FAQ

Q: I’m interested in hiring you, what’s the first step?
A: We offer all prospective clients a free one on one consultation with an experienced investigator. The investigator will meet with you to assess your situation, explain in detail the options available to you, and also discuss the cost associated with each of those options. The consultation can either be held at one of our offices or at a location of your choice. We can also provide you with a phone consultation.
Q: Why should I hire AJ Sterling & Associates over another private detective agency?
A: Unlike most detective agencies operating today, our investigators have over 25 years of experience and have handled nearly every case imaginable. We remain one of the largest and most trusted detective agencies in the New York/New Jersey area. Whatever your particular situation might be, it is likely that we have seen it before and know the most effective and cost-efficient way to deliver you the best results.
Q: What is the typical cost of an investigation?
A: The cost of an investigation varies significantly from case to case. The degree of difficulty and the length of time of the investigation will have a direct impact on the final cost. Upon assessing your case needs during the initial consultation, our investigator will provide you with a cost estimate. We always aim to provide our clients with the best solution that fits their budget. Payment can be made by credit card, PayPal, or by cash, check, or money order.
Q: How soon can we begin my investigation?
A: Once you decide to retain our services, your case can begin immediately!
Q: How often will I be updated on the status of my case?
A: Typically we update our clients on a daily basis. However under certain circumstances clients will be in contact with our investigators while surveillance is in progress.
Q: Will I receive a final report at the conclusion of the case? Will it include photo or video evidence?
A: Upon your request, a final written report can be sent to you along with any photo or video evidence that was obtained during the case. The written report will detail all of our findings, and will also include a conclusion and recommendations.
Q: In what geographic areas can you conduct my investigation?
A: We can perform background investigations and other database searches in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. With regard to surveillance, our investigators cover New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland counties, the entire state of New Jersey, and the southern half of Connecticut. In addition, we have affiliates throughout the US and Canada, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe.
Q: What types of investigations do you conduct?
A: We specialize in matrimonial investigations, background investigations, surveillance, missing persons cases, workers compensation cases, child custody cases, landlord/tenant investigations, asset searches, and electronic debugging.
Q: What type of guarantee can you provide for my investigation?
A: We cannot guarantee results, as it may simply not be possible to provide you with the results you are looking for. What we can guarantee is that we will utilize our experience and expertise to provide you with the highest quality investigation.
Q: What information do I need to provide in order to begin a surveillance case?
A: Before we begin a surveillance case we typically ask our clients to provide us with a physical description of the subject, photos of the subject, car details (i.e. car model, license plate number), and the subject’s home address and place of business.
Q: How many investigators are used on a surveillance case?
A: The number of investigators used depends on both the nature of the surveillance, as well as the disposition of the subject. Surveillance on an individual in a non-challenging environment will usually require only one investigator. However following someone in a heavily trafficked area such as an airport will require additional investigators. Additional investigators will also be used if the subject is an aggressive driver or is very cautious of their surroundings while driving. While this increases the hourly rate of surveillance, it also makes it much less likely that we will lose the subject.

“Artie, I can’t thank you enough for the incredible work you did for me earlier this year. While it was extremely difficult to learn that my husband of 10 years was cheating on me with another woman, you provided the hard truth with the utmost professionalism. Your accountability and trustworthiness were a huge relief in a time of utter shock and disbelief. Thank you for helping me to recognize the lie I had been living in, and allowing me to move forward in my life”
Lauren
Brooklyn, NY
“I always wondered what happened to Fran, my high school sweetheart. Recently widowed, I wondered how I could re-connect. A friend suggested that I call a private investigator and I was fortunate to find John at AJS. Although my information was limited, he was able to find Fran within a week. It turns she was also recently widowed and our relationship resumed where we left off. Fran and I are now happily married and living out our golden years in Florida. Thank you John!”
Maury
Boca Raton, FL
“A few months back my ex-girlfriend told me she was going to NY on a business trip, but when I ran into her co-worker the same day he told me to enjoy my short getaway with Kristin! I hired AJS to follow her and they did an incredible job documenting her stay in NY, or should I say her stay in NY with Chad. It turns out Chad was an old flame that she had been seeing behind my back for quite some time. I wish I had a picture of her face when I popped the surveillance video into her DVD player! Thank you AJ Sterling for providing me with the truth!”

Chris
Dallas, TX
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you AJ Sterling for giving me my life back. Four years ago, my ex-wife was awarded sole custody of our two children. There were countless nights that I went without sleep, not just because I had lost my children, but because I knew they were living in a house with an alcoholic mother and her abusive boyfriend. Just when I felt that all hope was lost, AJ Sterling provided me with the physical evidence I needed to win back custody of my two beautiful children. The three of us are living happily together now because of the excellent work you did for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”
Victor
Bronx, NY
“Thank you for helping me bring my daughter home! Six months ago my only child ran away with a boyfriend that the family did not approve of. Based upon a close friend’s recommendation, I turned to Artie at AJ Sterling for help. He and his team diligently pursued every possible lead and within 4 days had one of my daughter’s friends confess where my daughter and her boyfriend were staying. While those were the 4 most excruciating days of my life, Artie helped keep me at ease and gave me confidence that my daughter would be returned home to me. I honestly can’t find the words to thank you enough… you are truly a life savior.”
Nancy
Middletown, NJ
“For years I spent time searching for my biological mother, but due to the limited resources available I consistently hit a dead end. After yet another online people-finder search produced zero results, I turned to the true professionals at AJ Sterling for help. I gave John what limited information I had regarding my biological mother and within hours John e-mailed me with a narrow list of possible candidates. After calling the second number on the list, I was shocked to discover it was my biological mother on the other end of the line! We have been e-mailing back and forth for the past two months and plan on meeting in person in the near future. I can’t thank you enough for giving me a missing piece of my life back. My only regret is not coming to you sooner!”
Alicia
Garden City, NY