PersonFinder vs. Hiring a Private Investigator
For a records-based locate, PersonFinder delivers in 24 hours for a flat $95, no retainer, no hourly bill. PIs earn their fee when a case needs boots on the ground.
Get Started| PersonFinder | hiring a private investigator | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Flat $95 per subject | $50–$150/hour, often a multi-hour minimum or retainer |
| Turnaround | 24 hours (same business day with Rush) | Days to weeks, depending on caseload |
| Data quality | 1B+ records, human-verified | Investigator's own databases plus field work |
| Human verification | Every report reviewed by a researcher | Yes, plus in-person confirmation |
| Best for | Locating a person and their records nationwide | Surveillance, interviews, and physical confirmation |
| Support | Direct email support and no-match re-run | One-to-one, but priced accordingly |
Most locates are a records problem, not a stakeout
The large majority of 'find this person' requests are solved with records, addresses, phones, relatives, employment, and assets. PersonFinder does exactly that part fast and cheaply, so you only pay for an investigator's hours when a case genuinely needs surveillance or in-person work.
PersonFinder search typesNo retainer, transparent pricing
Investigators typically bill hourly against a retainer, and a simple locate can consume a surprising number of billable hours. PersonFinder is a flat $95 per subject with add-ons priced up front, so there are no surprises.
PersonFinder pricingWhen hiring a private investigator may fit
If your matter needs live surveillance, witness interviews, or someone to physically confirm a person is at an address, hire a licensed investigator, that is their craft. Many PIs actually use a service like PersonFinder for the research phase and reserve their hours for field work.
50
States Covered
1B+
Records Searched
24 hrs
Standard Delivery
FAQ
PersonFinder vs. Hiring a Private Investigator
For a records-based locate, PersonFinder delivers in 24 hours for a flat $95, no retainer, no hourly bill. PIs earn their fee when a case needs boots on the ground.