Private investigators cannot hack into Facebook accounts or devices to access private information without consent. However, there are legal methods investigators use to uncover social media data.
Using Legal Methods
- Using subpoenas, investigators can work with attorneys to access devices that hold Facebook data and messages. Even deleted content may exist on Facebook’s servers and be turned over with a subpoena.
- Public Facebook data is fair game without hacking. Investigators can search profiles and collect visible posts, photos, captions, hashtags, and comments. They can initiate contact with targets to keep communication open.
- Access varies by location, but licenses typically grant database access to public records and confidential documents to aid investigations. Private sources like banks may also provide private investigators information legally.
- Sophisticated data forensics can recover deleted content from devices. Advancements help track individuals online and uncover contacts and content from texts and records.
- Before hiring, understand services, specialties, tools utilized, and budget. With legal, ethical methods, skilled private investigators discreetly uncover wide-ranging information from myriad sources.