PI Background Investigation Techniques

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a background investigation conducted by a private investigator?

Accepted Answer

To verify an individual's identity, history, and stated credentials

Answer

Background investigations are conducted to verify that an individual's stated identity, history, and credentials are accurate and truthful.

Question 2

Which federal law primarily governs the use of consumer reports in background investigations conducted by private investigators?

Accepted Answer

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Answer

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates who may access consumer reports, for what purposes, and what disclosures must be made to consumers.

Question 3

When conducting a pre-employment background check on behalf of an employer, a private investigator must ensure written authorization is obtained from the subject primarily due to requirements under which law?

Accepted Answer

The Fair Credit Reporting Act

Answer

The FCRA requires that written authorization be obtained from the consumer before an employer can procure a consumer report for employment purposes.

Question 4

Which type of public record is typically most useful for verifying a subject's residential history during a background investigation?

Accepted Answer

Property deed and property tax records

Answer

Property deed and property tax records document ownership history at specific addresses and are among the most reliable public records for establishing residential history.

Question 5

The term 'skip tracing' in private investigation refers to which activity?

Accepted Answer

Locating a person who has moved without providing a forwarding address

Answer

Skip tracing is the process of finding a person who has 'skipped' (left) their known address without providing contact information, using records and databases to track their new location.

(PI) Certified Private Investigator Practice Test

(PI) Certified Private Investigator Practice Test

PI Background Investigation Techniques