Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find some of the most common questions we are asked by people thinking about engaging Private Investigation services. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Get a Free Consultation

Who is Linked Investigations?

Linked Investigations is a premier Private Investigations firm based in Southern California. The company’s owner, Mike Garroutte, began working as a Private Investigator in 1982.

For more information about Linked Investigations and how they can assist you, please visit the Our Team page.

What types of investigative services does Linked Investigations offer?

We are a full-service Private Investigation firm. This means we are experienced in and work on most areas of investigations. We specialize in expert surveillance services, complete background checks and other personalized services.

What will a Private Investigator cost?

Each service is different since it is based on your specific needs. Please call us for a free phone consultation so we can determine the best services for your needs and quote you a price.

Is this legal?

Yes. We are licensed by the State of California to conduct surveillance and numerous other services. To learn more, visit http://www.bsis.ca.gov/ 

Is it legal to record phone calls and/or private conversations?

No. It is not legal to secretly record private conversations or two-party calls. All people involved in a conversation must be made aware and consent to a recording. If there is an expectation of privacy, then you cannot do it. Private Investigators are not allowed to do it and the recorded conversation cannot be used in court.

There are exceptions, but generally this is bad practice and a quick way to get you into serious trouble.

Is it legal to put a GPS tracking device on someone’s car?

This is an important question. The answer is generally, no. While owners of family vehicles and business owners with company “fleet” or service vehicles may have valid reasons in some situations, it is generally not legal.

Private Investigators are NOT allowed to install or use tracking devices on surveillance to monitor unsuspecting subjects of their investigations. Tracking devices cannot provide as detailed information as a private investigator through visual surveillance.

Do I pay before or after the work is completed? Do I pay only if you get results?

We typically require a retainer commensurate to the amount of work estimated before we begin. We can discuss any additional work and associated fees before we move forward. There should be no surprises involving cost.

We get paid for the time spent in our best attempts to get your information. Generally, we provide you with what we observed or uncovered during our efforts on your behalf. We cannot control what any subject does during the time we watch them.

How do I contact Linked Investigations if I have a potential case to discuss?

Call us on 714-432-9911 or send us an email from our contact form with any question you have. The longer you wait before talking to us, the higher the potential to miss an opportunity or lose valuable planning time.

What do surveillance services include?

A surveillance investigator will monitor an individual’s activities and provide you with a verbal and professionally written, detailed, court ready report. If you have a question during the process, please ask.

When requested you can expect regular updates during a surveillance, with details of a subject’s activity, locations traveled to, people they come into contact with and their interaction.

Video and still photography services are included during surveillance upon request and at no additional cost to you for the service.

We can provide follow up computer and field work from the information obtained during a surveillance. We can testify in court to our findings, if needed.

Will anyone find out about the surveillance?

Not usually. We are not required to disclose our information to third parties. Our policy is not to disclose findings to those outside our associate group without your consent. Unless you tell someone, no one should find out about our efforts.

Is there a minimum cost?

We have a four-hour minimum for each surveillance. After the four hour minimum is met, we charge by the hour. This is standard in the business. We also charge for mileage, which is also standard. Photography and videography services are included.

What information can I expect from a Complete Background Check?

Our in-house databases are extremely thorough and up-to-date. We do not provide stale information like most online providers. You get the benefit of our many years of research experience and our hands-on follow up with you to ensure you are getting the best, most current information available. For specific areas searched, you are welcome to navigate to our investigative services page, or contact us to discuss.

We invite you to review our investigative services and contact us today for your complimentary consultation. Please contact us to ask us any question you might have.

Can I schedule a free consultation?

Yes. Click Here to schedule a free consultation. A licensed private investigator will confidentially discuss your situation. You will be provided with straight and honest answers to any question you have, which will take the guesswork out of what will be the most effective means for getting the answers you need.

Professional Private Investigation Services for all your needs.

Linked Investigations is unmatched in its field for asset search, surveillance, and background checks; We can find missing persons quickly; We specialize in child custody and divorce cases. Our private investigative team is known for its consistency in uncovering the evidence our clients seek at rates they can afford.

