✅ A Toolkit for Tough Situations and Clear Outcomes

[SRZ]

The Everyday Investigation Starter Pack

Your full-send playbook for surveillance, evidence, legal battles & catching liars—all free or dirt cheap.

---

What You’re Walking Away With

400+ free tools. 50+ GitHub repos. Cheap hardware lists. Templates for everything. Step-by-step guides for people who’ve never done this before.

Whether someone’s lying to your face, hiding money, tracking your phone, or making your life hell at work—this is how you fight back without dropping $10K on lawyers.

---

Why This Actually Matters

You don’t need money to protect yourself. You need information.
This guide turns “I have no idea what to do” into “I have receipts, evidence, and a plan.”
Cheating spouse. Toxic coworker. Sketchy neighbor. Messy divorce. You’re covered.

---

What’s Inside

• Recover deleted texts, photos & app data (free tools + the apps cheaters hide stuff in)
• Find anyone’s digital footprint using free OSINT tricks
• Prep for court testimony like a pro witness
• Detect hidden cameras, GPS trackers & phone spyware
• Build an airtight HR case that actually works
• Protect your assets legally before/during/after marriage
• Win neighbor disputes without expensive lawyers
• Catch catfish & verify anyone’s real identity online

---

PART 1: PHONE & DIGITAL FORENSICS

Your Phone Remembers Everything. Even The Deleted Stuff.

Deleted texts aren’t really deleted. They’re just marked “okay to overwrite.” Until something else takes that space, they’re sitting there waiting to be found. The faster you act, the more you recover.

---

🕳️ SECRET APPS CHEATERS USE (Know What to Look For)

Calculator & Vault Apps (Look Innocent, Hide Everything)

App Name	What It Looks Like	What It Actually Does
Calculator+	Basic calculator	Hidden photo/video vault behind fake calculator
Private Photo Vault	Generic folder icon	Password-protected media storage
Keepsafe	Lock icon	Encrypted photo hiding
Vaulty	Calculator icon	Hidden gallery with decoy password
Hide It Pro	“Audio Manager”	Secret vault disguised as audio app
CoverMe	Messaging app	Self-destructing messages + private vault

Encrypted Messaging (Messages That Disappear)

App	Why Cheaters Love It
Signal	End-to-end encryption, disappearing messages
Telegram	Secret chats, self-destruct timer
Wickr	No phone number needed, auto-delete
Dust	Messages vanish after reading
Confide	Screenshot-proof, disappearing text

Fake/Burner Apps

App	What It Does
TextNow	Free second phone number
Google Voice	Hidden second number
Burner	Disposable phone numbers
TextFree	Anonymous texting

Red flag behaviors: Phone always face-down. New apps you don’t recognize. “Audio Manager” that isn’t for audio. Calculator app opened suspiciously often.

🆓 FREE & CHEAP RECOVERY TOOLS

Cloud Backdoors (CHECK THESE FIRST - Easiest Wins)

Platform	Where to Look	What You Might Find
Google Drive	drive.google.com → Backups	Full device backups with messages
iCloud	icloud.com → Messages/Backups	Synced messages, photos, call logs
WhatsApp	Settings → Chats → Chat backup	Message history in Google Drive/iCloud
Samsung Cloud	samsung.com/account	Samsung device backups
Google Photos	photos.google.com	Auto-synced images they forgot about

Apps That Actually Work

Tool	Platform	Cost	What It Does	Success Rate
DiskDigger	Android	Free	File system recovery	Good for recent
Dr. Fone	Both	$50-70	Texts, WhatsApp, media	Solid
PhoneRescue	Both	$50	Deep recovery	Reliable
EaseUS MobiSaver	Both	Free/Paid	Device + cloud recovery	Decent
Tenorshare UltData	Both	$50	iOS specialist	Good for iPhones
iMobie PhoneRescue	Both	$50	iTunes/iCloud recovery

Pro-Level Tools (For Serious Cases)

Tool	Cost	Court-Ready?	Notes
Cellebrite UFED	$15K-40K	Yes	Industry standard, what cops use
Oxygen Forensic	$5K+	Yes	Encrypted app recovery
MOBILedit Forensic	$100-500	Yes	Mid-range, solid reports
Magnet AXIOM	$3K+	Yes	Deep mobile analysis
XRY by MSAB	$5K+	Yes	Used by law enforcement

⚠️ BEFORE YOU TOUCH ANYTHING - READ THIS

STOP. This determines if you recover anything or lose everything.

The Rules

1. STOP using the phone immediately → Every new text/photo/app overwrites deleted data
2. Don’t install apps ON the phone → Run recovery tools from a computer
3. Check cloud backups FIRST → Often has everything without touching the device
4. Turn off the phone if possible → Prevents automatic overwrites
5. Put it in airplane mode → Stops incoming data from overwriting

What Affects Your Success

Factor	Impact
Time since deletion	Hours = great odds. Days = okay. Weeks = maybe. Months = unlikely
Storage size	Bigger phone = more space for remnants to survive
Phone usage	Heavy user = data gets overwritten faster
Encryption	Newer iPhones with full encryption = much harder
Storage type	Flash memory “forgets” slower than traditional storage

For Court Cases

If you need this for legal proceedings:

• Document the chain of custody (who touched it, when, where)
• Generate hash values immediately (proves file wasn’t tampered)
• Consider hiring a certified forensic examiner
• Screenshots alone are WEAK—judges want verified forensic extraction

---

Making Digital Evidence Court-Ready

Screenshots = Weak. Forensic extraction = Strong. Here’s the difference.

A screenshot can be Photoshopped in 30 seconds. Forensic evidence has a digital fingerprint (hash) that proves it wasn’t modified. Courts know the difference.

---

📋 CHAIN OF CUSTODY CHECKLIST (Print This)

Document EVERYTHING. This is what makes evidence admissible.

Required Documentation

EVIDENCE COLLECTION LOG
=======================
Device: _______________________________________________
Make/Model: ___________________________________________
Serial Number: ________________________________________
IMEI (if phone): ______________________________________

Collection Date: ______________________________________
Collection Time: ______________________________________
Collection Location: __________________________________
Collected By (print name): ____________________________
Collected By (signature): _____________________________

HASH VALUES (run immediately after collection):
MD5: _________________________________________________
SHA256: ______________________________________________

Storage Location: ____________________________________
Access Log:
- Date/Time | Person | Purpose | Signature
- ________|________|_________|__________
- ________|________|_________|__________

Why This Matters

Without documentation, opposing counsel says “this could be fabricated” and your evidence becomes worthless. With it, you have court-admissible proof.

🆓 FREE FORENSIC TOOLS (The Actually Good Stuff)

Tool	Link	What It Does	Skill Level
Autopsy	sleuthkit.org/autopsy	Full forensic analysis, timeline, keyword search	Intermediate
FTK Imager	exterro.com/ftk-product-downloads	Disk/memory imaging, hash reports	Beginner
CAINE Linux	caine-live.net	Bootable forensic OS, auto write-block	Intermediate
Volatility 3	github.com/volatilityfoundation/volatility3	Memory/RAM forensics	Advanced
Bulk Extractor	github.com/simsong/bulk_extractor	Scans without parsing filesystem	Intermediate
ExifTool	exiftool.org	Metadata extraction (when/where photo taken)	Beginner
Wireshark	wireshark.org	Network traffic analysis	Advanced
NetworkMiner	netresec.com	Network forensic analyzer	Intermediate

💻 HASH VERIFICATION (Proves Files Weren't Tampered)

Run these commands IMMEDIATELY after collecting evidence. Save the output.

