Private Investigator FAQ — P.I. Radames | Chicago, IL

Question 1

How much does a private investigator cost in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Most private investigators in Chicago charge between $75 and $200 per hour, depending on experience and the complexity of the case. P.I. Radames charges a flat $75/hour — all-inclusive, with no hidden fees for mileage, equipment, or documentation. A 4-hour minimum applies per engagement, so most cases start at $300.

Question 2

Is hiring a private investigator legal in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hiring a licensed private investigator is completely legal in Illinois. Illinois requires all PIs to hold a state-issued license (Illinois Private Detective Act, 225 ILCS 447). P.I. Radames holds Illinois PI License No. 115-002640. Licensed PIs operate within the law — we gather evidence through legal means only, including surveillance in public spaces, database searches, and interviews.

Question 3

What should I look for when hiring a PI near me?

Accepted Answer

Look for a valid Illinois PI license (verifiable through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation), real law enforcement or investigative experience, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and a PI who works your case personally rather than handing it off to a subcontractor. P.I. Radames meets all of these — with 20+ years of experience spanning military service, corrections, law enforcement, and private investigations.

Question 4

How do I know if I need a private investigator?

Accepted Answer

If you need documented, legally admissible evidence — for a divorce, custody case, insurance claim, fraud investigation, or personal peace of mind — a licensed PI is the right call. If you're dealing with suspected infidelity, a dishonest business partner, an insurance fraud situation, or need to locate someone, those are all cases where a PI can help. Your first consultation is free — call or message and describe your situation.

Question 5

Can a private investigator catch a cheating spouse in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surveillance is one of the most common and effective services a PI provides. I conduct covert mobile and stationary surveillance to document a partner's activities — including location patterns, meetings, and photographic or video evidence. All surveillance is conducted legally, in public spaces or from public vantage points, and the resulting evidence is admissible in Illinois divorce and custody proceedings.

Question 6

Will my spouse know they're being investigated?

Accepted Answer

No. Discretion is the foundation of every case I take. I use unmarked vehicles, professional surveillance equipment, and covert techniques developed over 20+ years of investigative work. Your identity and the existence of the investigation are never disclosed.

Question 7

Can surveillance evidence be used in a divorce case in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Evidence gathered by a licensed PI through legal surveillance is admissible in Illinois family court proceedings, including divorce and custody cases. I provide a detailed written report and photographic or video documentation that meets evidentiary standards. I can also work directly with your attorney.

Question 8

Can a PI investigate cryptocurrency fraud?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and most PIs can't. As a Certified Cryptocurrency Forensic Investigator (McAfee Institute), I'm trained to trace digital assets, analyze blockchain transactions, and document cryptocurrency fraud in a way that supports legal action. If you've been the victim of a crypto scam, investment fraud, or digital asset theft, I can help build a documented case.

Question 9

How thorough is a PI background check compared to an online service?

Accepted Answer

Significantly more thorough. Online background check services pull from limited public databases and often return outdated or incomplete information. A PI-conducted background check goes deeper — including court records, address history, employment verification, associate networks, and in-person field work when needed. If you're vetting a business partner, potential employee, or someone you've met online, a professional check is worth it.

Question 10

Can you investigate workers' compensation fraud in Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Workers' comp fraud investigations are one of the most common surveillance cases I handle. I document the subject's physical activities through covert video and photographic surveillance, producing evidence that insurance companies and attorneys can use to challenge fraudulent claims.

Question 11

How does the process work when I hire P.I. Radames?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a free, confidential consultation — by phone or message. You describe your situation, I explain what I can do and what it will cost. If you decide to move forward, we agree on the scope of work, I begin the investigation, and I keep you updated throughout. At the end, you receive a detailed written report with all findings and evidence.

Question 12

Is my consultation confidential?

Accepted Answer

Completely. Everything you share with me — your name, your situation, the details of your case — is held in strict confidence. I don't share client information with anyone. Your consultation is private from the first call.

Question 13

Do you work cases outside of Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While I'm based in Chicago and serve all of Cook County and the surrounding suburbs — including DuPage, Lake, and Will counties — I can travel for cases that require it. Call or message to discuss your location and I'll let you know what's possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiring a PI

Infidelity & Surveillance

Fraud & Background Checks

Process & Confidentiality

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