A PI has gone viral on TikTok revealing his top tips and tricks – including why you should think twice before saving a phone number to social media or having a conversation with someone who has “lost” their pet.
Josh Witte first got into the investigation business after taking on an internship, learning about financial intelligence and money laundering operations.
Once the work experience was done, the 26-year-old PI decided to start his own firm and is taking to social media to share his tips and tricks with others, with over 25,000 followers (@keeneyepi).
“Private investigators don’t have to tell you the truth,” Josh, from Utah, US, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“They are usually able to lie to get information, with some restrictions.
“PIs also use social media a lot to track you down when you think no one is watching.
“If you register your email or phone number with a social media platform, it often makes it much easier to find your accounts.”
Aside from uploading your phone number online, Josh, who has clients across Canada, the UK, Australia and Europe, also recommends avoiding sharing other information where possible.
He added: “Remember anything you file with the government might be obtainable by a PI, depending on the circumstances.
“And that everything you do on the internet leaves a footprint for someone to follow to track you down.
“Private investigations is not an easy job and PI’s carry a lot of ethical and moral responsibility to do their jobs properly and ensure that they aren’t aiding and abetting criminals or stalkers.
“But it’s important to be wise and keep your information safe.”
One of his recent videos has gone viral with over 531,600 views.
In it, Josh shares the “oldest PI trick in the book” – but the hack has left young people baffled.
“You ever get a stranger knock on your door and say ‘I lost my dog or my cat have you seen them?’,” he says.
“The moment you open your door they have got what they want, which is proof that someone is home and a visual of your face.
“Now they know that you’re the person that’s home.
“If you’ve opened the door, and now they know that you’re there, there are a few things you can do to undermine them.”
He then advises asking a bunch of random questions about this ‘lost pet’ to find out who this person really is, adding: “Because anyone who has actually lost a dog and is looking for them or knocking on doors should be ready to give details and distraught.
“If they don’t, leave the area – they’re not looking for a dog, they’re looking for you.”
The video has racked up thousands of comments from users, with many cracking jokes.
Rose joked: “I’m a millennial, I don’t answer the door for anyone.”
Cookie said: “Get no trespassing signs.”
Brian added: “Jokes on you. If I’m not expecting company I don’t answer the door. My own family has been turned away because they didn’t call first.” [sic]
“Knocking on my door is almost as bad as calling my phone instead of texting,” said Pappy.
“Good thing I REFUSE to come to the door if no one called in advance.” added someone else. [sic]
“Lol, people don’t answer their doors anymore,” another user joked. [sic]
