Important Information

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Reliable Detective Agency

The private investigation sector in India is currently undergoing unprecedented growth, with numerous agencies emerging across the country to meet rising demand. However, this growth has also brought with it several challenges. A significant number of these newly formed agencies operate without any professional integrity or regulatory compliance. Many make false claims about their capabilities, offer unrealistically low pricing to attract clients, and sometimes even vanish without delivering any results after receiving payment. These unethical practices not only deceive innocent clients but also tarnish the reputation of genuine and experienced investigative firms.

In an industry where confidentiality, credibility, and competence are paramount, it becomes crucial for prospective clients to carry out a thorough background check before entrusting any agency with sensitive assignments. Hiring an unverified agency can not only result in financial losses but also compromise the very objective of the investigation. Therefore, to ensure you're placing your trust in the right hands, it's essential to make informed decisions based on verifiable parameters.

Below are 17 vital factors that every client must consider before selecting a private detective agency:

1. Check whether the company is registered with the Government of India

The most basic but critical check is whether the agency is officially registered with the Government of India. While no exclusive license is issued to detective firms, a legitimate agency will be registered with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). In addition, it should have a valid GST registration and be compliant with the applicable tax laws.

What clients should do:
- Ask for a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the RoC.
- Request the GST registration certificate to verify tax compliance.
- Examine the Memorandum of Association (MoA) to understand the company’s officially declared objectives.

At Sleuths India, we meet all these standards. We are fully registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, possess a valid GST number, and our Memorandum explicitly outlines our investigative services, duly approved by the RoC.

2. Check whether the Company is filing its Income Tax Returns, GST Returns & TDS Returns

A company’s financial compliance says a lot about its authenticity and business ethics. Merely being registered is not enough—consistent filing of tax returns such as Income Tax, GST, and TDS is a sign of ongoing, lawful operations.

A genuine agency will:
- Encourage clients to make payments via official bank channels.
- Provide proof of timely tax filings when requested.
- Be transparent about its tax obligations and status.

At Sleuths India, we uphold the highest level of financial accountability. Our Income Tax, GST, and TDS filings are consistently up to date, and we openly invite clients to visit our Head Office to review these documents. We are among the most significant taxpayers in our sector, affirming our ethical business practices.

3. Personally visit the office of the agency and meet a responsible person

A personal visit to the agency’s office can reveal a lot about its authenticity, operations, and professionalism. Clients should take the opportunity to inspect the infrastructure, team size, and general working environment.

Things to observe:
- The presence of regular employees and operational staff.
- Availability of surveillance tools and technological resources.
- Responsiveness and professionalism of the management.

Sleuths India warmly welcomes clients to any of our offices listed on our website. Our offices are fully staffed and equipped with advanced investigative technology, skilled personnel, and a structured management system.

4. Check the quality and background of the Management of the Company

A company's credibility often stems from the quality of its leadership. Some agencies falsely claim association with ex-officers from top intelligence and law enforcement agencies. It is critical to verify such claims.

What clients should do:
- Look for the Management section on the agency’s website.
- Cross-check the qualifications and experience of the people running the agency.

At Sleuths India, our leadership team includes retired officers from premier Indian institutions like the RAW, Intelligence Bureau, Police, and Armed Forces. Their expertise is the backbone of our investigative excellence. Full profiles are available for verification on our website.

5. Check the Company's previous reports submitted to its clients

Reviewing anonymized reports from previous cases provides insights into how the agency works. These reports demonstrate the agency’s methods, quality of documentation, and approach to problem-solving.

Key things to look for:
- Structure and clarity of the reports.
- Methodology used in past investigations.
- Willingness to share sample reports with personal data redacted.

Sleuths India offers such access under confidentiality safeguards. You may view previous case reports at our office, with client identities and sensitive details masked, ensuring full respect for privacy.

6. Check the Achievements of the Company

Accolades from respected authorities are strong indicators of a company’s standing. Clients should assess the authenticity and relevance of awards or media coverage before drawing conclusions.

Consider checking:
- The institution or individual that presented the award.
- The context in which the award was given.
- Media appearances in credible platforms.

Sleuths India is one of India’s most awarded detective firms. We have been honored with the Young Investigation Entrepreneur Award by the President of India, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the MoS for Home Affairs, and the Investigation Leadership Award by the Minister of Tribal Affairs. We have extensive media coverage in publications and channels such as The Times of India, Economic Times, DD News, ZEE News, and many more.

7. Know about the Associations of the Company

Memberships in professional associations often require rigorous background checks. Being affiliated with recognized bodies is a sign of trustworthiness and industry compliance.