Windows PowerShell

Get-FileHash C:\path\to\evidence.img -Algorithm SHA256
Get-FileHash C:\path\to\evidence.img -Algorithm MD5

Mac/Linux Terminal

sha256sum /path/to/evidence.img
md5sum /path/to/evidence.img

Windows Command Prompt

certutil -hashfile C:\path\to\evidence.img SHA256
certutil -hashfile C:\path\to\evidence.img MD5

What This Does

Creates a unique “fingerprint” of the file. If even ONE byte changes, the hash completely changes. This proves in court that your evidence is exactly as you collected it.

🛠️ CHEAP HARDWARE (What Pros Use, Budget Version)

Item	Price	Where to Buy	What It Does
Faraday bag (phone)	$10-30	Amazon: “Mission Darkness Faraday Bag”	Blocks all signals, prevents remote wipe
USB data blocker (4-pack)	~$10	Amazon: “JSAUX USB data blocker”	Prevents data transfer when charging
CoolGear USB write blocker	~$40	Amazon: “CoolGear forensic write blocker”	Prevents writing to drives during imaging
Raspberry Pi 4 kit	~$75	Standard retailers	DIY write blocker, TinyCheck setup
USB 3.0 dock	~$30	Amazon: “UGREEN hard drive dock”	Connect drives without modifying them
SD card reader	~$15	Amazon: “Anker SD card reader”	Extract SIM/SD card data

DIY Write Blocker (Free Option)

Linux software write-blocker: github.com/msuhanov/Linux-write-blocker

Raspberry Pi build guide: Search “Raspberry Pi forensic write blocker sechaq”

📂 GITHUB FORENSICS GOLDMINE (Bookmark These)

Repo	Link	Purpose
awesome-forensics	github.com/cugu/awesome-forensics	Master list of all forensics tools
ALEAPP	github.com/abrignoni/ALEAPP	Android logs/events/protobuf parser
iLEAPP	github.com/abrignoni/iLEAPP	iOS logs/events/plists parser
APOLLO	github.com/mac4n6/APOLLO	Apple Pattern of Life Lazy Output
QuickHash-GUI	github.com/tedsmith/quickhash	Easy hash verification with GUI
MVT	github.com/mvt-project/mvt	Mobile Verification Toolkit (spyware detection)
Plaso	github.com/log2timeline/plaso	Super timeline creation
digital-forensics-lab	github.com/frankwxu/digital-forensics-lab	Free hands-on training labs

📄 FREE CHAIN OF CUSTODY TEMPLATES

Source	Link	Format
JotForm	jotform.com/pdf-templates/chain-of-custody-evidence-log	PDF fillable
CaseIQ	caseiq.com/resources/chain-of-custody-template	Word/PDF
NIST Guidelines	Search “NIST SP 800-86”	Official federal guidelines
SWGDE	swgde.org	Scientific Working Group standards

📺 YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR LEARNING

Channel	Focus	Skill Level
13Cubed	Digital forensics deep dives	Intermediate-Advanced
SANS DFIR	Incident response, forensics	All levels
DFIRScience	Forensics tutorials	Beginner-Intermediate
John Hammond	Security + forensics	Intermediate
David Bombal	Networking + security	Beginner

💬 COMMUNITIES & SUBREDDITS

Community	Link	Focus
r/computerforensics	reddit.com/r/computerforensics	Professional forensics discussion
r/digitalforensics	reddit.com/r/digitalforensics	Tools, techniques, career
r/OSINT	reddit.com/r/OSINT	Open source intelligence
Forensic Focus	forensicfocus.com/forums	Professional forum
AboutDFIR	aboutdfir.com	Resource hub

---

PART 2: COUNTER-SURVEILLANCE

Someone Watching You? Here’s How to Catch Them.

Hidden cameras. GPS trackers. Phone spyware. AirTags in your car. If someone’s monitoring you, these methods expose them.

---

Bug Sweep DIY (Find Hidden Devices)

🛒 DETECTION GEAR (Budget → Pro)

Device	Price	What It Finds	Best For
Smartphone flashlight	FREE	IR cameras (see method below)	Quick check
Phone camera	FREE	Infrared LEDs from cameras	Night vision cameras
Magnetic field detector app	FREE	GPS trackers with magnets	Car sweeps
Basic RF detector (K18)	$30-50	Wireless transmitters	Room sweeps
RF + Lens detector combo	$50-80	RF signals + camera lenses	Complete basic sweep
Jepwco G4 Pro	$100-150	All frequencies, pen-sized	Discrete sweeping
SpyHawk Pro-10G	$200-300	Wide frequency range	Serious sweeps
Professional TSCM	$2,975+	EVERYTHING	When it really matters

Professional Equipment (What They Have That You Don’t)

Equipment	Cost	Capability
Non-Linear Junction Detector (NLJD)	$10,000+	Finds devices even when OFF
REI ORION 2.4	$15,000+	Detects any electronic component
Thermal imaging camera	$5,000+	Sees heat signatures through walls
Spectrum analyzer	$5,000+	Complete RF spectrum analysis

📱 PHONE FLASHLIGHT METHOD (FREE - 60 Seconds)

This actually works. Hidden cameras use infrared LEDs for night vision—invisible to your eyes, but your phone camera sees them.

Steps

1. Kill all lights in the room (complete darkness)
2. Open your phone camera (use the FRONT camera—it usually lacks IR filter)
3. Slowly scan the room (especially smoke detectors, USB chargers, clocks)
4. Look for tiny purple/white dots → That’s an IR LED = hidden camera

Pro Tip

Test this first: Point a TV remote at your phone camera and press a button. You’ll see the IR LED light up. That’s what you’re looking for.

📡 RF DETECTOR SWEEP (Step-by-Step)

Before You Start

1. Turn OFF all your wireless devices (router, smart speakers, Bluetooth everything)
2. Unplug smart home devices (Alexa, Google Home, smart TVs)
3. Tell others in household (their phones/devices will trigger false positives)

The Sweep

1. Set detector sensitivity to HIGH
2. Start at room corner, walk the perimeter
3. Move slowly (2-3 seconds per foot)
4. Beeping/vibration = signal detected
5. Narrow down by lowering sensitivity as you get closer
6. Check inside objects that triggered alerts

Common Hiding Spots (Check These First)

🚨 HIGH PRIORITY
├── Smoke detectors (favorite hiding spot)
├── USB wall chargers (cameras built in)
├── Clock radios / alarm clocks
├── Picture frames (can hide pinhole cameras)
├── Air vents / HVAC returns
├── Electrical outlets / light switches
└── Mirrors (check for two-way)

⚠️ ALSO CHECK
├── Stuffed animals / decorations
├── Books (fake books exist)
├── Lamps / lampshades
├── Plant pots
├── Tissue boxes
├── Cable boxes / routers
└── Anything "gifted" to you recently

📶 WIFI AUDIT (Find Unknown Devices On Your Network)

Method 1: Router Admin Panel

1. Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2. Find “Connected Devices” or “DHCP Client List”
3. Review every device → Hidden cameras often show as “Unknown Device” or “ESP_XXXXX”
4. Note MAC addresses of suspicious devices

Method 2: Free Apps (If No Router Access)

App	Platform	Link
Fing	iOS/Android	App stores
Network Scanner	Android	Play Store
WiFi Analyzer	Android	Play Store
LanScan	iOS	App Store

