Is the Moving Company You’re Hiring, Legitimate and Trustworthy?
So you’re planning a move. You’ll be packing up all your worldly possessions into all those boxes and moving to that new home. One of the most important considerations you’ll make is in knowing how to choose the best Scarborough moving company. But how do you know if a mover is legitimate and trustworthy? In this article, we’ll outline 10 ways you can check a moving company’s credibility before you entrust them with your belongings.
Look for a license: Legitimate moving companies are required to have a license, which is issued by the Canadian Association of Movers. You can check a company’s license number on their website or with the CAM directly.
Check for insurance: Your moving company should also have insurance to protect your belongings in case of damage or loss. Make sure they can provide proof of insurance before you hire them.
Read reviews: One of the best ways to gauge a mover’s trustworthiness is to read reviews from past customers. Check websites like Yelp, Google, and HomeAdvisor to see what people have to say.
Ask for references: A reputable moving company should be able to provide you with references from satisfied customers. Don’t be afraid to contact these references and ask about their experience.
Get a written estimate: Your mover should provide you with a detailed, written estimate that includes all the services you’ll need and their corresponding costs. Beware of moving companies that only provide verbal estimates.
Avoid upfront payment: Be wary of any moving company that demands upfront payment or a large deposit. A reputable mover will only ask for payment when the job is complete.
Check for hidden fees: Make sure you understand all the fees associated with your move before you sign a contract. Avoid moving companies that tack on unexpected fees or try to increase your costs.
Verify their address: Make sure the moving company has a physical address and isn’t just operating out of someone’s home. You can verify their address on the Better Business Bureau website.
Check their track record: Look up the mover’s history with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any complaints or negative reviews.
Trust your gut: Ultimately, you should trust your instincts. If a moving company seems sketchy or unprofessional, don’t hire them. Choose a mover that makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.
In conclusion, choosing a reputable moving company requires some due diligence on your part. By following these 10 tips, you can ensure that your mover is legitimate and trustworthy, and that your belongings are in good hands. Happy moving!
When it comes to hiring a private investigator, many people are intimidated by the prospect of working with one. The truth is, private investigators are not just for high-profile cases or secret surveillance operations. Private investigators work with individuals, businesses, and organizations to provide a range of services that include background checks, surveillance, fraud investigations, and more.
Here are ten private investigation topics you might find helpful to know before hiring one.
Background Checks – If you’re considering hiring a new employee, leasing property, or entering into a business partnership, a background check can provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions. A private investigator can gather information on individuals including criminal records, job history, educational backgrounds, credit history, and more.
Surveillance – Surveillance involves observing and documenting an individual’s behavior to gather evidence. Private investigators use various techniques including video, photography, and GPS tracking to obtain evidence that can be used in court or to inform decision-making.
Workers’ Compensation Claims – When an employee files a workers’ compensation claim, private investigators can gather evidence to determine the legitimacy of the claim. This can include surveillance of the employee to observe their physical activity and behavior, as well as interviewing coworkers and witnesses.
Insurance Fraud – Insurance fraud investigations typically involve gathering evidence to prove that an individual or organization has filed a fraudulent insurance claim. These types of investigations can be complex and may involve collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Infidelity Investigations – Infidelity investigations involve observing and documenting a person’s behavior to determine if they are engaging in extramarital affairs. Private investigators can use various techniques to document evidence, including video, audio recordings, and GPS tracking.
Asset Searches – Asset searches are used to locate assets owned by an individual or business. A private investigator can gather information about bank accounts, property ownership, investment portfolios, and more to provide a complete picture of an individual’s financial situation.
Missing Persons – If a loved one has gone missing, private investigators can help locate them. This typically involves conducting an investigation to gather information about the missing person’s last known whereabouts, interviewing witnesses, and using various methods to locate the individual.
Child Custody Cases – Private investigators can assist in child custody cases by gathering evidence that can be used to support a parent’s position in court. This typically involves conducting surveillance and interviewing witnesses to gather evidence.
Background Investigations for Small Businesses – Small businesses can benefit from conducting background investigations on potential clients, partners, or employees. A private investigator can provide a complete background check that includes criminal records, job history, education, and credit history.
Intellectual Property Theft – Intellectual property theft investigations involve gathering evidence that an individual or organization has stolen or misappropriated intellectual property. This can include conducting surveillance and interviewing witnesses to gather evidence to support legal action.
When it comes to private investigation topics, the possibilities are endless.
Private investigators provide a range of services that can be helpful for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Whether you’re considering hiring a new employee, investigating insurance fraud, or looking for a missing loved one, a private investigator can provide the information you need to make informed decisions. If you’re considering hiring a private investigator, do your research to find someone who has experience in the area of investigation you need and who has a good reputation in the industry. With the right private investigator on your side, you can get the answers you need to move forward.