What to check:
- Is the agency a member of national or global investigative associations?
- Are those associations reputable and industry-recognized?

Sleuths India is an active member of prestigious organizations such as APDI, WAD, ASSOCHAM, CII, NASSCOM, PHDCCI, and Delhi Management Association. These memberships affirm our credibility and leadership in the investigative domain.

8. Verify the Client List of the Company

Some agencies boast impressive client rosters without any proof. It’s important to verify whether the displayed client list is genuine.

How to verify:
- Ask to see the company’s Form 26AS, which lists clients who have deducted TDS.
- Match names from this form to those claimed on the agency’s website.

Sleuths India has served several high-profile clients, including celebrities, corporates, politicians, and bureaucrats. Clients may visit our Head Office to verify our Form 26AS and ensure the authenticity of our client base.

9. Verify the authenticity of the Office Addresses mentioned on the Website

Many agencies display multiple office locations, some of which may be non-existent. It is important to ensure that these offices actually exist and are operational.

How to verify:
- Look for local landline numbers listed for each branch.
- Ask for contact details of branch managers or local representatives.

Sleuths India provides verifiable contact information for all branches. Clients can confirm our branch offices either by visiting in person or through direct telephonic contact with our regional teams.

10. Don’t ever select a company only for location benefit

Choosing an agency based solely on proximity can be misleading. Authenticity and capability should always be prioritized over location.

Important to remember:
- A credible agency may not be located nearby but can still handle your case efficiently.
- Good agencies have pan-India reach and work strategically through trained local teams.

Sleuths India may not have an office in every locality, but our services span across India. We operate efficiently in almost every major city and region through our vast network and mobile teams.

11. The Receipt and Invoice in lieu of the Payment

Always insist on receiving an official invoice and payment receipt when hiring any agency. This indicates accountability and legitimacy.

What to expect:
- A proper Tax Invoice with GST details.
- A signed receipt mentioning the amount and purpose of payment.

Sleuths India provides all clients with valid tax invoices and official receipts. We maintain complete transparency in all financial transactions with our clients.

12. Don’t get influenced by Online Reviews

Online reviews can often be fabricated or manipulated. Relying solely on them can lead to false impressions.

Tips:
- Treat online testimonials with caution.
- Focus more on verifiable parameters like infrastructure, registration, and credentials.

Sleuths India advises clients to base their decisions on factual evidence, not manipulated online praise. We believe in building trust through real interactions and demonstrable outcomes.

13. Don’t get influenced by only Female Detective Agency

Some clients assume that female investigators are better suited for certain cases. While women bring unique advantages, investigations are most effective when handled by a balanced team.

Important Note:
- Effective investigations require skill, strategy, and collaboration.
- Both male and female investigators play critical roles depending on the case dynamics.

Sleuths India has a balanced team of both male and female investigators. We assign personnel based on the case requirement, ensuring optimal results through teamwork.

14. Don’t trust the pictures of Awards given to the Company

Agencies may display award photos to mislead clients, often showing mementos given for participation, not actual recognition.

How to assess:
- Ask for details like the award’s purpose, presenter, jury members, and evaluation criteria.

Sleuths India provides complete transparency about the awards we’ve received. Each accolade is detailed on our website and physically displayed at our Delhi Head Office.

15. Don’t get lured by Low Fee

Low pricing often comes at the cost of quality. Conducting professional investigations requires expertise, equipment, and manpower—all of which come with costs.

Be wary if:
- The fee is significantly lower than the industry standard.
- The agency makes vague commitments for a small sum.

Sleuths India believes in fair pricing. Our charges reflect the quality, reliability, and professionalism we bring to every case. We are upfront about deliverables and maintain full transparency in our fee structure.

16. Check the kind of Apparatus and Equipment the Company uses

Modern investigations require cutting-edge tools. Without proper surveillance devices, sting operation equipment, or spy gadgets, even skilled detectives are limited.

Clients should ask:
- What equipment is used for fieldwork and surveillance?
- Are the tools up to date and of professional grade?

Sleuths India is equipped with state-of-the-art devices for audio, video, and covert operations. Our equipment includes high-resolution spy cameras, imported surveillance tools, and top-quality sting operation gear, making us one of the most resourceful firms in India.

17. Whether the Company provides written proposal before starting the investigation

Verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings. A professional agency always offers a written proposal clearly outlining services, pricing, and deliverables.

Clients should demand:
- A detailed proposal via email or in writing before work begins.
- Clarity on all terms to avoid surprises later.

Sleuths India consistently shares written proposals before commencing any investigation. This ensures mutual clarity and maintains the highest standards of professionalism.