Red Flags

• Devices named “Camera” or “ESP32” or “ESP8266”
• Unknown manufacturer (look up MAC address prefix at maclookup.app)
• Devices that appear only at certain times
• More devices than you can account for

🪞 OTHER QUICK DETECTION METHODS

Two-Way Mirror Test

Put your fingernail directly on the mirror surface:

• Gap between finger and reflection = Normal mirror
• No gap (finger touches reflection) = Possible two-way mirror

Flashlight Lens Finder

1. Turn off lights
2. Hold flashlight next to your eye (parallel to your line of sight)
3. Shine around the room slowly
4. Camera lenses reflect distinctively (bright, colored glint)

FM Radio Bug Detection

1. Tune FM radio to empty frequency
2. Turn volume up
3. Walk around room slowly
4. Squealing/feedback = possible transmitter nearby

Phone Call Interference Test

1. Make a phone call
2. Walk around room on speakerphone
3. Clicking, buzzing, interference in specific spots = possible bug
4. (Note: Some interference is normal near electronics)

🚗 VEHICLE SWEEP (GPS Trackers & AirTags)

Where They Hide GPS Trackers

EXTERIOR
├── Wheel wells (magnetic attachment)
├── Under bumpers (front and rear)
├── Behind license plates
├── Under the car (magnetic boxes)
└── Inside bumper cavities

INTERIOR
├── Under seats
├── Inside seat cushions
├── Behind dashboard panels
├── In OBD-II port (diagnostic port)
├── Inside door panels
├── Trunk lining
└── Glove compartment (wired to power)

AirTag / SmartTag Detection

iPhone: If unknown AirTag is traveling with you, you’ll get automatic notification after ~8 hours

Android: Download “Tracker Detect” (Apple’s official app) or “AirGuard” (third-party, better)

Physical Search Tips

• Use a flashlight + mirror on extension pole for undercarriage
• Check OBD-II port (below steering wheel) for plug-in trackers
• Feel inside wheel wells with your hand (trackers often magnetic)
• Look for anything that doesn’t belong

---

Phone Spyware Detection

Someone installed stalkerware on your phone? Here’s how to find and kill it.

🚩 SIGNS YOUR PHONE IS COMPROMISED

High-Confidence Indicators

Sign	Why It Matters
Battery drains fast (even idle)	Spyware runs constantly in background
Phone overheats randomly	Constant data transmission
Data usage spikes	Uploading your data to attacker
Phone is slow/laggy	Spyware consuming resources
Apps you didn’t install	Look for generic names like “System Service”
Settings changed	“Unknown sources” enabled, security features off

Behavioral Red Flags

Sign	What It Means
Partner knows things they shouldn’t	They’re reading your messages
Someone always knows your location	GPS tracking
Private conversations referenced	Microphone access
Phone “pocket dials” them often	Remote activation

Technical Red Flags

Sign	Platform	Meaning
Cydia/Sileo apps visible	iPhone	Device is jailbroken (required for most spyware)
“Unknown sources” enabled	Android	Sideloading allowed
Device admin apps you don’t recognize	Android	Deep system access granted
VPN/MDM profile you didn’t install	iPhone	Enterprise-level monitoring
Root checker shows rooted	Android	System compromised

🆓 FREE ANTI-SPYWARE APPS

Android

App	Detection Rate	Link
Malwarebytes	Excellent	Play Store
Kaspersky Mobile	100% in tests	Play Store
ProtectStar Anti Spy	99.87%	Play Store
Google Play Protect	Good (built-in)	Play Store → Profile → Play Protect
Avast Mobile Security	Good	Play Store
Bitdefender	Excellent	Play Store

iOS

iPhone’s closed system makes spyware harder to install, but not impossible.

Protection	How to Access
Check for jailbreak	Look for Cydia, Sileo, or Zebra apps
Review MDM profiles	Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
Enable Lockdown Mode	Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode (extreme protection)
Check Screen Time	Settings → Screen Time (unauthorized changes?)
Review app permissions	Settings → Privacy → review each category

🔧 MANUAL DETECTION (No Apps Needed)

Android Manual Check

Step 1: Device Admin Apps
Settings → Security → Device admin apps
→ Remove anything you don’t recognize

Step 2: Accessibility Services
Settings → Accessibility → Installed services
→ Spyware needs this to read your screen

Step 3: Apps with Special Access
Settings → Apps → Special access → check each category:

• Display over other apps
• Modify system settings
• Notification access
• Usage access

Step 4: Unknown Sources
Settings → Security → Unknown sources
→ Should be OFF unless you specifically need it

Step 5: Review All Apps
Settings → Apps → See all apps
→ Look for apps with generic names, no icon, or that you don’t remember installing

iOS Manual Check

Step 1: Check for Jailbreak
Look for: Cydia, Sileo, Zebra, Installer 5, Checkra1n
→ If present, device is compromised

Step 2: MDM Profiles
Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
→ Remove any profiles you didn’t install

Step 3: Privacy Permissions
Settings → Privacy → Review:

• Location Services (check “Always” access apps)
• Microphone
• Camera
• Photos
  → Remove access from suspicious apps

Step 4: Screen Time
Settings → Screen Time
→ Check if someone set restrictions without your knowledge

💻 GITHUB STALKERWARE DETECTION TOOLS

Tool	Link	What It Does
stalkerware-indicators	github.com/AssoEchap/stalkerware-indicators	Database of 172+ known stalkerware apps (package names, signatures, IOCs)
TinyCheck	github.com/KasperskyLab/TinyCheck	Raspberry Pi tool that analyzes network traffic for spyware signatures
MVT (Mobile Verification Toolkit)	github.com/mvt-project/mvt	Professional-grade mobile forensics, detects Pegasus and other APTs
androidqf	github.com/botherder/androidqf	Android Quick Forensics - fast evidence gathering
spytrap-adb	github.com/spytrap-org/spytrap-adb	ADB-based stalkerware detection
android-stalkerware	github.com/diskurse/android-stalkerware	Analysis and research on Android stalkerware

Using stalkerware-indicators

This repo contains package names of known stalkerware. You can check if any are installed:

# Connect phone via ADB, then:
adb shell pm list packages | grep -f stalkerware_package_names.txt

🛡️ PROTECTION HARDWARE

Item	Price	Amazon Search	Purpose
USB data blocker (4-pack)	~$10	“JSAUX USB data blocker”	Prevents data transfer when charging at public/untrusted outlets
Faraday bag (phone)	~$20	“Mission Darkness Faraday Bag”	Blocks ALL signals - GPS, cell, WiFi, Bluetooth
Webcam cover	~$5	“webcam cover slide”	Physical camera block for laptop
Microphone blocker	~$10	“mic blocker 3.5mm”	Plugs into headphone jack, blocks mic
Privacy screen protector	~$15	“privacy screen protector [phone model]”	Prevents shoulder surfing
Raspberry Pi 4	~$75	“Raspberry Pi 4 kit”	Run TinyCheck for network analysis

☎️ HELP ORGANIZATIONS

If you’re being stalked or surveilled by a partner/ex:

Organization	Contact	Services
Coalition Against Stalkerware	stopstalkerware.org	Resources, detection guides
NNEDV Safety Net	techsafety.org	Tech safety for DV survivors
National DV Hotline	1-800-799-7233	24/7 support
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative	cybercivilrights.org	Tech abuse support

Important: If you find spyware and are in a dangerous relationship, removing it may alert your abuser. Contact a DV organization first for safety planning.

---

PART 3: OSINT & IDENTITY VERIFICATION

Find Anyone’s Digital Footprint (100% Legal)

Reverse image search. Username hunting. Email tracing. Catch catfish. Verify strangers. All free.

