Privacy policies & regulatory compliance.

Private investigators are required to explain to clients how the client will be charged for services and expenses. VIS will provide a written services agreement explaining how services and expenses are calculated and billed (Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 624). Like many professions, private investigators are compensated for their time, expertise, and professional judgment. No particular outcome can be guaranteed.

Investigators are required to provide periodic reports to clients, either orally or in writing. California law permits investigators to withhold reports where fees for services rendered remain unpaid (Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 624).

California law requires private investigators to treat information learned during investigations as confidential. In limited situations, information may be disclosed pursuant to court order or to law enforcement regarding criminal activity. Clients who disclose confidential information to third parties may waive confidentiality protections in future disputes or litigation. Clients should exercise caution when sharing investigative information with third parties.

VIS recognizes the sensitive nature of personal identifying and contact information obtained during investigations. In non-litigation matters, VIS generally will not disclose a subject's personal contact information — including residential addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, or similar identifying information — to a client without the subject's consent or another legally authorized basis for disclosure.

VIS may instead offer to act as an intermediary by forwarding correspondence or contact requests to the subject when appropriate.

Exceptions may apply where disclosure is

• Required by law
• Necessary for lawful service of process
• Connected to active litigation
• Authorized by court order
• Otherwise permitted under applicable law

VIS reserves the right to decline requests for protected personal information where disclosure may create privacy, safety, stalking, harassment, or misuse concerns.

California law strictly limits access to personal information contained in Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records. These restrictions are commonly referred to as the "Rebecca Schaeffer laws."

Licensed private investigators may only access DMV information for legally authorized investigative purposes and only when permitted under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and applicable California statutes.

VIS does not obtain or disclose DMV information for

• Harassment
• Stalking
• Curiosity
• Personal disputes lacking lawful purpose
• Unauthorized background checks
• Any unlawful or improper purpose

Clients may be required to provide documentation establishing a permissible purpose before certain investigative services can be performed. VIS maintains compliance with applicable DPPA, California Vehicle Code, and BSIS regulations. Any misuse of protected personal information may result in termination of services and, in some circumstances, mandatory reporting to appropriate authorities.

Private investigators routinely collect information from witnesses, databases, public records, surveillances, and other sources. Information obtained from third parties may occasionally be inaccurate or incomplete. VIS endeavors to verify information whenever possible but cannot guarantee the accuracy of all third-party information sources.

California and federal laws limit what private investigators may legally do during investigations. VIS will not engage in illegal wiretapping, unlawful invasions of privacy, trespassing, or similar unlawful conduct.

Virtus Investigative Services LLC is not a consumer reporting agency and none of its services or reports constitute a "consumer report" as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.

Information provided by VIS may not be used to determine eligibility for credit, insurance, employment, housing, government benefits, or any other purpose regulated under the FCRA.

By retaining our services, you agree not to use this information for any purpose authorized under the FCRA or in relation to taking an adverse action relating to a consumer application.