There are so many PI services advertised online. How can I verify which investigators are legitimate and avoid scams or unlicensed operators in the Philippines?

To avoid scammers and choose a legitimate private investigator in the Philippines, make sure that they are licensed by the local authorities and can provide documents to prove their experience and reputation. Read reviews, check for a physical office, and avoid those who ask for full payment in advance. It is recommended to contact a trusted Cebu private investigator with a good reputation.

Do you know if there’s an official government site or registry where I can check if an investigator is licensed in the Philippines? Or is it all based on private referrals and reviews?

There’s no centralized public registry, unfortunately. Most legit investigators rely on reputation and referrals. But serious firms will show you credentials if you ask directly. Just stay cautious.