Our services include Complete Background Checks, Criminal Background checks, Cheating Spouses, Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law investigations, Surveillance Services, Finding Missing Persons, Asset Searches, Elder Abuse Detection and Investigation, Attorney Services, Corporate Investigative Services and Public Record Searches. Use the slider below to find the information you are looking for, or contact us today for a free consultation.

Get a Free Consultation

Linked Investigations 5 Star Yelp Reviews

We love our clients, and our clients seem to like us, too! But don’t take our word for it. Read on to see what Linked Investigations clients say about our professional private investigative services.

Click on a review to read the full text.

I have used Linked Investigations multiple times. First, it was for reasons of a personal nature. Then I began using Mike's services for my business as well, including background checks and surveillance services. What I like most about Mike is that he is genuine, takes time to get to know the clients and their needs, […]

CW

I have used Linked Investigations multiple times. First, it was for reasons of a personal nature. Then I began using Mike's services for my business as well, including background checks and surveillance services.

What I like most about Mike is that he is genuine, takes time to get to know the clients and their needs, and goes above the call of duty to answer questions. He has provided solutions I hadn't thought of before, which is a major bonus as a small business owner. I highly recommend Mike and the his Linked Investigations investigators for both private and corporate investigation.

I have referred many a friend and colleague his way.

CW

Mike is extremely professional and knowledgeable. I have been going through a very trying and complicated personal issue over the past year. Mike was able to help me to understand his services, and provide me with some well needed advise. As other reviewers have written, Mike is a pleasure to deal with, prices are reasonable […]

Calle R

Mike is extremely professional and knowledgeable. I have been going through a very trying and complicated personal issue over the past year. Mike was able to help me to understand his services, and provide me with some well needed advise. As other reviewers have written, Mike is a pleasure to deal with, prices are reasonable and well worth the piece of mind. I have no doubt that Mike goes above and beyond for all his clients. Thank you again Mike!

Calle R

I came to a point where in needed a PI for a case I was involved in. I'm glad when a friend recommended me to this place. I was a mess when I sat down to talk about my case. He was very thoughtful and genuinely cared about what I was going threw. He took […]

Vanessa T

I came to a point where in needed a PI for a case I was involved in. I'm glad when a friend recommended me to this place. I was a mess when I sat down to talk about my case. He was very thoughtful and genuinely cared about what I was going threw. He took the time to answer all my questions and walked me through everything step by step. I felt comfortable and safe talking with him. I would definitely recommend going here!

Vanessa T

Mike was extremely friendly, helpful and professional. I was highly impressed by his performance and experience. Linked Investigations was absolutely successful in accomplishing everything I had asked of them. Mike was much easier to talk with and work with than some of the others I had tried to work with in the past.

Steven H

Mike was extremely friendly, helpful and professional. I was highly impressed by his performance and experience. Linked Investigations was absolutely successful in accomplishing everything I had asked of them. Mike was much easier to talk with and work with than some of the others I had tried to work with in the past.

Steven H

Mike is the best around, have known him and worked with him for over 10 years. He is extremely professional, great at what he does and easy to work with. Would recommended Mike and Linked Investigations to EVERYONE! A+++++

A.C.R

Mike is the best around, have known him and worked with him for over 10 years. He is extremely professional, great at what he does and easy to work with. Would recommended Mike and Linked Investigations to EVERYONE! A+++++

A.C.R

If you need assistance and don't know where to go, Mike at LI is definitely the person you need to speak to. He is an extremely good listener to grasp your situation quickly and provide intelligent and informative information to help you out. He evaluates the situation carefully to help you determine a course of […]

Ros J

If you need assistance and don't know where to go, Mike at LI is definitely the person you need to speak to. He is an extremely good listener to grasp your situation quickly and provide intelligent and informative information to help you out. He evaluates the situation carefully to help you determine a course of action and avoid unnecessary expense. He will be very direct and offer solutions for your considerations and how to tackle the issues. You can't get better than that! My interaction with Mike superseded all expectations! Definitely give he and his team a call!

