Linked Investigations is founded and owned by licensed private investigator, Mike Garroutte, who has been working as a private investigator since 1982.

We offer a variety of private investigative services that are tailored to meet the needs of our Newport Beach clients, including:

1. Catching a Cheating Spouse

Southern California is home to many celebrities, including those whose marriages and relationships were destroyed after adultery was discovered. Whether it was the high-profile couple who divorced amid rumors that he was having a relationship with the nanny, the golfer with dozens of women who say he cheated on his wife, or the celebrity chef who was linked to multiple women, many stars find their sexual indiscretions outed in the public eye. In these cases, celebrities may try to quickly settle their cases after their misdeeds become gossip in order to prevent any further tarnishing of their reputations.

While celebrities can reasonably expect to be discovered due to constantly being followed by the paparazzi, it may be more difficult to discover a person’s illicit affair when they are not in the spotlight. However, professional investigators have years of experience in discreetly determining whether someone is cheating on their spouse. By analyzing documents and data for hidden charges and activities and conducting private surveillance, the seasoned professionals at Linked Investigations have helped identify countless cheaters in the Orange County area.

Generally speaking, evidence of adultery is not necessary for a judge to grant a divorce in California since no-fault divorce is recognized here. Additionally, Southern California judges cannot consider evidence of adultery when determining whether alimony should be awarded. However, many spouses in Newport Beach and the surrounding area have prenuptial agreements that may provide for a greater award of spousal support for the innocent spouse – or the elimination of spousal support – if adultery can be proven. (Additionally, getting proof that your spouse broke his or her vows may be the final piece of evidence you need to convince yourself to let the relationship go.)

2. Conducting an Asset Search

Whether you are filing for divorce or pursuing a lawsuit against a person who has injured you, it is important that you first determine whether that individual has any assets that you may be able to attach to a divorce decree or judgment.

A private investigator in Newport Beach can conduct a complete asset search to locate these items. A basic search includes demographic information about the subject, such as his or her date of birth and social security number. It also reveals public records, such as real estate or business ownership, judgments, tax liens, bankruptcy records, and corporate filings, and much more.

We also offer an in-depth search that can reveal additional details, such as bank account information, possession of securities, or ownership of assets such as vehicles, vessels, and aircraft that may be registered with various local, state, and federal agencies.

Oftentimes, private investigators who have the ability or contacts to provide these specialized services, grossly overcharge for them. Conversely, there are many more under-qualified investigators that only conduct the more basic or elementary asset search services, and offer these at cut-rate prices. Inexpensive asset searches often only locate information that you could find yourself without the assistance of a private investigator. Additionally, an untrained eye cannot necessarily discern which information is accurate – or important – and which is not. The old adage that you get what you pay for definitely comes into play here.

Hire a Private Investigator in Newport Beach

Finding an investigator that can offer a quality product at a fair price isn’t always easy. At Linked Investigations, we pride ourselves on obtaining the best available information at competitive prices. Not only do our investigators have access to the right professional databases, but their experience in analyzing the results of these searches will give you the richest results possible – so you get the facts you need to make an informed decision and move forward.

Contact us today, online or by phone at 714-432-9911 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

 

Like any other affluent, moderately-sized city in the world, people often go missing in Newport Beach. From kidnappings to deadbeat spouses skipping town to avoid their alimony commitments, there are lots of reasons to explain why people disappear.

Another one of these reasons is tension with a spouse or romantic partner. While the details are still scarce, this might be why Erica Alonso, a 27-year-old Aliso Viejo woman, has not been seen since leaving a club near Newport Beach early in the morning on February 15, 2015.

A Valentine’s Day Reconnection Gone Wrong?

According to Alonso’s sister, the two had planned on spending Valentine’s Day together watching movies. However, earlier that day Erica Alonso went on a date with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. Alonso and her boyfriend decided to go clubbing that night at Sutra, a nightclub just north of Newport Beach.

While this might sound like the beginning of a Hollywood-worthy romantic reconciliation, the night quickly took a dark turn. KTLA reported that Alonso and her boyfriend met another couple while at Sutra and all four of them went back to Alonso’s boyfriend’s apartment to continue the party. Shortly thereafter, Alonso and her boyfriend got into an argument, which led to the other couple’s departure. About ten or fifteen minutes later, Alonso reportedly left the apartment as well, shortly before 4:00 AM on the morning of February 15. She has not been seen since.

