FAQ #2: Why So OSINT Investigations Require So Much Starting Information?
When clients reach out to us for OSINT | Open Source Intelligence Investigation Services one of the questions we are frequently asked when it comes to filling out the intake form is:
“Why Do OSINT Investigations Require So Much Starting Information?”
Clients are often surprised by how much information we ask for. Names, phone numbers, usernames, photos, old email addresses, hobbies, tattoos, family, and so much more — it can feel like a long list.
We get it, but there is a good reason for it!
Online and open-source investigations depend on accuracy. To find the correct person and collect information that is reliable, legal, and useful, we need strong details at the beginning. Think of this as building a foundation — if the foundation is weak, the results will be weak too.
This FAQ explains why starting information matters, what helps most, and how it protects you as a client.
- FAQ #2: Why So OSINT Investigations Require So Much Starting Information?
- What is “Starting Information” and Why is it Important?
- What Happens When Information is Missing or Incomplete?
- What Information Helps the Most?
- How This Information Protects You
- Do I Need to Provide All of This?
- Will The Information I Provide Be Kept Confidential?
- A Helpful Tip for Clients
- To Wrap Up
- About the Author
What is “Starting Information” and Why is it Important?
OSINT investigations rely on identifiers, also called “anchors.” These help us confirm that we are looking at the right individual and gathering information about the correct person.
Good starting information helps us:
- find the correct person quickly
- avoid false matches
- access more accurate and complete data
- keep the investigation lawful and ethical
- produce results you can trust and use
The better the information at the start, the stronger the outcome.
What Happens When Information is Missing or Incomplete?
Missing information does not stop the investigation — but it can significantly reduce what we can find.
When key details are missing:
- we may find people with similar names
- some accounts or profiles may remain hidden
- the investigation takes longer (which increases cost)
- important leads can be lost
- in some cases, we may need to ask for more information before continuing
Providing solid details early helps us work faster, more accurately, and more efficiently.
What Information Helps the Most?
These details make the biggest difference in an OSINT investigation. You do not need to provide everything — but each piece of information you are able to offer can improve results.
1. Core Identity Information
- Full legal name
- Name variations or possible misspellings
- Middle name or maiden name
- Nicknames or commonly used names
- Known aliases
- Date of birth (exact or approximate)
- Ethnicity (helps with accurate photo comparison)
- High-resolution photo(s) of the person
2. Contact Information
- Phone numbers (current and old)
- Email addresses (current and old)
- Messaging usernames (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal)
- Home address (current and previous)
3. Online Presence
- Known usernames
- Social media profiles
- Dating profiles
- Gaming accounts (Discord, Steam, Xbox, PSN)
- Websites or domains they own
4. Visual Identifiers
- Tattoos, scars, piercings
- Vehicles (make, model, colour)
- Pets
- Distinct clothing or accessories
5. Employment & Education
- Current employer
- Previous jobs
- Job title
- Certifications or licenses
- Schools attended
6. Relationships & Social Network
- Spouse or partner
- Ex-partner
- Close friends
- Family members
- Roommates
7. Lifestyle & Interests
- Hobbies and sports
- Travel habits
- Favourite places
- Online communities
8. Digital Behaviour
- Preferred platforms
- Writing style or common phrases
- Tech comfort level
- Use of privacy tools (VPN, encrypted apps)
9. Professional / Legal Information
- Business ownership
- Trade names
- Past or current legal matters (if known by client)
How This Information Protects You
Providing strong starting information protects you in several ways:
- ensures we investigate the correct person
- reduces risk of mistakes
- supports legally admissible results
- keeps the investigation ethical and compliant
- reduces unnecessary investigative hours (saving money)
- helps produce accurate, clear, and useful findings
Our goal is always clear: accurate information, gathered properly, presented professionally.
Do I Need to Provide All of This?
No — most clients do not have everything on the list.
We will always work with what you can provide. However, more detail helps us:
- complete your case faster
- produce stronger results
- avoid delays and follow-up questions
Small details often lead to major breakthroughs.
Will The Information I Provide Be Kept Confidential?
Yes, absolutely.
Shadow Investigations follows strict confidentiality and privacy standards. Everything you share with us is secure and used only for your investigation.
A Helpful Tip for Clients
When preparing information, check:
- photos
- email addresses
- social media links
- hobbies & interests
- small details (tattoos, usernames, pets, nicknames)
These pieces often make the biggest difference.
To Wrap Up
So, why do OSINT Investigations require so much starting information?
In a nutshell: because it directly strengthens your case. The more information and accurate details you provide, the more effective, efficient, and reliable the investigation will be.
OSINT is a powerful way to uncover publicly available information but it is only as strong as the details we begin with. While the internet contains a huge amount of data, it requires focused, targeted searching and careful analysis to ensure the information is relevant, accurate, and trustworthy.
Whether you want to verify someone’s background, locate a missing person, or gather digital intelligence for a personal or legal matter, we are here to answer any questions you may have and help you move forward with clarity.
At Shadow Investigations, every OSINT request is completed with a clear process, modern tools, and a commitment to thorough and ethical work.
For a complimentary, obligation-free consultation, please get in touch with us at 604-657-4499, info@shadowinvestigationsltd.ca, or fill out our contact form below with your preferred contact method and a brief overview of what you would like assistance with. We keep all information confidential and only use contact information to respond to inquiries.
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