Ros J

Mike has helped me on several occasions in the last two years for surveillance and background checks on men in my life who were potentially not good for me to be in a relationship with. He has far exceeded my expectations every time. He is incredibly perceptive, knowledgeable and highly skilled at what he does. […]

Lynn D

Mike has helped me on several occasions in the last two years for surveillance and background checks on men in my life who were potentially not good for me to be in a relationship with. He has far exceeded my expectations every time. He is incredibly perceptive, knowledgeable and highly skilled at what he does. Each time I called him for service, he first helped me to figure out what my goals were so I don't end up wasting my time or money in areas that will not help me gain the information or the clarity I needed. He genuinely cared about my situation and he took the time to explain all aspects of what I can expect in the process. After working with him, I will not even consider working with anyone else.

Lynn D

I called several investigators to ask for help finding the owner of a hit and run vehicle. No one seemed to offer any real help until I talked to Mike. He told me exactly what to tell my insurance company and helped me understand my rights in the situation. Everything he told me was true…and […]

Jennifer R

I called several investigators to ask for help finding the owner of a hit and run vehicle. No one seemed to offer any real help until I talked to Mike. He told me exactly what to tell my insurance company and helped me understand my rights in the situation. Everything he told me was true…and the insurance company resolved the situation! The incredible part…he didn't charge me and he wouldn't even take payment when I offered! I will definitely use his services if needed again, and I want to be sure to pay whatever his efforts are worth!

Jennifer R

I contacted Mike about finding a couple childhood friends. He was professional and very helpful throughout the whole process. Any questions I had were answered promptly and I could not have been happier with the results. Thank you Mike!

Jason S

I contacted Mike about finding a couple childhood friends. He was professional and very helpful throughout the whole process. Any questions I had were answered promptly and I could not have been happier with the results. Thank you Mike!

Jason S

I found this company from Yelp and Mike helped me to serve the person efficiently . I will definitely recommend them to any of my friends who need this kind of help. Thank you very much!

Rosemary C

I found this company from Yelp and Mike helped me to serve the person efficiently . I will definitely recommend them to any of my friends who need this kind of help. Thank you very much!

Rosemary C

If you need information on something or someone, Mike is your guy! He is quick, talented and really listens to what you need. Most importantly, he also helps you understand the data you receive, which is not always easy considering there is a lot of info to sift through. Each report highlights the areas of […]

Monica K

If you need information on something or someone, Mike is your guy! He is quick, talented and really listens to what you need. Most importantly, he also helps you understand the data you receive, which is not always easy considering there is a lot of info to sift through. Each report highlights the areas of most importance and there is additional info to help you put things in context. I will go to Mike anytime I need detailed information. Thank you for all your help!!

Monica K

I've been using Linked Investigations for years to do background checks. Their data is WAY more thorough than other background check agencies. I highly recommend Linked Investigations!

Julia H

I've been using Linked Investigations for years to do background checks. Their data is WAY more thorough than other background check agencies. I highly recommend Linked Investigations!

Julia H

I was in need of hiring a private investigator after some suspicious activity started happening and thankfully found Mike through Yelp. The level of service and information he gave was above and beyond my expectations! He provided me what I needed and was extremely knowledgeable. I could tell he's a real genuine human being who […]

Jes Y

I was in need of hiring a private investigator after some suspicious activity started happening and thankfully found Mike through Yelp. The level of service and information he gave was above and beyond my expectations! He provided me what I needed and was extremely knowledgeable. I could tell he's a real genuine human being who truly wants to help people. Very thankful I found him to investigate my case and provide the info that I needed!

Jes Y

I recently called Linked Investigators to try to find the owner of an LLC. I sent him all the info I had. A day later he emailed me to call him. We talked, he gave me his assessment of who was who and what was what, gave me some great advice on proceeding or not […]

Mimi L

I recently called Linked Investigators to try to find the owner of an LLC. I sent him all the info I had. A day later he emailed me to call him. We talked, he gave me his assessment of who was who and what was what, gave me some great advice on proceeding or not AND he did not charge me. Today I got a 77 page report!

I never thought I would need an investigator but this situation was gnawing at me and I had to get an answer.

Mimi L

Get a Free Consultation
Top