​Private Investigators, Detectives, and Forensic Investigators, often referred to as a “PI”, use many methods to determine the facts in a variety of matters. To carry out investigations, they may use various types of surveillance or searches. To verify facts, such as an individual's place of employment or income, they may make phone calls or visit a subject's workplace. In other cases, especially those involving missing persons and background checks, investigators often interview people to gather as much information as possible about an individual. In all cases, private investigators, detectives, and forensic investigators assist attorneys, insurance companies, businesses, and the public with legal, financial, and personal problems.