Private Investigation of Fiance's Finances

[vsjhoc]

A friend is getting engaged and because of bad experiences in her first marriage, wants to do a full financial due diligence on her future fiance. They have agreed to swap credit reports which would show bad credit, bankruptcies, etc.

Do you know any reputable companies that do this? There are tons of companies that advertise on the web that they have access to records. Any suggestions? What sorts of info should she ask for that they can get?

Please don't say if she trusted him, she wouldn't need to do this, she should be able to talk to him, blah blah blah. If you knew her history, you'd agree she must hire a financial private eye.

I'm a little confused. You said the couple are voluntarily sharing their credit reports... what is the purpose of the private investigator?

[pearlieq]

I don't see anything wrong with the investigation, but why can't it be done in the open? Why couldn't she tell him she wants to do this and why, and then use a vendor of her choosing to get it done if he agrees? They could review and discuss the findings together.

She may need to have it done for her own peace of mind, and her fiance may be willing to accept and trust what she needs. But having it done behind his back is just asking for trouble.

She can search public records herself and swapping copies of credit reports should turn up anything tied to his SSN. Of course people can have full credit histories under alternate SSNs or EINs.

If she's serious about doing this, I wouldn't just trust someone you found on google. Nothing you can buy online for $49.95 is going to meet her needs.

I would contact a reputatable local private investigator (contact a lawyer, especially a divorce lawyer, for a referral) and have them do a full background check. It's going to cost, but if that's what she needs to feel safe again, then it may be worth it to her.

[vsjhoc]

I'm a little confused. You said the couple are voluntarily sharing their credit reports... what is the purpose of the private investigator?

Bank account balances. Court orders for child support. Divorce decree.

devils_advocate -- if you reply, congrats on your 100th post!

Ok, I understand. I think pearlieq is spot on with her comments... nothing to add.

[DebbieL]

Couldn't she just ask him to see those things? It doesn't sound like she should even be thinking about getting married (especially if she can't be up front and ask to see those things). He's willing to show the credit report, I'm sure he'd probably show the other stuff too. Doesn't sound like she trusts him at all to me. I've been burned in past relationships too, but there has to come a point (if you are thinking of marrying someone) that you need to learn to trust. If I were that uneasy about finances, I would just ask to see those things (and show him all of mine).

[Broken Arrow]

Just some quick thoughts. Most if not all of these things can be done without a private investigator... unless they just don't know how.

Also, I can understand wanting documentation, rather than just taking someone's word for it. It's not that I am untrusting, nor do I think that the woman in question is either. Faith backed by proof is always better than blind faith. Another slogan I hear a lot is, "In God we trust. Everyone else goes through NCIC."

[Fern]

All 3 of the major credit reporting bureaus supply you with 1 free credit report a year. That includes Transuion and TRW and Equifax. Go to annualcreditreport.com