The Newport Beach Investigation into Erica Alonso’s Whereabouts

The Orange County Sheriff’s department announced Alonso’s disappearance a few days later, on February 19. Her family has asked for anyone with information to come forward. On March 25, Alonso’s car was found in Aliso Viejo, which is about 15 miles southeast of the Sutra nightclub.

Of course, the obvious suspect seems to be Alonso’s boyfriend. However, authorities have questioned him and report that his story checks out. It is unclear why they were arguing in his apartment that night. Interestingly enough, the couple has a history of domestic disputes: court records show that back in November, Alonso was taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence. A restraining order was also filed against Alonso to prevent her from contacting her ex-boyfriend. The case was later dropped, and the restraining order was lifted about a week before Alonso disappeared.

How a Newport Beach Private Investigator Helps Find Missing People

It’s always difficult for friends and family members when a loved one goes missing in Newport Beach. A private investigator uses several techniques to help bring them back, including:

• Surveillance Services: If there is someone suspicious involved with a disappearance in Newport Beach, a knowledgeable private investigator can keep an eye on them to find out if they might be a suspect or know more than they are letting on.
• Criminal Background Checks: Someone involved in a missing person case that has a criminal history of similar offenses might be a suspect that authorities want to speak with.
• Interviewing the Pertinent Parties: From witnesses who saw the person before they disappeared, to loved ones and family members who know a person intimately, a private investigator can tactfully interview people to gain information that may provide clues to their whereabouts.

If you or someone you care about is involved with a missing person case like Erica Alonso’s, it’s important that you get help as soon as possible. Work with a dependable Newport Beach private investigator and you will get closer to solving the mystery of a missing person and how you might be able to find them.

Call us and ask for Mike Garroutte, a long-time professional private investigator in Southern California. He”ll help you get the answers you need. You can also contact us online if you’d prefer.

 

 

Imagine this relatively common situation in southern California: you have a mystery that you need solved, or maybe there is a person in your life that you want to get more information about. After doing some quick research, you find a private investigator in Orange County that you believe can be trusted. They seem to know what they are doing and offer you a rate that you believe is fair for the kind of work that you want them to do.

There is, however, another step that you need to take before you make the final decision to hire a private investigator in southern California: checking to make sure that they are licensed. It may take some extra time on your part to make sure that your private investigator is authorized to work by the state of California, but it will be energy well-spent to ensure that you are dealing with a private investigator that you can fully trust.

Identifying Fraudulent Private Investigators

In the state of California, all private investigators must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). To become licensed as a private investigator in California, a person must have at least three years of investigative work, a law degree and two years of experiences in law, or an associate’s degree in police science and 2.5 years of law enforcement experience.

How can you tell if a private investigator is actually licensed in California? The BSIS web site has an online database that allows users to verify the licensure of professionals like private investigators, locksmiths, and firearms trainers. This web site is one of the best ways to determine whether or not the person that you are thinking about hiring is actually eligible to conduct private investigations on your behalf.

Private Investigators Catching…Private Investigators?

Another interesting way of busting fake private investigators is through services from actual private investigators. While this is probably not something that an average consumer will pursue, in 2010 private investigators were used to track down and report unlicensed private detectives in California. This is a technique usually reserved for organizations that govern private investigative licensure.

The Dangers Of Hiring An Unlicensed Private Investigator

Some private investigators try to find clients by offering extremely cheap rates since they are not technically allowed to operate as private investigators in California. However, the consequences of hiring an unauthorized private investigator could be grave. In the worst case scenarios, unlicensed private investigators may use illegal techniques to gain the information you’re after, in which case YOU can get in trouble or the evidence you obtain may not be permissible in court. In other scenarios, personal information you give to the P.I. may be used to take advantage of you or people that are close to you. Many unlicensed investigators have a criminal history themselves and could be dangerous. There is also a chance that they may run off with any money that you may have paid them in advance for their services.

When looking for a private investigator, make sure that you spend some time checking their credentials. There are plenty of online sites available that not only help you find out if a private investigator is legitimate, but whether or not they have done good work for past clients. There is no reason to take a chance and hire a private investigator that has a checkered history. By doing your due diligence and putting some time into researching the work of a potential private investigator in Downey or other parts of Los Angeles, you can save yourself from being victimized by criminals that could steal your money, or worse.

Need to hire a licensed Newport Beach Private Investigator? Contact Mike Garroutte, owner of Linked Investigations. With more than 30 years in the industry, you will get the results you need at a competitive price.

 

 

At some point in your life, you might need to hire a private investigator. Perhaps you suspect your partner is cheating on you, or you need a background check to confirm that the person you’re considering hiring is trustworthy.

