Everyone thinks they know what private investigators do.
Movies have you convinced we’re hacking phones, sneaking into buildings, and wiretapping calls like it’s nothing.
The reality? Very different.
Here’s what licensed private investigators can and cannot legally do in Canada.
1. Trespassing
No.
We can’t walk onto private property without permission.
No sneaking through backdoors or climbing fences.
That’s breaking the law, and any evidence gathered this way wouldn’t hold up in court.
2. Wiretapping
Only if someone on the call agrees to be recorded.
Secret recordings without consent? Illegal.
And yes, people go to jail for it.
3. Bank Records
We don’t get access.
Private financial information is protected.
In some legal cases, certain records can be obtained through lawyers or court orders — but we don’t pull your bank statements.
4. Working with Police
Sometimes.
We often get called in for second opinions, cold cases, or private investigations alongside police.
But we don’t have police authority or access to internal police files.
5. Credit Information
Protected.
We can’t pull someone’s credit file without proper legal grounds.
Public records like bankruptcies? Yes.
Credit scores? No.
6. Phone Records
Locked down.
We cannot see call logs, text messages, or detailed phone records.
We may be able to confirm phone numbers or carriers — but not your private call history.
7. GPS Tracking
Complicated.
With consent from the vehicle’s legal owner, tracking may be allowed.
Without consent? It’s illegal.
8. Hacking
Never.
We don’t hack phones, computers, emails, or social media.
Any private investigator offering hacking services is breaking the law.
9. License Plate Lookups
Yes, but not just because you’re curious.
We can run plates for legitimate investigations, but every search requires a legal reason and proper documentation.
10. Online Research
This is where we shine.
Public records, court filings, business ownership, property databases, social media deep dives — all legally gathered, all carefully cross-referenced.
This is real investigative work, not just Googling.
11. Medical Records
Off limits.
We cannot access medical files.
If people voluntarily share information about someone’s medical condition, we can document it. Otherwise, that door stays closed.
The bottom line:
Most investigators either don’t know where the line is, or pretend it doesn’t exist. We know exactly where the limits are, because we’ve seen what happens when they’re crossed. That’s why we get you real answers, legally, professionally, and without risking your case.
To learn more, contact Investigation Hotline at +1 416-205-9114 or Speak with the Experts Now
