A private investigator rejected the idea that the job of a private investigator is like it is in the movies and explained some of his good reasons for turning down cases.
Our ideas about private investigators are probably a bit outdated. I mean, the stereotype of a shady guy in a tan coat and fedora with a huge camera is probably not that subtle.
Connecticut private investigator Ray Ranno appeared on YouTuber Ian Bick’s podcast and discussed how reality compares to what people think.
Admittedly, it is quite interesting and something you don’t really think about, having private detectives roaming the streets with you.
Private investigator Ray Ranno explained why he interviews clients before taking on a case. (Ian Bick/YouTube)
Bick asked if there were reasons for turning down a case, and Ranno explained one of the main reasons he interviews potential clients before accepting an assignment.
He began, “There are a few cases where I say, ‘I’m not touching that.’ I do a lot of bug hunting, so basically I look for electronic devices in people’s homes or cars, and that’s a common occurrence in marital situations.”
“Whatever the case, they may have a listening device or camera installed in the house, so I’m looking thoroughly for signals and seeing if they come out.
“I get a lot of them and before I accept them I interview people really thoroughly.
“Because a lot of people will do it… and I don’t want to be rude about it…”
Ray Ranno admitted that he often meets paranoid types who use his services. (Ian Bick/YouTube)
No, absolutely, Ranno, you can be a little rude about it.
He continued: “These people are a bit strange, they are people who wear tinfoil. You notice it immediately.”
“People like that call me and are willing to spend money. But I feel like I’m taking advantage of them and that’s not right.”
He went on to explain that he would ask the prospect a series of questions, and it seemed like these were questions that the tinfoil hat wearers wouldn’t always think about.
He would ask directly who is harassing them and what legitimate reason they have for doing so.
So if you hire Ranno and simply tell him that the ominous “they” are after you, that probably won’t be enough.
Ranno even joked: “If you tell me that the federal government is after you because you cut your toenails too short, I will not accept that and will reject your offer.”
But I guess now would be the perfect time for the government to go after all the short toenail clippers, hmm.
