FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the associated costs for me?"

A specific answer to this question is not possible without knowledge of the specific goals and conditions of each individual case. A reliable cost estimate can therefore only be provided during a (free and non-binding) consultation.

Can I reclaim your detective fee?

You can often reclaim the fee from the person responsible based on the principle of causation. Classic examples of this are the costs for proving marital misconduct and employee embezzlement.

Can I place an order anonymously?

No, we want to know who we are dealing with. Only then can we assess whether there is a legitimate interest on the part of our (potential) client. However, we are bound by confidentiality and generally do not disclose our clients.

Can I rely on absolute discretion?

Absolutely. Professional detectives are not only bound by legally imposed confidentiality obligations but also maintain strict confidentiality out of pure self-interest: After all, our good reputation is our greatest asset.

How quickly can you start a detective operation?

In urgent cases, we strive for priority processing within a few hours; the standard lead time is one day.

When can I reach you?

You can reach us at any time, including weekends and holidays, by phone.

Do I need an appointment, or can I come to your detective office at any time?

You need an appointment, which you can arrange by phone with our secretariat.

Can you recommend a lawyer to me?

Yes, we collaborate with lawyers specializing in various legal areas.

Is the initial consultation free?

Yes, if it takes place in one of our detective offices. For appointments outside, we reserve the right to agree on a flat fee.

Do you also employ female detectives?

Yes.

Do you work outside of Vienna?

Yes, our full-time detectives are operational throughout Austria. Depending on the situation, we also enlist the support of qualified detective colleagues on-site.

Do you also conduct operations abroad?

Yes, we operate in most countries around the world. Depending on the situation, we may involve qualified local partner offices.

Can I be present during observations?

Only in exceptional cases – for example, if it is the only way to ensure the identification of a person.

Can you tap (mobile) phones?

No, we do not listen in on any telephones.

Can you locate mobile phones?

No.

Can I use your report in court?

Certainly. Ideally, the written detective report should be sufficient to assert your claims without a lengthy, expensive, and stressful legal process. However, should you or your legal representative deem it necessary to summon us as witnesses, the detectives involved are, of course, available.

Do you also take photos or videos?

Certainly. However, it depends on whether it is situationally possible and, above all, inconspicuous.

Can you provide references?

Yes and no. While professional detectives are bound by legal confidentiality, we don’t have to hide behind it. This apparent contradiction is easily explained: In the business sector, we have long-standing clients who have been loyal to us for decades and often recommend us on their own. During a personal conversation, we can provide you with the names of the respective decision-makers, with whom you can also consult by phone.

Is there really no ‘Private Detective’ in Austria?

Yes, the correct term is either ‘Berufsdetektiv – Professional Detective’ (BD) or, for an employee, ‘Professional Detective Assistant’ (BDA).

What activities may a professional detective generally undertake?

According to the Trade Regulation § 129 (1), the following activities require a business license for the profession of professional detectives (§ 94 Z 62):

Providing information about private circumstances,
Conducting investigations into criminal acts,
Obtaining evidence for the purposes of judicial or administrative proceedings,
Tracing missing or concealed persons, authors, writers, or senders of anonymous letters, as well as the originators or spreaders of defamation, suspicion, or insults,
Observing and monitoring the loyalty of employees,
Observing customers in business premises,
Personal protection,
Detecting devices for unauthorized transmission of images and sound, electronically stored data, and associated protective measures; Item 2 is not affected by this provision.