset search helps locate bank accounts, properties, and investments that may be part of an inheritance.
• Business Due Diligence – Before entering a partnership or investment, businesses conduct asset searches to verify financial stability and potential risks.
• Fraud Investigations – If fraud is suspected, an asset search can reveal undisclosed income, offshore accounts, or hidden properties.

Methods of Legal Asset Searches

When conducted legally, asset searches use public records and permissible investigation methods to gather financial data. Some of the legal ways to find assets include:

• Public Records – Real estate holdings, property deeds, and vehicle registrations are publicly accessible through county offices.
• Court Records – Bankruptcies, liens, and judgments are often documented in court filings and available to the public.
• Business Filings – If the person owns a business, company registrations and financial disclosures may provide insight into assets.
• Professional Investigators – Licensed investigators and financial experts use legal methods to uncover assets without violating privacy laws.

What Is Illegal in an Asset Search?

While asset searches are legal, certain methods are strictly prohibited under laws such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Illegal methods include:

• Pretexting – Impersonating an individual to obtain bank or financial records.
• Unauthorized Bank Account Searches – Accessing bank records without proper legal authorization, such as a court order.
• Using Stolen Information – Any data obtained through hacking, identity theft, or other illicit means is a violation of federal law.
• Running Unauthorized Credit Checks – Credit reports are protected under the FCRA and require permission from the individual.

Legal Asset Searches Help Uncover the Truth

If you need to find someone’s assets, the best approach is to hire Roland Investigations. As licensed professionals, we follow the law while obtaining accurate and up-to-date financial information. In cases involving court proceedings, our attorneys can request legal access to financial records through subpoenas and discovery motions.

Searching for assets is legal when done correctly through public records, licensed investigators, and legal processes. Whether for debt collection, divorce settlements, or business due diligence, an asset search provides valuable financial insight—as long as it’s conducted ethically and within the law.

By Roland Process Service & Investigations Staff 1-1-2025