---

🖼️ REVERSE IMAGE SEARCH (Catch Fake Photos)

The Big Players

Tool	Link	Best For	Notes
Yandex Images	yandex.com/images	#1 FOR FACES	Russian search engine, best facial recognition
TinEye	tineye.com	Exact matches	67B+ images indexed
Google Images	images.google.com	General search	Largest database
Bing Visual Search	bing.com/visualsearch	Alternative	Different results than Google
FaceCheck.ID	facecheck.id	Catfish detection	Built specifically for finding fake profiles
PimEyes	pimeyes.com	Facial recognition	Limited free searches

Pro Tips

• Always try multiple engines - They index different images
• Yandex beats Google for faces - Seriously, try it
• Crop to just the face for better facial recognition results
• Try variations - Original, cropped, flipped horizontally
• Check oldest results - Original source often appears with earliest date

🤖 AI-GENERATED FACE DETECTION

More fake profiles use AI-generated faces. Here’s how to spot them:

Detection Tools

Tool	Link	Free?
IMGDetector.ai	imgdetector.ai	Yes
AI or Not	aiornot.com	Yes (limited)
Deepware Scanner	deepware.ai	Yes
Sensity AI	sensity.ai	Enterprise

Manual Detection (Look For These)

Sign	What to Look For
Earrings don’t match	Different style/shape on each ear
Background blur/distortion	Unnatural blurring, warped lines
Hair anomalies	Strands that disappear, merge, or float
Teeth issues	Too perfect, blurry, or misaligned
Asymmetrical accessories	Glasses frames different on each side
Skin texture	Too smooth, plasticky appearance
Eyes	Different sizes, unusual catchlights

👤 USERNAME SEARCH (Find All Their Accounts)

Command Line Tools (More Powerful)

Tool	Link	Coverage
Sherlock	github.com/sherlock-project/sherlock	400+ sites
Maigret	github.com/soxoj/maigret	3000+ sites (Sherlock fork, more comprehensive)
WhatsMyName	github.com/WebBreacher/WhatsMyName	Focus on accuracy
Blackbird	github.com/p1ngul1n0/blackbird	500+ sites, fast

Quick Install & Run:

# Sherlock
pip3 install sherlock-project
sherlock username

# Maigret (more sites)
pip3 install maigret
maigret username

Web-Based Tools (No Installation)

Tool	Link	Notes
Namechk	namechk.com	Quick visual check
WhatsMyName Web	whatsmyname.app	Browser version
Instant Username	instantusername.com	Real-time availability
Knowem	knowem.com	500+ sites

📧 EMAIL & PHONE VERIFICATION

Email Investigation

Tool	Link	What It Does
Hunter.io	hunter.io	25 free searches/month, finds associated accounts
Holehe	github.com/megadose/holehe	Check what sites email is registered on
Epieos	epieos.com	Email OSINT, finds Google ID, calendar info
HaveIBeenPwned	haveibeenpwned.com	Check if email was in data breaches (100% free)
EmailRep	emailrep.io	Email reputation scoring

Phone Number Investigation

Tool	Link	What It Does
NumLookup	numlookup.com	Free carrier lookup, VOIP detection
Truecaller	truecaller.com	433M+ user database, spam detection
CallerID Test	calleridtest.com	Basic lookup
Sync.me	sync.me	Caller ID database
PhoneInfoga	github.com/sundowndev/phoneinfoga	Advanced phone OSINT

Red Flags

Indicator	Risk Level
VOIP number (Google Voice, TextNow)	Higher fraud risk
Email created recently	Possible throwaway
No breach history	Might be new/fake
Carrier = “VOIP”	Burner number likely

📹 VIDEO CALL LIVENESS TESTS (Catch Deepfakes)

If someone seems too good to be true, test them on video call. Deepfakes struggle with:

Tests to Run

Test	What to Ask	Why It Works
Profile turn	“Can you turn your head to the side?”	Deepfakes struggle with 90° profile
Hand-face touch	“Touch your nose with your finger”	Hands near faces break deepfakes
Multiple fingers	“Hold up 3 fingers… now 5”	Finger counting is hard for AI
Object test	“Show me something red in your room”	Proves real environment
Wave test	“Wave with both hands”	Two-hand coordination
Lighting change	“Can you move to a different light?”	Tests dynamic rendering
Spontaneous request	Random specific ask	Can’t be pre-recorded

Signs of Deepfake

• Unnatural blinking (too little or too regular)
• Face doesn’t match head movement
• Lighting on face doesn’t match background
• Audio slightly out of sync
• Edges of face shimmer or blur
• Hair looks “painted on”

🏛️ FREE BACKGROUND CHECK ALTERNATIVES

Court Records (Free)

Resource	Link	Coverage
JudyRecords	judyrecords.com	760M+ US court cases—FREE
CourtListener	courtlistener.com	4M+ federal/state opinions
PACER	pacer.uscourts.gov	Federal court records ($0.10/page)
UniCourt	unicourt.com	State + federal (some free)

Public Records Directories

Resource	Link	What It Finds
Black Book Online	blackbookonline.info	Links to free public records by state
SearchSystems	searchsystems.net	Public records database directory
FamilySearch	familysearch.org	Birth, death, marriage records
NSOPW	nsopw.gov	Sex offender registry (official)

Property & Business Records

Resource	Link
OpenCorporates	opencorporates.com
SEC EDGAR	sec.gov/edgar
County assessor sites	Google “[county] property records”

🧩 BROWSER EXTENSIONS (One-Click OSINT)

Extension	What It Does	Link
RevEye	Reverse image search (Google, Bing, Yandex, TinEye in one click)	Chrome/Firefox
Search by Image	Multi-engine reverse search	Chrome/Firefox
InVID/WeVerify	Video verification toolkit	Chrome/Firefox
Wayback Machine	Check archived versions of pages	Chrome/Firefox
Wappalyzer	Identify website technologies	Chrome/Firefox
BuiltWith	Technology profiler	Chrome

GitHub collection: github.com/The-Osint-Toolbox/OSINT-Browser-Extensions

📚 MASTER OSINT GITHUB REPOS

Repo	Link	Purpose
awesome-osint	github.com/jivoi/awesome-osint	THE master list
OSINT Framework	osintframework.com	Visual tool directory
SpiderFoot	github.com/smicallef/spiderfoot	Automated OSINT, 200+ modules
theHarvester	github.com/laramies/theHarvester	Email/domain gathering
Recon-ng	github.com/lanmaster53/recon-ng	Web recon framework
Maltego	maltego.com	Relationship mapping (free CE version)
Photon	github.com/s0md3v/Photon	Fast web crawler for OSINT
GHunt	github.com/mxrch/GHunt	Google account investigation
Holehe	github.com/megadose/holehe	Email to registered accounts

---

PART 4: COURTROOM & LEGAL SELF-DEFENSE

Win Your Case Before You Walk In

Testimony prep. Evidence presentation. What judges actually care about. How to not blow it on the stand.

