If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Private Investigator in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley
I am a licensed private investigator based in Loudoun County. I take on a wide range of matters, and I handle each one in confidence.
I am Zach Baumgart, a Virginia-licensed private investigator, Certified Fraud Examiner, and former federal criminal investigator with 17 years of experience. About me
Independent Advice, with Nothing to Sell
I do not sell security guards, alarms, cameras, or any other products or equipment. I only provide my services, so my findings are never tied to something I am selling. My only interest is giving you the facts and the best client service.
Who I Serve
Organizations
Organizations that need an investigation, including:
- Medical offices
- Law and financial offices
- Professional services
- Retail
- Restaurants and bars
- Schools
- Childcare facilities
- Camps and children's activity venues
- Nonprofits
- Houses of worship
Individuals and Families
Individuals and families, including professionals, executives, and households with children, who need help with:
- Scams and financial exploitation targeting older relatives
- Identity theft and account takeover
- Harassment, threats, and stalking, including online
- Crimes against family members
- Stolen or missing property
What I Investigate
As a licensed private investigator, I am authorized to conduct criminal and civil investigations, conduct surveillance, and gather evidence in support of potential criminal or civil judicial action. I am also authorized to conduct background investigations.
The most common matters I investigate are:
- Financial fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Financial schemes
- Missing money or unusual financial transactions
- Identity theft
- Business email compromise
- Account takeover schemes
- Theft and missing property
- Organized retail crime (ORC)
- Inventory loss/shrink
- Harassment, threats, and stalking, including online
- Threat assessments and investigations
- Crimes against family members
- Financial exploitation or scams targeting older relatives
- Theft or fraud by a caregiver, contractor, or someone close to the family
- Elder abuse
- Mistreatment of children
- Misconduct allegations and policy violations against employees, volunteers, and contractors
- Drug diversion
- Causes of accidents, fires, and damage to people and property
- Injuries
If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-552-7096. To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older or incapacitated adult, call Virginia Adult Protective Services at 888-832-3858.
What You Receive
A Written Report
I report my findings in writing. The report documents the evidence I gathered and what it shows, so you have a clear record for your attorney, your HR team, or any civil or criminal action.
Thorough Evidence Gathering
I gather all evidence relevant to the investigation, including:
- Interviews
- Analysis of financial records and other data sets
- Physical evidence, such as fingerprints
- Digital evidence, such as CCTV footage and financial transaction records
- Any other evidence identified during the investigation
Updates and Coordination
I do the work myself and provide you with pertinent updates. I also work with your attorneys, HR teams, and others at your request.
How It Works
Initial Consultation
A confidential consultation by phone or virtual meeting lasting about 15 minutes. The consultation is complimentary.
Written Contract
A written contract sets out the scope and terms of the investigation. Payment is due before I render services.
The Work
I carry out the investigation and report my findings.
Ready to talk it through? The initial consultation is complimentary.
My Experience
I spent 17 years as a federal criminal investigator and special agent, including nine years as a supervisory criminal investigator. I investigated financial fraud, white collar crime, violent crime, threats, public corruption, and misconduct, and I now bring that experience to businesses, organizations, and families as a Virginia-licensed private investigator.
Where I Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of matters do you investigate?
I will consider any private investigation matter. Tell me what is happening during your initial consultation, and I will explain whether and how I can help.
Do you do surveillance?
Yes. As a licensed Virginia private investigator, I am authorized to conduct surveillance. During the initial consultation, I will explain whether surveillance would help with your matter.
What information should I have ready?
Whatever you know about the matter, such as dates, the people involved, and any documents, records, or footage you already have. If you have little, that is fine. I will tell you what I need during the initial consultation.
How long does an investigation take?
The timeline depends on the nature and scope of the work. I will discuss what to expect during the initial consultation and provide pertinent updates as the investigation moves forward.
Will my matter stay confidential?
Yes. I handle every matter in confidence, and I will sign a nondisclosure contract upon request.
Can you work with my attorney or HR team?
Yes. I can work with your attorneys, HR teams, and others at your request to ensure I investigate the specific areas of concern that matter to you.
Can your findings be used in a legal matter?
Potentially. Using my findings in a judicial or legal matter is a decision for your attorney. At your direction, I will consult with your attorney or representative to discuss the investigation and the evidence developed.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the nature and scope of the work. There is no charge for the initial consultation and the proposal. Generally, costs include an upfront fee, also referred to as a retainer, which covers the anticipated length and complexity of the investigation plus the anticipated travel, technology, and support costs. During our frequent updates, I will tell you the status of the investigation and the retainer amount remaining. You will never receive a surprise bill or invoice from me. A written contract sets out the scope and terms before I begin, so you know what to expect.
Related Services
Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract. Private investigations can often lead to or also require background investigations, skip tracing and missing persons, threat assessment, and physical security audits. See my full list of services.