Guide Flashcards
7 cards from real Private Investigator Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Guide flashcards as text
What is 'dumpster diving' in the context of PI investigations, and is it generally legal?
Answer: Retrieving discarded items from trash placed in a public area; generally legal once trash is abandoned
Once trash is placed in a public area for collection, it is generally considered abandoned, making retrieval legal under California v. Greenwood.
Which of the following best describes 'open source intelligence' (OSINT)?
Answer: Information collected from publicly available sources such as social media, news, and public records
OSINT refers to the systematic collection and analysis of information from publicly available sources, a legal and widely used PI technique.
A PI operating across state lines must be aware that:
Answer: Each state has its own licensing laws, and working without a valid license in another state may be illegal
PI licensing is state-specific with no universal federal license, meaning investigators must comply with each state's requirements when working across borders.
What ethical rule should guide a PI when a client's instructions conflict with the law?
Answer: Refuse to carry out illegal instructions and potentially withdraw from the case
A PI must refuse to follow instructions that require illegal actions; professional codes of conduct and law both require declining unethical or unlawful tasks.
What is the significance of a PI obtaining a signed client contract before starting an investigation?
Answer: It defines the scope, fees, and legal boundaries of the engagement, protecting both parties
A signed contract clearly establishes expectations, scope, and legal responsibilities, reducing disputes and protecting both the PI and client.
Which of the following describes a 'conflict of interest' situation a PI must avoid?
Answer: Representing opposing parties in the same case without full disclosure and consent
Representing adversarial parties in the same matter without disclosure is a conflict of interest that violates professional ethics and can harm clients.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a PI acting as a consumer reporting agency must:
Answer: Follow strict rules on permissible purpose, accuracy, and consumer rights when compiling investigative reports
When a PI's compiled report qualifies as a consumer report under the FCRA, they must comply with rules on permissible purpose, accuracy, and consumer dispute rights.