---

🎤 TESTIMONY PREP MASTER CHECKLIST

2 Weeks Before

• Create chronological timeline of ALL events
• Review every document you’ll reference
• File witness list (65 days before in many jurisdictions)
• Organize evidence binder (3 copies: you, judge, opposing party)
• Label each exhibit with number/letter
• Schedule practice session with your attorney

1 Week Before

• Review prior statements you’ve made (depositions, declarations)
• Practice Q&A with attorney or trusted friend
• Research the judge’s courtroom rules/preferences
• Plan your outfit (conservative, professional)
• Confirm courtroom location and parking
• Prepare childcare/work coverage

Day Before

• Review timeline and key dates one more time
• Lay out clothes
• Pack evidence binder
• Get good sleep
• NO alcohol or substances

Day Of

• Eat a real breakfast (low blood sugar = bad decisions)
• Arrive 30+ minutes early
• Turn phone COMPLETELY OFF (not just silent)
• Use restroom before proceedings
• Bring water, tissues, notepad, pen
• Deep breaths in the parking lot

🗣️ ON THE STAND: GOLDEN RULES

The DO List

Rule	Why
Answer ONLY the question asked	Extra info gives opposing counsel ammunition
Pause before answering	Gives your attorney time to object
Look at the judge when answering	Shows respect, builds credibility
Say “I don’t recall” if true	Better than guessing wrong
Say “I don’t understand” if true	Better than answering wrong question
Keep answers SHORT	Yes. No. Specific fact. Stop.
Ask for questions to be repeated	Buys time, ensures clarity

The DON’T List

Rule	Why
Don’t volunteer information	You’re not there to help them
Don’t say “never” or “always”	Easy to disprove
Don’t argue with opposing counsel	Makes you look defensive
Don’t make faces when others testify	Judge sees everything
Don’t start with “My lawyer told me…”	Waives attorney-client privilege
Don’t exaggerate	Destroys all credibility
Don’t guess	“I don’t know” is a valid answer

Body Language

Do	Don’t
Sit erect, feet flat	Slouch or lean back
Hands visible, still	Cross arms
Make eye contact with judge	Stare at floor
Breathe normally	Sigh heavily
Keep neutral expression	Roll eyes, smirk, cry (if avoidable)

📋 PRESENTING EVIDENCE (Step-by-Step)

Getting Evidence Admitted

Step 1: Mark the exhibit (“Your Honor, I’d like to mark this as Exhibit A”)

Step 2: Show to opposing party first (they get to see it)

Step 3: Authenticate it (witness confirms what it is and that it’s accurate)

Step 4: Offer into evidence (“I offer Exhibit A into evidence”)

Step 5: Handle objections (opposing counsel may object, answer their concerns)

Step 6: Judge rules (admitted or excluded)

Authentication By Type

Evidence Type	How to Authenticate
Photos	Witness says: when taken, where, by whom, accurate depiction
Texts/Emails	Show timestamps, phone numbers, BOTH sides of conversation
Documents	Identify by title, date, author, how you got it
Voice recordings	Witness identifies voices, confirms accuracy
Social media	Screenshots with URL visible, timestamps, account identification

Common Objections & Responses

Objection	What It Means	Possible Response
“Hearsay”	Out-of-court statement offered for truth	Identify exception (admission, business record, etc.)
“Relevance”	Not related to issues in case	Explain connection to dispute
“Foundation”	Not properly authenticated	Lay more foundation with witness
“Best evidence”	Should have original	Explain why copy is acceptable

👥 WITNESS PREPARATION (Legal vs. Illegal)

What Attorneys CAN Do (Legal)

• Review facts and documents with witness
• Explain courtroom procedures and rules
• Practice delivery and clarity
• Teach calm responses to cross-examination
• Explain what types of questions to expect
• Advise on appropriate dress and demeanor
• Conduct mock examinations

What NO ONE Should Do (Witness Tampering - 18 U.S.C. § 1512)

• Script exact testimony word-for-word
• Instruct witness to lie
• Suggest witness omit facts
• Threaten or bribe witness
• Encourage witness to “forget” things
• Coordinate stories between witnesses

Penalty: Up to 20 years federal imprisonment

Witness Credibility Factors (What Judges Evaluate)

Factor	Why It Matters
Consistency	Does testimony match prior statements and evidence?
Demeanor	Confident or evasive? Calm or defensive?
First-hand knowledge	Did they actually see/hear it?
Bias	Do they have reason to favor one side?
Detail recall	Appropriate level of detail for timeframe?
Corroboration	Does other evidence support their story?

🎯 WHAT JUDGES ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT

Things That WIN Points

Behavior	Why Judges Like It
Organized, prepared	Shows respect for court’s time
Consistent with documents	Demonstrates honesty
Admits uncertainty when appropriate	Shows intellectual honesty
Respectful to everyone	Even opposing party
Direct answers	Doesn’t waste time
Appropriate emotion	Human but controlled

Things That LOSE Points

Behavior	Why Judges Hate It
Contradicting yourself	Destroys credibility
Eye rolling, sighing	Disrespectful
Arguing with counsel	Makes you look difficult
Surprise evidence	Violation of disclosure rules
Excessive emotion	Manipulation tactic
Interrupting	Disrespectful

🎙️ SPEECH PRACTICE TOOLS (FREE/CHEAP)

Practice your testimony at home with these tools:

Tool	Platform	Cost	What It Does
Orai	iOS/Android	Free tier	AI speech coach, filler word detection
Speeko	iOS/Android	Free tier	Speech analysis, pacing feedback
online-voice-recorder.com	Browser	Free	Simple voice recording
OBS Studio	Desktop	Free	Video recording for mock testimony
Zoom	Desktop	Free	Record yourself, watch playback
Voice Memos	iOS	Free	Quick audio recording

Practice Method

1. Have someone read likely questions
2. Record your answers
3. Watch/listen for: filler words, eye contact, fidgeting, rambling
4. Practice until you’re comfortable with your main points
5. DON’T memorize scripts (sounds robotic)

🆓 FREE LEGAL RESOURCES

Resource	Link	What It Offers
LawHelp.org	lawhelp.org	Legal aid by state, free forms
ABA Free Legal Answers	abafreelegalanswers.org	Attorneys answer questions free (income qualified)
California Courts Self-Help	selfhelp.courts.ca.gov	Forms, guides, legal help finder
Legal Aid at Work	legalaidatwork.org	Employment law help (CA)
Nolo.com	nolo.com	Free legal articles + affordable guides
Avvo	avvo.com	Free Q&A, lawyer ratings
FindLaw	findlaw.com	Legal information database
Cornell LII	law.cornell.edu	Free access to all US law

---

PART 5: WORKPLACE PROTECTION

Document Everything. Trust No One. Cover Your Ass.

Toxic coworkers. Backstabbing. Retaliation. HR complaints that actually stick.

---

📝 THE DOCUMENTATION FORMULA (Copy This)

Every incident gets this format. No exceptions.

INCIDENT DOCUMENTATION
======================
DATE: [Exact date - Month/Day/Year]
TIME: [Exact time - include AM/PM]
LOCATION: [Where it happened - be specific]
PRESENT: [Who was there - names and titles]

WHAT HAPPENED:
[Facts only. What was said/done. Direct quotes when possible.
No interpretation, no emotion, no opinion. Just what occurred.]

WITNESSES:
[Name, title, contact info for everyone who saw/heard it]

EVIDENCE:
[Screenshots, emails, documents - list with dates and locations]

IMPACT:
[How this affected your work, projects, reputation - factual]

FOLLOW-UP:
[Any actions taken, responses received]

Storage Rules

Do	Don’t
BCC personal email on important messages	Store documentation on work computer only
Save to personal cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox)	Use company-owned cloud storage
Screenshot with timestamps	Rely on memory
Keep witness contact info	Assume they’ll remember later
Print and store physical copies at home	Keep only digital copies

🪜 ESCALATION LADDER

The Path (In Order)

Step	Action	When	Duration
1	Document incident	Same day as incident	Ongoing
2	Direct conversation	Within 48 hours	One conversation
3	Recap email	Immediately after conversation	Same day
4	Formal HR complaint	After pattern emerges (2-3 incidents)	Days-weeks
5	Follow up with HR	If no response in 2 weeks	Every 2 weeks
6	EEOC complaint	If HR fails or retaliation occurs	Within 180-300 days
7	Employment lawyer	Ongoing issues, termination threat	ASAP

The Recap Email Technique (Powerful)

After ANY verbal conversation about an issue:

Subject: Confirming our conversation on [date]

Hi [Name],

I’m writing to confirm our conversation today where you stated [exact words they said, in quotes if possible].

