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When you need the services of a private investigator, take time to research your options. Unfortunately, there are some individuals out there that advertise themselves as “private investigators” but do not have the necessary license and training. You want to be sure that you are working with an experienced and knowledgeable professional. Check to be [...]

The Internet has changed the way we do everything. We rely on it for job searches, product research, shopping, socialization and more. Unfortunately, scammers have discovered how to use it to defraud innocent victims with very little chance of getting caught. With the help of a private investigator, you can protect yourself from Internet fraud [...]

Service of process is the procedure used to give legal notice to an individual concerning a court or legal proceeding. There are a few different ways to serve paperwork to a person and each jurisdiction has its own rules and regulations. The most reliable and efficient way to serve papers is to hire a professional [...]

One of the most common requests we receive is for assistance in locating a birth parent.  Not knowing information about your biological parent can be difficult. Many children of adoption may spend their entire lives wondering about the parents that gave them up. With the help of a private investigator, finding a birth parent is [...]

You’ve read about them in books and seen them glamourized in the movies, but many people are unaware of the many services that private investigators provide. Whether you want to locate a lost loved one, need assistance with your child custody case or require personal protection services, a private investigator should be your first call. [...]

According to recent statistics, more than one half of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce. Infidelity is one of the most common reasons that individuals cite for the break up of their marriages. Private investigators gather proof of marital infidelity for divorce and child custody cases. When you suspect that your [...]

If you feel threatened, take action to ensure that you, your family and your business are safe. A personal protection expert, sometimes called a bodyguard, works diligently to protect clients and guarantee their safety. Whether you are a top executive, a target of a stalker or involved in a dispute, personal protection may give you [...]

Divorce can be very complicated, especially when children are involved. This is why many individuals choose to hire a private investigator when compiling evidence for their child custody cases. Through surveillance, interviews, background checks and more, the private investigator provides clients with pertinent information for divorce and child custody cases. Divorce and custody cases can [...]

According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, stalking is a crime that affects 3.4 million people a year.  Often ignored by local law officials, many victims feel helpless and are unsure of how to stop the harassment.  A private investigator is a valuable ally to have in the fight against stalking.  He is [...]

Workers’ compensation insurance provides monetary benefits and medical compensation to employees who are injured while performing a job. While this type of insurance provides much needed protection to millions of American workers, unscrupulous employees can submit fraudulent claims in hopes of cheating their employers and insurance companies out of money. Workers are guilty of fraud [...]

As the number of negligent hiring lawsuits rises, employers are relying heavily on pre-employment background checks to determine which potential candidates to hire. Employers can be held liable for the actions of an employee if they did not check the candidate’s suitability for the job. The information included in a typical background check gives the [...]

People come in and out of our lives through the years and we may often wonder what ever happened to them.  Others may be searching for someone they do not even remember, like a birth parent or a sibling given up for adoption.  No matter whom you are trying to locate, a private investigator can [...]

Many people do not realize that to become a private investigator, an individual must complete many hours of training for certification.  A licensed investigator is a true professional that possesses very specialized skills.  While there are unqualified people out there who call themselves “private investigators,” the smart consumer should take time to do some research [...]

Infidelity or cheating is one of the most common reasons that couples get divorced. While some people claim that they never suspected a thing, others have been suspicious for years. Listed below are some common signs that your spouse may be cheating. Change in work hours: Many cheating spouses use work as an excuse to [...]

We all know how difficult it can be to meet that special someone. Now, more than ever, busy singles rely on the Internet to find potential mates. Dating sites, Facebook, chat rooms and more have steadily become the preferred way to meet other singles. While there are numerous happy endings to these types of interactions, [...]

Realizing that a child is not acting like himself is one of the worst scenarios imaginable. This could mean anything – maybe he just had a bad day at school, maybe he’s feeling ill, or maybe it’s something much worse. With the incidents of reported sexual abuse on the rise, this might be one of [...]

If you’re searching for a bodyguard, the “bodyguard” common in popular media isn’t necessarily the type of bodyguard you should expect to find. In fact, they’re not even called bodyguards at all; the actual name for the profession is “Executive Protection Specialist” or “Personal Security Specialist”. While such specialists are relatively easy to locate, you [...]

If you own or run your own company, the safety of your company’s information will likely be one of your top priorities. If important information regarding your company is compromised, the resulting damage may be enough to close your company down entirely. If you are at all concerned about the safety of your company, it [...]

