The Pros and Cons of Spying

Is there someone you want to investigate?  Do you want to know if the rumors about your neighbor being a drug dealer are true?  Do you want to catch a suspected cheating spouse?  Do you want to know if your daughter’s older boyfriend is safe?  If so, you may start your own investigation.

When investigating someone, you may have different options.  It all depends on what you want to know, how much you are willing to pay, and how far you are willing to go.  A background check and standard internet search are two easy ways to get started, but what if you need proof of bad or illegal behavior?  You may opt for spying, but is it a good idea?  Yes and no.

Spying can help you find out a lot about someone.  As previously stated, an internet search and a background check can help you investigate someone, but what will you find?  It depends.  Guilt shouldn’t be assumed without proof, but neither should innocence.  Do you suspect a neighbor is physically abusing her children?  Just because it hasn’t been documented in a criminal report does not mean it isn’t happening.  Spying can get you answers that you just can’t get anywhere else.


Spying allows you to catch a person in a lie.  People lie.  Some say it is human nature.  Most lies are small, such as how much someone spent on a Christmas gift, but others lies are huge.  Do you suspect your spouse is cheating on you?  If confronted without proof, they will likely lie. Spying, either with your own two eyes or a hidden camera, allows you to not only investigate someone and catch them in a lie, but have proof.

Spying is relatively easy to do.  Of course, you shouldn’t just hop in your car and follow someone.  The best spy plans are ones that are carefully planned.  Even still, spying is easy.  If your physical presence isn’t necessary, set up a hidden camera.  In terms of physical spying, borrow a friend’s car and disguise yourself.

As previously stated, spying does require thought and planning.  Some may consider this a con to this method of investigating.  Honesty, you don’t need to spend days mapping out a spy plan.  Just carefully think about what you are doing, how you intend to spy, and the consequences if you are caught.

On select occasions, spying becomes more than just an investigative tactic; it becomes a dangerous situation.  As previously stated, consider the consequences first.  Do you truly suspect your neighbor is a drug dealer?  If so, that is not the type of person you want to mess with.  When faced with the possibility of prison time, desperate people go to extremes.  For that reason, always use your best judgment.  If your life is in danger due to spying, consider other tactics first

Spying can be considered illegal in some states.  Those who believe spying is an invasion of privacy are right.  However, it is important to examine your reasons.  Do you suspect your spouse is cheating?  Not only do you have the right to end your marriage, but you have the responsibility to know and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.  Review state laws to avoid being sited for illegal surveillance or stalking.  Then, do not spy more than necessary.  Get your proof and stop.  When spying becomes an obsession, it becomes stalking.

Spying can be costly.  It is easy to investigate a person on a budget, but costs increase with spying.  If relying on video surveillance, use your family camcorder or borrow from a friend.  Find an ideal hiding spot, which may be in a pile of clothes.  When physically spying on someone, you don’t need to purchase a $50 wig.  Instead, opt for a new baseball cap and a pair of sunglasses.

Spying may be a waste of time.  As previously stated, you should consider your reasons for spying.  Make sure they are justified.  If you have reason to suspect someone of bad or illegal behavior, opt for spying.  If you just have a worry, wait, as you may only waste your time.