[Include any commitments made, next steps discussed]

Please let me know if I’ve misunderstood anything.

Best,
[Your name]

Why this works: Creates paper trail. If they don’t correct you, they’ve confirmed your version of events.

🚩 RED FLAGS TO DOCUMENT

Backstabbing Patterns

Sign	How to Document
Credit stolen	Save your original work with timestamps; document who claimed it when
Left off emails/meetings	Screenshot invites you should have received; note who was included
Different rules for you	Compare written policies to how they’re applied to you vs. others
Rumors traced to them	Document who told you what, when they heard it, who they heard it from
Sudden negative reviews	Save prior positive feedback; note timing relative to any complaints you made
Public undermining	Document witnesses, exact words used
Agreements broken	Email confirmations of agreements before they’re broken

Retaliation Indicators (After You Complained)

Sign	Why It’s Concerning
Negative review right after complaint	Temporal proximity = evidence of retaliation
Reassignment to worse duties	Adverse employment action
Exclusion from projects	Career damage
Sudden “performance issues”	Paper trail being created against you
Hours/schedule changed	Constructive dismissal attempt
Coworkers told to avoid you	Isolation tactic

⚠️ WRONGFUL TERMINATION: CRITICAL DEADLINES

These are HARD DEADLINES. Miss them and you lose your claim.

Claim Type	Deadline	Where to File
EEOC (Title VII, ADA, ADEA)	180 days (300 in some states)	eeoc.gov
OSHA 11(c) - Safety retaliation	30 DAYS	OSHA
Sarbanes-Oxley (corporate fraud)	180 days	OSHA
False Claims Act (qui tam)	6 years	Federal court
California FEHA	3 years	CRD (formerly DFEH)
New York Human Rights Law	3 years	DHR or court

What Counts as Retaliation

Three elements required:

1. Protected activity - You complained about discrimination, harassment, safety, etc.
2. Adverse action - You were fired, demoted, transferred, had hours cut, etc.
3. Causal connection - The adverse action happened BECAUSE of your complaint

Temporal proximity matters:

Timing	Strength of Case
Days-weeks after complaint	Strong inference of retaliation
1-3 months	Good circumstantial evidence
4+ months	Need additional evidence

📞 EEOC FILING PROCESS (FREE)

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Submit Online Inquiry

• Go to publicportal.eeoc.gov
• Create account
• Answer preliminary questions

Step 2: Schedule Interview

• Through portal OR call 1-800-669-4000
• Prepare your documentation
• Bring evidence

Step 3: File Charge of Discrimination

• Form completed with EEOC staff
• You’ll get a charge number
• Copy sent to your employer

Step 4: Investigation

• EEOC investigates (up to 180 days)
• May request mediation
• May request documents from employer

Step 5: Resolution

• EEOC issues determination
• If they find violation, they’ll try to settle
• If not resolved, you get Right to Sue letter

Step 6: Right to Sue

• 90 days to file lawsuit after receiving letter
• Clock starts when you RECEIVE it, not when it’s sent

What to Bring to Your Interview

• Written timeline of events
• Copies of all documentation
• Names and contact info for witnesses
• Copies of relevant policies
• Your employment contract if you have one
• Recent performance reviews
• Any termination letter or writeups

---

PART 6: NEIGHBOR DISPUTES

Small Claims, Mediation & Boundary Wars

When to sue. When to settle. How much you can win. Where to find free mediators.

---

💰 SMALL CLAIMS LIMITS BY STATE (2024-2025)

State	Limit	State	Limit
California	$12,500	Nevada	$10,000
Texas	$20,000	Arizona	$3,500
Florida	$8,000	Colorado	$7,500
New York	$5,000-$10,000	Washington	$10,000
Tennessee	$25,000	Oregon	$10,000
Georgia	$15,000	Michigan	$6,500
North Carolina	$10,000	Ohio	$6,000
Illinois	$10,000	Pennsylvania	$12,000
Kentucky	$2,500	Delaware	$25,000

What Small Claims CAN Do

Award money damages up to the limit
Order return of personal property
Award costs and fees (sometimes)

What Small Claims CAN’T Do

Order neighbor to move fence (need civil court for injunctions)
Determine property lines (need quiet title action)
Enforce ongoing compliance
Award punitive damages (usually)

🤝 FREE COMMUNITY MEDIATION

Success rate: 70-80%. Usually takes 2-4 hours. Costs $0.

How to Find Free Mediators

1. Search: “[your county] community mediation center”
2. NAFCM directory: nafcm.org
3. Ask court clerk: Many courts have free or low-cost mediation programs
4. Bar association: Often have pro bono mediation programs

Cost Comparison

Method	Total Cost	Timeline	Success Rate
Free community mediation	$0	2-4 hours	70-80%
Court-annexed mediation	$0-200	1-3 hours	60-70%
Private mediator	$200-500/hr	2-8 hours	70-80%
Small claims court	$75-400	1-4 months	~50% (judgments for plaintiffs)
Civil court + attorney	$5,000-$100,000+	6-24 months	Varies

When Mediation Works

• Noise disputes
• Parking issues
• Tree/vegetation conflicts
• Property line disagreements (minor)
• Fence appearance disputes
• Pet issues
• Communication breakdowns

When You Need Court

• Significant property damage ($10K+)
• Neighbor refuses all communication
• Injunction needed (stop doing something)
• Physical safety concerns
• Ongoing willful violations

📐 BOUNDARY DISPUTE CHECKLIST

Before Doing Anything Legal

1. Talk to neighbor first (document the conversation)
2. Get a survey ($300-800, proves exact property lines)
3. Research deed (county recorder’s office)
4. Check local ordinances (fence height, setbacks, etc.)
5. Send written notice (certified mail, keep copy)
6. Try mediation (free, often required before court anyway)

Types of Legal Claims

Claim	What It’s For	Where to File
Trespass	Encroachment, entering your property	Small claims (money) or civil (injunction)
Nuisance	Ongoing interference with your property use	Civil court
Quiet title	Determining who owns disputed land	District/Superior court
Declaratory judgment	Court declares rights regarding property	District/Superior court

Evidence to Gather

• Survey showing property lines
• Photos/video of encroachment
• Dated photos showing progression
• Written communications with neighbor
• Local ordinances they’re violating
• Estimates for damage repair
• Witness statements

⚠️ ADVERSE POSSESSION WARNING

If neighbor’s fence/structure has been on your land 10-15+ years, they might legally own that strip now.

Requirements Vary by State (Generally)

• Actual possession - They physically used the land
• Open and notorious - Obvious, not hidden
• Hostile - Without your permission
• Exclusive - They controlled it
• Continuous - For the statutory period (10-21 years depending on state)

How to Prevent Future Claims

Send this letter via certified mail and RECORD IT with county recorder:

“I give you permission to use that strip of my land on your side of our fence until I say otherwise. This permission may be revoked at any time in writing.”