Private investigators are thought by most people to perform background checks and surveillance on subjects. While these types of investigations do make up a majority of their work, private investigators can also be hired to perform other types of investigation, including forensic investigations. When a private investigator is hired to perform a forensic investigation, there [...]

Private investigators are most famous for their roles in finding missing persons, performing background checks, and catching cheating spouses. However, private investigators offer many more services than just these. In fact, many private investigators offer a wide range of services to a wide range of clients from individuals to corporations. Some of the many services [...]

Technology has become more and more a part of people’s lives today. From laptops to cell phones to cell phones that are essentially really small computers, it seems everyone in America is connected. Take a quick glance around next time you’re in a public place – you’re sure to see people connected to technology. Whether [...]

Kerry Graves makes a TV appearance on WFMY News 2. The original article can be seen here. Here’s a snippet from the website: “I think the technology piece is very critical because now you’re able to pinpoint the exact location most of the time,” Kerry Graves, founder of Graves Investigations, said. If you have an [...]

Realizing someone you care about is missing can be devastating. Calling the police is a good initial reaction, but hiring a private investigator may mean finding your missing loved one more quickly. If you believe your loved one has been kidnapped or abducted, involving the police should be your first step. If you’re looking for [...]

Executive protection can be extremely important for corporate executives, whether your believe your job will make you a target for kidnapping or exploitation or not. As a corporate executive, you have likely already taken steps to ensure your corporation’s safety. These steps will probably include pre-employment screening and background checks. Hiring executive protection services can [...]

Your marriage was a fairytale for the first couple of years. You loved him and he loved you, and you looked forward to starting your lives together. In addition to your love for each other, you each had steady jobs and comfortable savings accounts. Fast forward a few years, and you and your husband have [...]

Your teenage daughter is out on her first date. You’re waiting up until she gets home, but you can’t relax. You tried watching some TV and reading a magazine, but you’re simply too worried about your daughter to focus on anything else. After all, she’s still your baby even if she’s not a baby anymore. [...]

Imagine you are an employer looking to hire some new people. Perhaps you’re a principle looking for a new second grade teacher, or maybe you’re a high-level corporate executive looking to hire an assistant that would have access to sensitive information. The prospective employee’s application proves that they’re more than qualified, but you get the [...]

Suppose you walk into the room and your spouse is on the computer. He or she quickly closes out of whatever they were doing or tries to hide the screen from you. Your first thought might be “Are they cheating on me?” This is especially true if you’ve noticed other suspicious things. This could be [...]

It’s one of everyone’s worst nightmares – you realize that someone close to you is missing. There are many possible reasons for their disappearance. Some of these reasons are considered voluntary, like a mental illness that causes them to forget their home or be afraid of those they know, a desire for better employment that [...]

It’s one of everyone’s worst nightmares – you realize that someone close to you is missing. There are many possible reasons for their disappearance. Some of these reasons are considered voluntary, like a mental illness that causes them to forget their home or be afraid of those they know, a desire for better employment that [...]

The field of private investigation has been the subject of many movie plots, but what the movies fail to show is everything that is involved in the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private investigators often work irregular hours, and the job is often dangerous. Also, many private detectives and investigators have some [...]

This is the continuation of Private Investigation – The Basics, Part 1. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private detectives and private investigators are often hired to help individuals, businesses, and attorneys. Their responsibilities often include finding and analyzing information and connecting clues to uncover facts pertaining to their clients’ legal, financial, or personal [...]

The first private investigator in history created the private investigation firm in 1833. Eugène François Vidocq was a criminal and privateer. He made many advances in the field, and is often credited with introducing record-keeping, criminology, and ballistics to the process of criminal investigation. In addition, he was the first to create plaster casts of [...]

In addition to providing executive protection for corporate executives, some private investigator firms also offer training to their clients. This training is designed to help clients better protect themselves and their loved ones if they are away from their executive protection specialist. Executive protection specialists may not be able to accompany their clients at all [...]

Your spouse’s computer activity has you worried. You’ve noticed that windows are quickly closed when you walk in the room, and you suspect the worst – that your spouse is involved with someone else. When your spouse is away, you try to check the emails, but they’ve all been deleted. You don’t know what to [...]

Hiring executive protection (also called “close personal protection” or “bodyguarding”) for your international travels may seem like a very obvious way to protect you and your employees, but you may also want to consider hiring executive protection for your office. Not only will hiring executive protection for your office help you and your employees to [...]

