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The whole investigation process has improved a lot lately, especially now that you can access information online within seconds. But even when you have so much access to information, sometimes it is really hard to find an actual lead.
That is why we decided to ask Eric Nathan, Florida private investigator and CEO of Nathans Investigations some questions and find out whether online tools, especially reverse image search tools, may have a real impact on ongoing investigations.
Behind the online investigation process: Insights from a private investigator
How has the investigation process changed or improved over the last decade?
Over the last decade, investigations have become much more technology-driven. Tools like reverse image search, OSINT, and digital records have allowed investigators to find and verify information faster and more efficiently.
While traditional investigative methods remain essential, today’s investigators can combine fieldwork with advanced digital tools to uncover leads and confirm facts more effectively.
If possible, could you share what the investigation process currently looks like in steps? What do you start from, and what are the key factors?
The investigation process typically starts with gathering information about the case, understanding the client’s objectives, and identifying the key facts that need to be confirmed.
From there, investigators collect and analyze evidence using methods such as interviews, records research, surveillance, and digital tools.
The final step is reviewing and verifying the findings to ensure the information is accurate and can support the client’s needs.
What tools do you use most often during investigations?
The tools we use most often during investigations include public records databases, online research tools, social media analysis, surveillance equipment, and digital investigation resources such as reverse image search.
The specific tools depend on the type of case, but combining technology with traditional investigative methods is key to finding and verifying information.
In what use cases can reverse image search or face search tools help you?
Reverse image search and face search tools can help investigators in a variety of situations, including:
- identifying unknown individuals
- verifying online identities
- uncovering fake profiles
- locating stolen or reused images
- finding additional information connected to a photo.
These tools are especially useful for fraud investigations, missing person cases, background checks, and online reputation investigations.
Lenso.ai may be an example of such a reverse image search tool that can be helpful during an online investigation. Lenso.ai offers an effective image search engine with a facial recognition engine that can help find exact face matches or copies of the image you provided. And, of course, original sources of those images, which may uncover even more detailed information about the person/image you are looking for.
Moreover, lenso.ai offers plenty of extra features that can ease the overall process:
- filters and sorting options
- alerts about new images
- research Mode with advanced filters (domain and language include/exclude; date range filter; keyword in title filter)
- API for reverse image search
Apart from lenso.ai, you can also use such face search tools as eyematch.ai or PimEyes.
Image search for investigations: How to find more information from a photo?
But if you would like to move forward with an advanced background check, you should also try Pixalytica. Thanks to Pixalytica, you will be able to uncover a person’s background, with the information collected in a report that may include:
- short summary about the person
- name/surname confirmation
- risk score
- face search results with original URL sources
- criminal records
- PEP status
- suspicious associations
Photo Background Checks in 2026: what you need to know
Can online tools such as Pixalytica or lenso.ai help during an investigation? If so, how exactly can they be helpful?
Yes, online tools such as Pixalytica or lenso.ai can be valuable during an investigation by helping identify people, verify images, detect fake profiles, and uncover connections that may not be immediately visible.
They can help investigators follow digital leads, confirm whether an image has appeared elsewhere online, and gather additional information to support traditional investigative methods.
Can you share a real investigation use case where reverse image search helped?
In one investigation, an online image search proved to be a particularly useful tool in helping us identify and verify information that was otherwise difficult to establish.
By searching and comparing publicly available images, we were able to identify potential locations, confirm connections between individuals, and uncover additional publicly available information that helped us piece together the timeline of events.
The image search results provided important leads that we were then able to independently verify through other investigative methods. Ultimately, this information helped us develop a clearer picture of the situation and move the investigation forward.
How do you verify that information you find online is reliable?
Online information is verified by cross-referencing multiple sources, confirming details through reliable records, and looking for consistency across different platforms.
Digital information can change quickly, so it is important to validate findings before using them as part of an investigation.
Another important piece of advice that can be used not only during an investigation: be careful with the information you find online and double-check everything.
Sometimes, simply Googling it or doing a search by image can make a difference. Within seconds, you can either reassure yourself that everything is fine or maybe find some concerning information.
On the other hand, it is also important to verify what information is being shared about you online. You may not be aware that your photos are being improperly shared. That is why, for example, you can create alerts on lenso.ai or PimEyes and receive email notifications whenever new images of you appear online.
What are the biggest challenges you face during online investigations?
Online investigations require careful verification of information, as digital records can be incomplete, outdated, or misleading. Investigators must analyze multiple sources, confirm details, and stay current with changing technology to ensure their findings are accurate and reliable.
Have you noticed any trends in specific types of cases, such as catfishing, online fraud, or other forms of online crime? For example, are some types of online crime becoming more common than others?
Yes, there has been a noticeable increase in cases involving online fraud, fake identities, catfishing, and scams conducted through social media and digital platforms.
As more personal information is shared online, investigators are seeing more situations where verifying identities and tracing digital activity are important parts of an investigation.
Tools such as reverse image search and online research methods have become valuable in uncovering connections and identifying potential risks.
That is why it is always better to be aware of any potential scams or catfishing and use online verification tools on a daily basis. Because you can never be 100% sure whether the person you are about to meet is real or whether someone you want to buy something from is trying to scam you.
Sometimes, it may not be that harmful, but on a bigger scale, it can lead to very dangerous consequences.
How to tell you’re being catfished? Most effective tips
What are the biggest pros and cons of online investigations compared to a time when access to information was much more limited?
The biggest advantage of online investigations is the speed and amount of information available. Investigators can quickly access public records, digital evidence, social media, and online tools to develop leads that previously would have taken much longer to uncover.
The biggest challenge is the amount of information available. Investigators must sort through large amounts of data, verify sources, and distinguish accurate information from false or misleading content. Technology has made investigations faster, but experience and proper verification are still essential.
Nathans Investigations Services
Nathans Investigations provides a full range of Florida private investigation services in various areas, including:
- Florida surveillance
- Florida background checks
- Florida fraud investigations
- Florida child custody investigations
- Florida cohabitation and alimony investigations
- Florida infidelity investigations
- Florida online scam investigations
You can arrange a free consultation with them and then decide whether their services will work for you.
Author
Julia Mykhailiuk
Marketing Specialist
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