Why this works: Permission destroys the “hostile” element. They can’t claim adverse possession if they had permission.

📄 FREE MEDIATION & AGREEMENT TEMPLATES

Template	Link
Settlement agreement	pandadoc.com/settlement-agreement-template
Boundary line agreement	pandadoc.com/boundary-line-agreement-template
Neighbor fence agreement	template.net (search “fence agreement”)
Mediation agreement	juro.com/contract-templates/settlement-agreement
General release	lawdepot.com

---

PART 7: ASSET PROTECTION

Prenups, Postnups & Trusts That Actually Work

Legal ways to protect what’s yours. Before marriage. During marriage. Before everything goes wrong.

---

📊 THE BIG THREE COMPARED

Method	When	Protection Level	Cost	DIY Possible?
Prenup	Before wedding	Strongest	$1,000-5,000	Yes (with caution)
Postnup	After wedding	Strong	$2,000-7,500	Yes (with caution)
DAPT Trust	Anytime	State-dependent	$5,000-30,000	No (too complex)
Irrevocable Trust	Anytime	Strong	$5,000-15,000	No

💍 PRENUP/POSTNUP REQUIREMENTS FOR VALIDITY

Must-Have Elements

Requirement	Why It Matters
In writing	Oral agreements not enforceable
Signed by both parties	Obvious but often missed
Full financial disclosure	Each person lists all assets/debts
Voluntary	No coercion, threats, pressure
Fair terms	Not grossly one-sided
Time to review	Can’t be sprung last-minute
Notarized	Required in many states
Independent counsel	Strongly recommended; required in some states

What Makes Courts Throw Them Out

Red Flag	Why It Invalidates
Signed under pressure	Duress = not voluntary
Hidden assets at signing	Fraud
Wildly unfair terms	Unconscionable
Signed right before wedding	Duress/no time to consider
One party didn’t understand	No informed consent
No independent lawyers	Appearance of overreaching

Timing Requirements

Timing	Risk Level
6+ months before wedding	Safe
3-6 months before	Acceptable
1-3 months before	Risky
Less than 1 month	High risk of challenge
Days before wedding	Very likely to be thrown out
California	7-day minimum waiting period required

🗣️ HOW TO BRING UP THE PRENUP

Opening Lines That Work

Vulnerable approach:

“My parents divorced when I was young and it financially devastated my mom. I need us to have the protection she never had.”

Practical approach:

“A prenup isn’t about doubting us—it’s about making sure we’re aligned on money stuff before it becomes emotional.”

Mutual protection:

“I want to make sure we’re BOTH protected no matter what happens. This protects you as much as me.”

Family pressure (honest):

“My family is insisting on this, and I’d rather us create something together that’s fair to both of us than have them dictate terms.”

Responses to Common Objections

Objection	Response
“Don’t you trust me?”	“I absolutely do. Trust is why I can have this conversation with you.”
“You’re planning for divorce”	“No—planning for our marriage. All marriages end, either in death or divorce. This protects us in BOTH scenarios.”
“It’s not romantic”	“What’s romantic is building a future together where we’re both protected and aligned.”
“My parents didn’t need one”	“Different era. We have more complexity—careers, property, maybe previous marriages. This is modern planning.”

Red Flags During Discussion

If your partner does any of these, consult a lawyer ASAP:

• Refuses any discussion whatsoever
• “Sign this or no wedding” ultimatum
• Presents agreement days before wedding
• Refuses negotiation on ANY terms
• Won’t let you have your own lawyer review
• Gets extremely angry at the suggestion
• Hides financial information during disclosure

💻 DIY PRENUP PLATFORMS

Platform	Cost	Notes	Best For
HelloPrenup	$599/couple	State-specific, clean interface	First marriages, simple assets
Neptune	Varies	Attorney included	Want professional help at lower cost
Rocket Lawyer	$39.99/month	Basic template	Very simple situations
LegalZoom	$299+	Template + review option	Name recognition comfort
Prenup.com	$599	Guided process	Tech-savvy couples

Free Templates (Use With EXTREME Caution)

Source	Link	Warning
LegalTemplates.net	legaltemplates.net	State compliance not guaranteed
eForms.com	eforms.com	Basic template only
LawDistrict.com	lawdistrict.com	May miss state requirements

Critical Warning: Free templates may not comply with your state’s requirements. If either spouse has significant assets, owns a business, or this involves alimony waivers, PAY FOR ATTORNEY REVIEW. A $1,000 review now beats a $100,000 problem later.

🏦 ASSET PROTECTION TRUST STATES (DAPT)

State Comparison

State	Wait Period	Exception Creditors	State Income Tax
Nevada	2 years	NONE	None
South Dakota	2 years	Child support only	None
Ohio	18 months	Alimony, child support	Yes
Tennessee	18 months	Alimony, child support	None
Delaware	4 years	Alimony, child support, divorce	None
Alaska	4 years	Child support, divorce	None
Wyoming	2 years	Limited	None
Mississippi	2 years	Limited	Yes

Choosing a State

Priority	Best State
Maximum protection	Nevada (no exception creditors)
Fastest protection	Ohio or Tennessee (18 months)
Privacy + protection	South Dakota (sealed litigation)
Lowest cost	Compare attorney fees by state

What DAPTs Protect Against

Future creditors (lawsuits filed AFTER trust created)
Divorcing spouse (in some states)
Business liability
Professional malpractice claims

What DAPTs DON’T Protect Against

Existing creditors
IRS (federal tax liens)
Child support (in most states)
Fraudulent transfer claims
Claims within waiting period

Cost Reality

Item	Cost Range
Attorney setup	$5,000-15,000
Corporate trustee (annual)	$2,000-5,000/year
Ongoing maintenance	$500-2,000/year

LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, etc. do NOT offer DAPTs. These are complex instruments that require specialized legal expertise.

🔐 KEEP SEPARATE = STAY SEPARATE

The Golden Rule

NEVER mix pre-marriage assets with marital funds

If You…	Your Separate Property…
Deposit inheritance into joint account	Becomes marital property
Use premarital savings for house down payment	Commingled = marital
Add spouse to investment account	Now it’s joint
Use separate funds for joint expenses without tracking	Gets murky fast

How to Keep Assets Separate

Asset Type	Protection Method
Inheritance	Keep in separate account, NEVER deposit to joint
Pre-marriage savings	Maintain separate account, document original balance
Investment accounts	Don’t add spouse as owner; document pre-marriage value
Real estate	Keep deed in your name only if pre-marriage
Business	Document pre-marriage value; keep personal and business separate

Documentation to Keep

• Account statements from before marriage
• Inheritance letters/documentation
• Gift letters for large gifts
• Pre-marriage property appraisals
• Business valuations at time of marriage

---

PART 8: HIRING PROFESSIONALS

When DIY Isn’t Enough

Private investigators. Forensic accountants. When to hire. How much they cost. How to vet them.