While there are many types of executive protection, perhaps one of the most helpful for many corporate executives is international protection. Hiring international protection ensures your safety while you conduct business abroad. In today’s world, corporate executives are at a higher risk of violence, kidnapping, and extortion than most travelers. In 2009, 67% of international [...]

Keeping your corporation safe is one of your top priorities. As a corporate executive, it is important for you to keep your valuable assets secure. Therefore, you most likely run pre-employment screening and a background check on your potential employees before hiring them. Background checks and pre-employment screening are essential, but hiring executive protection services [...]

The best way to keep you and your family safe is to make some small changes to improve your personal security. As an expert in personal protection, a private investigator has some useful tips to help individuals keep themselves and their loved ones safe while at home and away. Secure your home: There are some [...]

Domestic violence affects millions of people each year. It is generally described as physical or emotional abuse inflicted by one’s spouse, intimate partner, or housemate. A domestic violence investigation allows the victim to gather evidence in order to press charges against the perpetrator.  A private investigator assists both men and women in compiling proof and [...]

The task of taking care of children all day is enormous.  Childcare providers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all of their students while in their care.  When a childcare worker suspects that a child is being abused or neglected at home, she is often unsure of what to do.  Without proper evidence, [...]

False insurance claims cost Americans billions of dollars every year.  It is the second most costly white-collar crime in the U.S., behind tax evasion.  In today’s challenging economy, more people are submitting false insurance claims in hopes of receiving an undeserved financial benefit. Insurance fraud occurs when a false claim is submitted to an insurance [...]

In order to become a private investigator, an individual must complete many hours of training for certification.  A licensed investigator is a true professional that possesses very specialized skills.  While there are unqualified people out there who call themselves “private investigators,” the smart consumer should take time to do some research to locate an effective [...]

As a child of adoption, you may have always wondered about your birth parents and their families.  Maybe you need some information about your biological family’s medical conditions or you would like to know if you have siblings out there.  No matter what your reasons, a private investigator can assist you in locating your birth [...]

There is nothing quite as unsettling as when your personal safety is threatened.  Whether it is an ex loved one, a disgruntled employee, or a stalker, you should take precautions to ensure that you and your loved ones are not harmed.  A private investigator performs a variety of services to determine the threat, provide bodyguard [...]

It is extremely important that businesses protect their investments and assets against theft and vandalism.  Securing your property and protecting it against costly losses should be top priority.  Graves Investigations provides consultation services to small and large companies and organizations that want to understand the vulnerabilities and security issues they need to address. From major [...]

Job candidates may hand you an impressive resume, but what do you really know about them? Resumes and interviews do not give enough information about the true character of a candidate. Pre-employment background checks performed by a private investigator can prevent employers from a hiring worker who may become a liability in the future. With [...]

Many times in domestic violence incidents, it is a “he said, she said” situation where there is very little proof available to determine what really happened.  When there are no witnesses, law enforcement has a difficult time determining what is going on between two people.  A private investigator can get you the proof and documentation [...]

With so much of our time spent on the computer, there is a lot of evidence that can be generated from computer forensics investigations.  Whether it is checking emails, social media sites, or text messages, a private investigator can use computer forensics to find relevant electronic evidence for his clients. Electronic evidence has become crucial [...]

One of the most difficult decisions that a court must make is to determine the custody of a minor.  While divorce is often the cause for this type of litigation, grandparents, family members, or friends of the family may petition the court for custody in some circumstances.  A private investigator can provide detailed information to [...]

The teenage years can by trying.  Discovering that your teenager is missing and has most likely run away can be devastating.  A private investigator is a powerful ally in locating your missing teen.  Working with local law enforcement officials, a P.I. will conduct interviews and follow leads until the whereabouts of your child is discovered. [...]

Good video documentation can make or break a lawsuit.  Whether you are entangled in a divorce, custody battle, or worker’s compensation claim, surveillance can provide the proof you need to win your case.  The indisputable evidence that is collected by surveillance will inform others of the true actions of an individual.  Private investigators use a [...]

Typically, individuals need a private investigator in times of great stress or trouble.  It is important that they have a trusted investigator who will protect their confidentiality during a difficult time.  With Graves Investigations, you get first-class service from a trained and licensed private investigator that has worked with a variety of clients in NC, [...]

