BEFORE YOU TRUST US.

This isn’t an industry standard.
It’s a system we built because nothing else was good enough.

The Questions You’ve Been Asking. And the Ones You Were About To...

Oceanline P.I. provides licensed investigative and legal support services across Texas. These frequently asked questions offer insight into our process, our client portal, and our internal Kova system. With each Kova service, clients receive a structured, professionally written report based on the level of service ordered. Whether it’s background analysis, surveillance findings, or unclaimed funds documentation.


Q: What does a background check reveal?

A: A background check can show criminal history, civil records, identity confirmation, past addresses, and sometimes employment or financial indicators, depending on legal limits. Oceanline only performs background checks when tied to a legitimate service request, not for curiosity.

Q: Are there different kinds of private investigators?

A: Yes. Some specialize in surveillance, others in legal support, digital forensics, insurance fraud, or skip tracing. Oceanline P.I. is licensed for surveillance, records-based research, process service, and more.

Q: Will someone know if I’m investigating them?

A: No. In most cases, an investigation is discreet and legal. However, results or actions that involve public records or process service may become known depending on the situation.

Q: When is an investigation legally allowed?

A: When there is a legitimate purpose, such as civil, legal, financial, or personal protection needs. Oceanline verifies each case’s legality and purpose before accepting work.

Q: Can I identify a hit and run driver?

A: Sometimes. If there’s a partial plate, footage, witness, or vehicle damage pattern, we may be able to identify the party — but it's case-specific and legally sensitive. Must have a police report or insurance report to begin. Oceanline can help retrieve those documents

Q: Can I stop someone from doing a background check on me?

A: Not always. If the person has a legal reason (e.g. landlord, employer, court), they may be permitted. But general public searches without consent are restricted under law. Oceanline never conducts checks without lawful justification.

Q: Where can I find a list of legal private investigators?

A: Each state has a licensing board. In Texas, you can search the Department of Public Safety registry. Oceanline P.I. is License No. A308880111.

Q: What are red flags when talking to a PI?

A: Be cautious of anyone who won’t show licensing, can’t explain your legal risk, or promises guaranteed outcomes. Professional investigators explain process, cost, and legal limits clearly.

Q: How old do you have to be to hire a PI?

A: Typically 18. Minors must have a parent or guardian involved. Legal service contracts require adult consent.

Q: Why do businesses hire private investigators?

A: For due diligence, employee or vendor screening, theft investigation, surveillance, or insurance fraud checks. Oceanline serves business clients with structured case reporting and confidentiality.

Q: How does Oceanline P.I. handle consultations?

A: Consults can be done through our client portal or by request. You can upload a document or question directly and receive a secure response without needing to call.

Q: How do I know if an investigation is ethical and legal?

A: A licensed investigator will explain your rights, confirm legal grounds, and provide a clear scope of what can and can’t be done. Oceanline P.I. prioritizes transparency and lawful practice in every case.

Q: What are the legal limits for private investigations?

A: Private investigators cannot wiretap, hack, trespass, impersonate law enforcement, or access protected data like full credit reports. Some investigations, such as those involving minors, personal data, or tenant and employment screening, require written consent or a lawful basis. Oceanline P.I. only accepts cases that meet legal standards and clearly communicates what can and cannot be done.

Q: How much does a private investigator cost?

A: It depends on the service, location, and time involved. Surveillance is typically billed hourly, while background checks or unclaimed funds cases may have flat fees. Oceanline provides quotes up front so you understand what to expect.

Q: How do I pay for investigative services?

A: We accept major credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, and offer flexible plans for certain case types. Invoices are sent securely through our client portal with clear, itemized billing.

Q: What if the investigator doesn’t find what I hoped for?

A: Private investigations aim to uncover facts, not guarantee a specific result. You’ll still receive a complete report showing what was done and what was discovered, even if the outcome isn’t what you expected. Integrity matters.

Q: Where does Oceanline P.I. offer surveillance services?

A: We serve the Texas Coastal Bend region, including Aransas Pass, Portland, Corpus Christi, and Rockport. Records-based investigations and background services are available statewide.

Q: What should I ask a private investigator before hiring them?