---

🔍 PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR PRICING

Service Rates

Service	Cost Range
Hourly rate	$50-150/hour
Background check	$100-500
Surveillance (per day)	$500-1,500
Asset search	$500-2,000
Social media investigation	$200-1,000
Infidelity investigation (full)	$2,000-10,000+
Phone forensics	$500-5,000
Skip tracing (finding someone)	$100-500

What PIs CAN Do

Surveillance in public places
Background checks
Asset searches
Social media investigation
Interview witnesses
Document findings for court
Testify as expert witness

What PIs CAN’T Do (Legally)

Hack phones/computers
Access private accounts without authorization
Trespass on private property
Record without consent (varies by state)
Impersonate law enforcement
Access sealed records

How to Vet a PI

Check	Why
State license	Verify at state licensing board website
Insurance	Should have E&O and liability
Specialization	Matches your case type
References	Ask for and call them
Written contract	Clear scope, fees, deliverables
No guaranteed results	Legit PIs don’t promise outcomes

💵 FORENSIC ACCOUNTANT PRICING

Service Rates

Service	Cost Range
Hourly rate	$150-450/hour
Basic asset search	$2,500-5,000
Income analysis	$3,000-10,000
Business valuation	$5,000-25,000
Full divorce forensics	$10,000-50,000+
Expert witness testimony	$300-600/hour

When You Need One

Situation	Why
Spouse owns business	Can hide income, undervalue business
Complex investments	Hedge funds, private equity, options
Suspected hidden accounts	Offshore, crypto, unreported
Lifestyle vs. income mismatch	Spending more than they claim to earn
Self-employed spouse	Cash income easy to hide
Multiple income streams	Complexity = hiding opportunities

What They Find

• Hidden bank accounts
• Underreported income
• Overstated business expenses
• Unreported cash transactions
• Cryptocurrency holdings
• Offshore accounts
• Fake debt to friends/family
• Assets in others’ names

Methods They Use

• Bank statement analysis
• Lifestyle analysis (spending vs. reported income)
• Business financial review
• Tax return analysis
• Crypto transaction tracing
• Public records search
• Deposition support

📱 PROFESSIONAL PHONE FORENSICS PRICING

Service Rates

Service	Cost Range
Basic extraction	$500-1,500
Full forensic analysis	$1,500-5,000
Court-ready report	$1,000-3,000
Expert witness testimony	$300-500/hour
Encrypted app recovery	$2,000-5,000+
Damaged device recovery	$1,000-10,000+

When to Hire Pro vs. DIY

Hire Pro	Try DIY First
Need court-admissible evidence	Just want to see what’s there
Device is encrypted	Basic Android with no lock
Device is damaged	Phone is working fine
Legal proceedings involved	Personal peace of mind
Time since deletion is long	Deleted recently
Encrypted apps (Signal, etc.)	Standard SMS messages

Finding a Reputable Examiner

• Look for certifications: CCE, CFCE, EnCE, ACE
• Check if they’re authorized Cellebrite/MSAB partner
• Ask about chain of custody procedures
• Verify they can testify in court if needed
• Get written estimate before starting

🏠 PROFESSIONAL BUG SWEEP (TSCM)

Pricing

Service	Cost Range
Home sweep (apartment)	$500-1,500
Home sweep (house)	$1,500-3,000
Per square foot	~$1.50/sq ft
Minimum charge	$2,975 (typical)
Vehicle sweep	$200-500
Office sweep	$2,000-10,000+

What Pros Have That You Don’t

Equipment	Cost	What It Does
Non-Linear Junction Detector	$10,000+	Finds electronics even when OFF
Thermal imaging camera	$5,000+	Detects heat signatures
Spectrum analyzer	$5,000+	Full RF spectrum analysis
TALAN phone analyzer	$10,000+	Detects wiretaps
Video borescope	$500+	Sees inside walls/vents

When to Hire Pro

• High-stakes divorce/custody
• Business/trade secrets at risk
• Stalking/harassment situation
• DIY sweep found nothing but gut says otherwise
• Need expert testimony for court
• Dealing with sophisticated adversary

---

MASTER RESOURCE COMPILATION

One Place for Everything

---

📱 SUBREDDITS BY TOPIC

Topic	Communities
Legal general	r/legaladvice, r/Ask_Lawyers
Divorce/custody	r/Divorce, r/Custody, r/FamilyLaw
Digital forensics	r/computerforensics, r/digitalforensics
Privacy/security	r/privacy, r/cybersecurity, r/netsec
OSINT	r/OSINT, r/RBI, r/TracerPak
Employment	r/antiwork, r/humanresources, r/AskHR
Neighbor issues	r/neighbors, r/treelaw, r/legaladvice
Relationships	r/relationship_advice, r/survivinginfidelity
Scams	r/Scams, r/catfish

🏛️ GOVERNMENT FREE RESOURCES

Resource	Link	What It Offers
EEOC	eeoc.gov / 1-800-669-4000	Employment discrimination complaints
OSHA Whistleblower	whistleblowers.gov	Workplace safety retaliation
LawHelp.org	lawhelp.org	Legal aid by state
JudyRecords	judyrecords.com	760M+ court records FREE
USA.gov Legal Aid	usa.gov/legal-aid	Federal legal aid directory
ABA Free Legal	abafreelegalanswers.org	Attorney Q&A (income qualified)
FTC Consumer	consumer.ftc.gov	Fraud reporting, consumer rights
CFPB	consumerfinance.gov	Financial complaints

💻 TOP GITHUB REPOS (Bookmark These)

Digital Forensics

Repo	Link
awesome-forensics	github.com/cugu/awesome-forensics
Autopsy	github.com/sleuthkit/autopsy
Volatility	github.com/volatilityfoundation/volatility3
ALEAPP	github.com/abrignoni/ALEAPP
iLEAPP	github.com/abrignoni/iLEAPP

Spyware Detection

Repo	Link
stalkerware-indicators	github.com/AssoEchap/stalkerware-indicators
TinyCheck	github.com/KasperskyLab/TinyCheck
MVT	github.com/mvt-project/mvt

OSINT

Repo	Link
awesome-osint	github.com/jivoi/awesome-osint
Sherlock	github.com/sherlock-project/sherlock
Maigret	github.com/soxoj/maigret
SpiderFoot	github.com/smicallef/spiderfoot
theHarvester	github.com/laramies/theHarvester
Holehe	github.com/megadose/holehe

🛒 BUDGET HARDWARE SHOPPING LIST

Item	Price	Amazon Search
USB data blocker (4-pack)	~$10	“JSAUX USB data blocker”
Faraday bag (phone)	~$20	“Mission Darkness Faraday Bag”
RF bug detector	~$30-50	“K18 RF detector”
Lens finder	~$30	“hidden camera lens finder”
USB write blocker	~$40	“CoolGear forensic write blocker”
Raspberry Pi 4 kit	~$75	“Raspberry Pi 4 starter kit”
USB 3.0 drive dock	~$30	“UGREEN hard drive dock”
Webcam cover (3-pack)	~$5	“webcam cover slide”
Privacy screen	~$15	“privacy screen [phone model]”

📺 YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR LEARNING

Channel	Focus	Best For
13Cubed	Digital forensics deep dives	Intermediate-Advanced
SANS DFIR	Incident response, forensics	All levels
DFIRScience	Forensics tutorials	Beginner-Intermediate
John Hammond	Security + CTF	Intermediate
NetworkChuck	Networking basics	Beginner
David Bombal	Networking + security	Beginner
The Cyber Mentor	Ethical hacking	Intermediate

---

THE BOTTOM LINE

You just got handed a toolkit that would cost $10,000+ if you hired professionals for everything.

Save this. Bookmark it. Come back when you need it.

The next time life throws chaos at you—cheating partner, toxic workplace, messy divorce, sketchy neighbor, creepy surveillance—you’ll know exactly what to do.

Knowledge is leverage. Now you have both.

---

[Emanuel_Branson]

Great and valuable resource @SRZ thank you.

[venugopal_ganesh]

Man, this is too good to be true. This is literally paid stuff I am seeing for free. Even for a paid one, I don’t think we can get this much on one go.