Keeping your family safe is likely one of your top priorities. Shouldn’t your corporation be as concerned about protecting its executive family? More and more companies are using executive protection services to keep their most valuable assets safe. Executive protection professionals protect a person from physical harm through techniques and tactics that are designed to [...]

As parents, we do our best to keep our children healthy and safe.  The truth is, we cannot always be there to protect them.  However, there are some things that parents can do to reduce their children’s exposure to high-risk individuals.  A private investigator offers valuable services that help parents identify and avoid people who [...]

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes worldwide.  Many people do not know where to turn for help when they become a victim.  A private investigation agency works with law enforcement to locate the criminal responsible and expedite the restoration of the victim’s credit rating.  Without assistance, a victim could spend years trying [...]

Whether you are looking for a long lost family member, birth parent, or your college roommate, a private investigator has access to a variety of resources used to locate missing people.  Many times an investigator can find someone you have been trying to locate for years in only a few hours. To begin the process [...]

The guidelines concerning delivery of a court summons may vary in different jurisdictions; this article should only be taken as a general overview of the process and what can be expected. The process for serving will also differ depending on the type of summons served (e.g. civil, criminal). In many cases, the plaintiff (the person [...]

Whether you have recently become involved in a relationship, are considering hiring a nanny or baby sitter, or a new employee, it is important to know who exactly it is you are about to become involved with personally or professionally. For families or single parents, leaving your children with a stranger, even a stranger who [...]

The internet is packed with advice and checklists of symptoms regarding marital infidelity. Ideas about how to spot a cheater, the signs they may display, evidence that may present itself, and so on. Once that seed of doubt is planted in your marriage, complete confidence and trust in your partner is all but destroyed. If [...]

Whether you park your car in a carport, on the driveway or out on the street, no matter what kind of neighborhood you live in it is essential that you not leave valuables showing inside your vehicle. Most popular items amongst thieves these days include car stereo units, portable GPS units (e.g. Garmin, Magellan etc), [...]

Throughout history children have been subjected to sexual abuse, and recently the number of reported sexual abuse incidents has continued to rise. Studies have estimated that between 200,000 and 500,000 children are sexually assaulted or abused every year! Here’s a shocking fact – historical data indicates that one in four girls and one in ten [...]

Ever since the general population adopted deadbolt locks back in the 60′s and 70′s, home burglary has seen a steady decline, especially with the more recent introduction of electronic home security monitoring. Nevertheless, over a million homes are burglarized in some fashion every year. Here are a few key steps you can take to help [...]

Investigating a cheating spouse is a delicate matter. Several important factors need to be considered before hand to help increase the odds of getting the proof you are seeking and to ensure that what the investigator finds is going to meet your needs. Evidence or Confirmation If you need to confirm suspicions about a cheating [...]

Graves Investigations Inc. in Greensboro, NC is comprised of a highly trained and experienced team of licensed private investigators and security specialists delivering solutions to meet your needs. We know that discovering the truth is important to you, and doing so in an ethical and intuitive manner is our specialty here at Graves Investigations. Our [...]

Child custody cases are one of the worst experiences parents will ever be subjected to. Who wants to lose regular contact with their children? Most clients are not lawyers, and the legal process involved in child custody cases can be extremely daunting without guidance, and even still it is a difficult process. In cases of [...]

An astounding number of married couples have cheated on one another at some point. Individuals who suspect that their partner is engaged in an affair will often request video surveillance services when initiating a marital infidelity investigation. While video surveillance does provide definitive proof of this behavior, it is not the only method available to [...]

Fundamentally there are four primary types of child abuse, each varying greatly in severity, and the symptoms are not always easy to notice. Although much is currently being done in an attempt to break the abuse cycle, this societal problem persists, and will most likely do so for quite some time.

There are very few things more distasteful, controversial and complicated to imagine than the sexual abuse of children. In the modern era, as technological advancements are made and forensics and investigative methods become more comprehensive, child sexual abuse has become an increasingly prevalent subject in our society. In the past, comprehensive studies and investigative methodology [...]

The mainstream perception of a “bodyguard” is most likely the opposite of what you really need. The vocational name is “Executive Protection” or “Personal Security” and specialists are not hard to find. Follow these guidelines to ensure you’re getting someone truly qualified to protect another person’s life and well-being. Steps for the Search Always keep [...]

Each year, thousands of people in the United States and around the world disappear without a trace. Many of these people are found, however many of them are not. When a person disappears, there is always a chance that someone will find them, if the right protocol is followed. If authorities and police fail to [...]