Alabama Private Investigator Practice Exam

A licensee may bill a client for services that have not been provided or incurred.

1. True

2. False

3. Only with client consent

4. Only if the client is informed

The correct answer is: False

Billing a client for services that have not been provided or incurred is considered unethical and potentially illegal. A licensed private investigator is expected to follow professional standards and conduct that fosters trust and integrity in client relations. In this situation, the standards of practice prohibit charging for services that were not rendered, as this could be seen as fraudulent behavior. Proper billing practices require that clients are only charged for services and expenses that have actually occurred. This ensures fairness to clients and maintains the reputation of the investigative profession. While consent or informing the client might alter the perception of the act, it does not change the fundamental principle of what is ethically and legally permissible. Hence, the statement indicating that a licensee may bill clients for unprovided services is false.