Cheap Private Investigators and Why to Avoid Them

June 21, 2021 - Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated on: August 8, 2025

Everyone likes to save money and we all enjoy finding a bargain. However, there are some moments in life where going with the cheapest option could backfire badly. Hiring a private investigator is one of them. If your future, relationship, finances, or legal situation is on the line, choosing a cheap private detective can do more harm than good.

Why Do Cheap Private Investigators Charge Less?

There are typically two reasons:

• They are new and inexperienced, trying to get their first few cases
• They have a bad reputation and can’t charge what experienced PIs do

Hiring a cut-price investigator often means poor quality surveillance, missed evidence, or reports that aren't legally usable. You might even lose your one chance to catch someone out - and never get the opportunity again.

Why You Should Avoid Cheap Private Detectives in the UK

• Evidence may be unusable – If it's gathered unlawfully, it won't stand up in court
• They might blow their cover – Once spotted, the subject will always be cautious
• They often lack proper equipment – We use camera gear worth thousands. Cheap PIs usually don’t
• No insurance or credentials – If something goes wrong, you have no protection

Are They Even Articulate?

Check how your PI communicates. Do their emails make sense? Is their spelling and grammar poor? We've seen "reports" that look like they were copied and pasted from a teenager's phone. If you can't understand their evidence, you can’t use it.

Always request a sample report or ask to see previous case outcomes (with personal info redacted).

Beware of Fake Private Investigator Services

We’ve seen countless examples where people have tried to pay someone to hack WhatsApp, Instagram or GPS-track a phone. The scammer will either:

• Take your money and vanish
• Demand more money before disappearing

Victims then realise they’ve paid for something illegal — and can’t report it. These scams often target people in desperate situations, such as partners trying to catch infidelity. Never fall for it. You risk losing your money and getting into legal trouble.

Phone Tracking & GPS Spoof Scams

Some fake “investigators” claim they can track someone's phone to find a missing person or cheating partner. In reality, this is not possible unless the person being tracked has legally opted in. Anyone who says otherwise is scamming you.

We've seen people pay for GPS tracking services and receive fake coordinates. These scammers prey on emotion and urgency.

What’s a Retainer for a Private Investigator?

In the UK, many private investigators (including us) use a retainer system for surveillance cases. This allows you to:

• Set a fixed budget for your case
• Allow us to act quickly if something unexpected happens
• Maintain flexibility without stopping the case due to admin delays

How Much Do Private Investigators Charge in the UK?

It depends on the case type, location, and complexity. As a guide, our prices reflect the professionalism, experience, and tools we bring to every investigation.

We cover all areas of the UK and offer free, no-pressure quotes. To get an accurate estimate, visit our contact page and include the postcode of your case and relevant details.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a private investigator is a serious decision - not something to leave in the hands of someone who undercharges because they lack the tools, the training or the ethics.