As long as the investigator you contact actually knows the business, asks the right questions, and takes the time to listen to your needs, you should get a clear picture of his or her expertise and whether they are actually interested in being of service to you.

What to Look For When You Hire a Private Investigator

A trustworthy private eye should be willing to offer an informative and free private consultation. They should also give you some idea on the costs involved for the service you require. Generally, a professional private investigator charges an hourly rate with a four-hour minimum for each time they go out on a surveillance. That fee should include a detailed report and billing statement – as well as video and pictures when requested – at no additional cost to you.

Qualified Private Detectives Can Conduct a Complete Background Check or Asset Search.

Private investigators who are experienced at surveillance, or who can find someone with relative ease, can save you both time and money. A good skip tracing company or skip tracer can be a valuable asset here. Since the prices charged and quality of information uncovered can vary widely from one service to another, it’s important to be diligent about who you choose to work with on your sensitive case.

All of this information and more can be discussed with us in a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to assist you and answer your questions.

Call us at 714-432-9911, or toll-free at 877-464-5374, and ask for Mike Garroutte, a long-time professional private investigator in Southern California. He”ll help you get the answers you need. You can also contact us online if you’d prefer.

 

 

As the world grows bigger, it becomes more and more difficult to really know thy neighbor. And sometimes, letting a stranger into your life can be downright dangerous. A criminal record check may be the answer.

If you have to entrust your livelihood (or the lives of your loved ones) to a stranger – whether a nanny for your  children, a caregiver for your elderly parents, or your daughter’s new boyfriend – a criminal background check will give you peace of mind.

We’ve heard some horror stories from our clients about the people they’d let into their lives without checking them out first. They or their loved ones were the victims of numerous crimes including theft, elder abuse, and fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Do your homework. Checking a person’s references may not be enough. Are you sure the person you’re speaking with is a legitimate reference? Or have they provided you with contact information for one of their friends (who you KNOW would be happy to lie for them)?
2. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, there’s a good chance that it isn’t. In that case, you need to arm yourself with all the facts you can get your hands on before they come anywhere near your loved ones.
3. Get facts from a trusted resource. An experienced private investigator has access to the right tools to get you the information you need. Can you risk anything less with your loved ones at stake?A licensed private investigator can provide you with more reliable information than you would get by attempting to investigate yourself, or by using an online do-it-yourself service – especially if you have no idea where they are getting their ‘facts’ from.

Linked Investigations is a reputable professional investigation agency located in the Newport Beach area of southern California. We conduct all types of private investigative services locally, across the United States, and abroad.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to assess the benefits and answer your questions. Please contact us for more information.

Linked Investigations – Criminal Record Check Background Services – Click Here

If you only need to know where someone is going, a GPS tracking device can tell you that. However, if you need to know where they’re going and who they’re with, you need more than GPS tracking. You need the services of a private investigator conducting real-time surveillance.

If you’re trying to catch a cheating spouse or an employee that you suspect might be stealing from you, stationary video cameras and tracking devices won’t cut it. A stationary video camera can only monitor a limited area (obviously). The effectiveness of GPS tracking is limited by a number of factors. What happens if the person parks, then transfers to another car – or walks to a different location? You could be missing out on critical information in that case.

Not only are there logistical and legal / liability hurdles to using GPS tracking and stationary video cameras, you won’t have the benefit of seeing the interaction between your employee (or cheating spouse) and the person they are meeting with.

If you confront them with what little evidence you have, they’ll know you’ve been watching them and can deny any accusations of inappropriate behavior. As a result, you could find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit or claim in the not-too-distant future. Guess who’s in charge now?

That’s Where Surveillance Comes In

A licensed private investigator will discreetly follow your subject and collect information from several sources. Then they’ll provide you with details about where they went, who they were with, and what they were doing. In many cases, these activities are caught on camera.

With facts in hand, you can better decide what your next step should be. If illegal or illicit activity is involved, you will have the proof you need to take to the police or to your lawyer.

How Linked Investigations Can Help

Our experienced surveillance investigators can confront a dishonest employee for you, using a number of proven methods to get answers from them. We often take written declarations or statements from the subject, under the penalty of perjury. We can also interview staff to obtain information that supports our findings.

Once we have a clear picture of what’s going on, we’ll provide a detailed report outlining the circumstances and facts, along with our interpretation of the individual’s demeanor and loyalty to you or the company. This report can then be provided to you, your attorney, and/or the police. It’s your call.

There have been many times when a client has chosen not to disclose what they know to the subject. But having the facts in hand allowed them to make important decisions quickly to protect their interests.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us today.