When a potential client calls you and ask for something illegal, unethical or just downright creepy, you need to say no, but how do you keep them (especially the ones with mental illness) from going to online review sites and posting bad reviews saying you’re a rip-off or a scam as a private investigator?

I approach this step-by step:

1. I listen and convey empathy.

A phrase I learned from the excellent book Verbal Judo is, “I understand how you feel and if I was in your shoes I would probably feel exactly the same way.”

This includes recommending they call the police, the F.B.I., or even Animal Control.

BTW, I’ve written a book specifically for Private Investigators, Process Servers and Security Guards that teach a bunch of these types of “magic phrases” I’ve used in the real-world time and time again. Please, be sure to check out 51 Magic Phrases to Get What You Want: The Secrets of Instant Influence for Private Investigators, Process Servers, Security Guards and You!

2. I offer them alternative resources.

That way they feel like I at least tried to help them.

Frequently (frequently!) you will hear them say, “The police are in on it.” Don’t let it catch you off guard. You will hear this. Be prepared with another recommendation like Animal Control or (gently and with a lot of tact) a mental health service provider.

Of mental health services I like to say, “They help people with all kinds of complex problems even if you don’t have a lot of resources.”

I wish you all the best as you navigate this thorny issue, but I guess this is why you want to learn form someone who’s “been there and done that”!

Committed to your success,
Larry Kaye,
Private Investigator &
#1 Best Selling Author

P.S. – And, of course, don’t miss my special report titled… If You Want To be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless You Do These Three Things. You can get it right here…