A: Ask about their license number, experience with your type of case, confidentiality practices, and reporting timeline. A good investigator will provide clear expectations, explain your rights, and outline possible outcomes without overpromising.

Q: How long do investigations usually take?

A: It depends on the case. A background check or unclaimed funds verification might take 3–5 days. Surveillance can range from one evening to several weeks. Oceanline provides time estimates during your consultation and keeps you updated throughout.

Q: How can I search for unclaimed funds in my name?

A: Start with your state’s treasury or unclaimed property website. Many use MissingMoney.com for national searches. You can also check federal sources for IRS refunds, FHA refunds, or VA life insurance claims.

Q: What qualifies as unclaimed property?

A: This can include uncashed checks, closed bank accounts, forgotten insurance policies, stocks, or deposits held by utility companies. After a dormancy period, this property is turned over to the state.

Q: Do I have to pay to search for unclaimed money?

A: No. State databases are free to search. Be cautious of third-party services that charge fees or ask for personal details up front. Oceanline uses only verified sources and never charges for verification alone.

Q: How do I claim my unclaimed property?

A: Claims usually require proof of identity and supporting documents. Each state has its own process, but most allow online forms with upload options. Oceanline can help you validate the claim and assist with documentation.

Q: How can Oceanline P.I. help with unclaimed funds?

A: We assist with locating unclaimed property, verifying your identity and eligibility, helping you file the proper claim, and compiling all necessary documentation into a professional report. All unclaimed funds cases include a Kova Core Report with structured findings.


About the Kova System

Oceanline P.I. uses an internal system called Kova to organize and structure investigative services. Kova is not a product for sale, it’s our way of identifying the scope and depth of your case.

Kova Core is the foundational report delivered with background checks, asset traces, digital footprint reviews, and related services. It includes structured findings in an easy-to-read PDF formatted for legal, insurance, or personal use.

Kova Black refers to full-service surveillance cases. These include daily logs, photographic evidence, timelines, and movement tracking where applicable. Designed for attorneys, businesses, or sensitive personal matters requiring documentation.

These terms help clients understand what level of support they’re receiving. For example: If you hire Oceanline for a background check on a prospective tenant, you’ll receive a Kova Core Report. If you request ongoing activity monitoring in a potential infidelity case, that would qualify as Kova Black. The names are for internal clarity, but they’re also printed on your report for quick reference.


The Oceanline Vault, Our Client Portal App.

This is a work in progress. When you modernize an old profession, there’s no playbook. Oceanline is committed to building a smarter, faster, more secure experience - updating the standard to meet today’s expectations.

Q: How do I access the Oceanline client portal?

A: You’ll receive portal access once your case is approved. A secure link will be sent to your email, giving you personalized login credentials.

Q: What’s inside the client portal?

A: You’ll find your case documents, investigator reports, uploaded photos, any available video footage, and links to invoices or forms requiring review or e-signature.

Q: Can I pay invoices through the portal?

A: Yes. All invoices include a secure link that takes you to our QuickBooks payment site. There, you can pay online using a credit card, Apple Pay, or PayPal. All encrypted and processed by Intuit’s trusted platform.

Q: Can I see past investigations?

A: Yes. Your portal account will include any past case files and deliverables tied to your email or case ID, unless restricted by legal conditions.

Q: Do I need a login just to download process service documents?

A: No. Service of process documents are sent with a direct access link for download, and do not require login.

Q: What if my portal isn’t working?

A: Email or use the secure message option from your original portal invitation. We’ll respond quickly to restore access.

Q: Is the client portal secure?

A: Yes. The portal uses encrypted login, role-based access, and secure e-sign features to protect sensitive files and communication. You control your login and password at all times. If you're a business or law firm, you can also authorize multiple users to access the portal under your account for shared visibility and task coordination.

Helpful Guides from Oceanline

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Kova Insight: What Can Be Found About You Online

Search yourself like an investigator. See what’s public and how to clean it up.

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Kova Insight: Find Unclaimed Funds (Texas)

Step-by-step instructions for locating, verifying, and claiming money that may belong to you.

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Kova Insight: Finding a Lost Family Member

How to begin searching for biological relatives, missing parents, or estranged siblings using public data, tools, and ethical methods.

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