Planning to hire a private investigator but you are just not sure what to expect price-wise?
Procompare has been tracking trends in private investigator prices in years and here is the latest private investigator cost guide for year 2024.
What is cost data based on?
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by our Pros and on cost data retrieved from various specialized publications and websites, governmental reports, occupational associations or guilds, and related websites in South Africa.
Infidelity / cheating spouse investigation
Infidelity or cheating investigations are conducted to ascertain if a partner or spouse is unfaithful. Investigators employ various methods, including surveillance, social media monitoring, and tracking, to gather evidence. These services are highly discreet and sensitive, tailored to provide clients with peace of mind or the necessary proof for personal or legal actions. On average, expect to be charged between R5000 and R20,000 for infidelity investigation.
Get quotesMissing persons investigation
Missing persons investigations aim to locate individuals who have disappeared under mysterious or unknown circumstances. This service involves exhaustive searches, interviews with acquaintances, and coordination with local authorities. Investigators use their expertise and resources to trace the missing person's last known movements, potentially leading to their whereabouts. Missing persons investigation costs range between R10,000 and R35,000 with an average of R20,000.
Get quotesAsset tracing
Asset tracing involves identifying and locating assets such as properties, vehicles, and investments. It's particularly useful in legal disputes, divorce cases, or debt recovery efforts, employing investigative techniques to uncover hidden or undisclosed assets. The price depends on the complexity of the investigation. Asset tracing costs range between R5000 and R15,000 with an average of R9000.
Get quotesBackground check
Background checks are comprehensive reviews of an individual’s personal, professional, and, at times, financial history. This service is crucial for employers, landlords, or individuals entering new personal or professional relationships. Checks can uncover information about criminal records, employment history, education verification, and other relevant details to assess trustworthiness or reliability. The final price depends on the complexity of the investigation. For background check, expect to pay between R1500 and R5000.
Get quotesCriminal / fraud / theft Investigation
These investigations aim to expose crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and theft. Private investigators gather evidence, identify suspects, and support legal proceedings or recovery actions, working closely with law enforcement when necessary. The price depends on the complexity of the investigation, means used, time, etc. The average cost of criminal / fraud / theft Investigation is R25,000, or typically between R10,000 and R50,000.
Get quotesChild custody investigation
Focused on ensuring the child's best interests in custody disputes, these investigations assess living conditions, safety, and treatment of the child by parents or guardians. Investigators may use surveillance, background checks, and interviews to gather evidence. The price depends on the techniques used and the complexity of the investigation. Child custody investigation costs range between R8000 and R25,000 with an average of R15,000.
Get quotesPrivate surveillance
The average cost of private surveillance services in South Africa can vary widely depending on the complexity and duration of the surveillance required. The price range is pretty big and accounts for different levels of surveillance efforts, from simple tasks to more complex and lengthy investigations. The average cost of private surveillance is R7000, or typically between R3500 and R15,000.
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