What are the most common types of investigations conducted?
In Ontario, to be a private investigator and have the power to legally carry out investigations, the business or person must be licensed under the Provincial Private Security and Investigative Services Act. To be specific, a private investigation license is needed to:
Search for offenses against the law
Conducting background checks (this is a service of attaining and providing personal information, actions, or character of a person; and many businesses use this service.)
Searching for missing property
Searching for missing persons
FINDING MISSING PERSONS
People often seek the services of a private investigator to find missing persons; either unintentionally or intentionally. This may be because they are part of criminal investigation, owed money or own money, involved in court cases, or cannot be found.
Missing person’s investigations generally include finding:
A defendant in a court case
An Ex-spouse for child support
A past tenant who owe money for property damages or rent
A contractor who was paid to do work but disappeared before completing the job
A person named in a Will
A person suspected of criminal conduct
An employee suspected of work-related fraud
Adopted adults and kids who want to find their biological parents
An old friend or family member
CHILD CUSTODY INVESTIGATION
During a divorce, spouses must make a decision of who will get the custody of the child or children. However, sometimes things are not as easy as mentioned. Sometimes, child custody and access battles find their way into the courts. The judge must make a ruling that best interest the children. As such, a parent may decide to seek the services of a private investigator to find proof that will show the other parent is unfit to raise a child.
FINDING MISSING ASSETS OR PROPERTY
A private investigator may be hired to find missing assets or property; including real estate. Often, people seek this service through a separation proceeding, when one partner is hiding properties from the other. Others hire a private investigator to locate assets or property when an ex-partner wants to collect due support.
Property investigations are needed by:
A person who is owed a debt
A person entering into a business relationship
Creditors
Investors
Corporations or businesses doing due diligence
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Many times a private investigator will be hired to perform background checks when a person is concerned about or interested in integrity, character, financial stability, or credibility of another person. Background checks are done for many reasons. below are the most common:
Volunteering and employment
A person entering into a new relationship
Child custody disputes
A person before signing a marriage contract
During criminal investigations or civil cases like identity theft or fraud
When considering a business partner or new investment
WHAT TYPES OF INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES CAN BE USED?
Private investigators can use various techniques, research, and surveillance to get the proof they are looking for, no matter the case.
Evidence gathering and surveillance techniques include:
Skip tracing
Background checks
Video surveillance
Witness statements and location
Audio surveillance
Photographs
GPS
Personal observations
One of the benefits of hiring a private investigator is that they conduct their surveillance at any time of the day or night. Furthermore, they have the power to collect evidence in different locations like places of employment, shopping centers, sports arenas, and others.
Other methods they use to gather information:
Public Libraries – They use libraries to find old newspapers to collect information regarding their case, may it be crime, accident, engagement, marriage, death, birth, and much more.
Public Database (including the internet) – The aim may be to find addresses, phone number, as well as employment information.
Land Registry database, Divorce Records, Bankruptcy Records, and Corporate Searches – The aim is to perform background inquiries.
Personal Property Security Registration (PPSR) – Private investigators use this method to identify a connection associated with a person, business, or collateral.
Undercover Operations
This is another technique private investigators use to find the information they need. However, working undercover means remaining undetected and working discreetly. Even though this is a technique that is quite uncommon, a private investigator will result in this form of investigation technique when all other techniques have failed.
Undercover tasks are mainly done as part of workplace investigations. This method may involve:
Assault
Employment alcohol or/and drug use, and even theft
Intellectual property theft
Disability or workplace insurance fraud
Online data theft
Sexual harassment
Unfair hiring practice
Discrimination
Remember, undercover techniques involve both physical and electronic surveillance. Electronic surveillance includes the use of both video and audio equipment. Physical surveillance simply refers to physically observing a person or collecting discarded items like trash.
Undercover investigations are legal as long as the investigator follow the law. For example, not entering private property without permission or not recording conversations that they are not involved in.
WHAT PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ARE NOT LEGALLY ALLOWED TO DO?
Private investigators should always ensure that they follow the law. This simply means that ensuring that they act within the provincial and federal laws. They should also observe the code of conduct found in the Private Security & Investigative Services Act. An investigator is not allowed to:
Make Arrests – A private investigator in Ontario is not legally allowed to make arrests. If there is evidence that shows arrest must be done, the investigator must contact law enforcement.
Impersonating Law Enforcement – Private investigators located in Ontario are not supposed to wear a uniform, carry badges, or say something that might imply they are federal agents or police.
Trespass – Trespassing is illegal even to private investigators
Wiretapping Conversations – Without a proper warrant, wiretapping is illegal. As such, private investigators cannot tap phones.
