Private Detectives and Investigators

$70–110/hr

rate as listed

Workload: 20+ hrs/week
Engagement: Project-based
Location: US
Field: Other

Review AI-generated investigation plans, research summaries, surveillance reports, and case analyses for accuracy, rigor, and legal and ethical compliance. This short-term project requires at least four years of relevant investigative experience and availability for 20 or more hours per week.

The work

You will assess AI-generated investigative content using standards drawn from real casework. Typical tasks include reviewing investigation plans, background research summaries, surveillance reports, evidence-gathering approaches, source verification, records research, and case reports involving legal, financial, or personal matters.

What the screening evaluates

Mercor is looking for investigators who can identify unsupported conclusions, weak sourcing, procedural gaps, and legal or ethical risks. Screening is likely to test whether you can compare two responses head-to-head, explain which is stronger, and support that judgment with specific investigative reasoning. At least four years of relevant investigative experience and strong written English communication skills are required.

Logistics

The stated start date is immediate, with an expected project duration of approximately 4–6 weeks and a required commitment of 20 or more hours per week. The listing does not specify whether hours are fixed, asynchronous, or fully remote. Initial payment is task-based upon approval of the first task, after which qualified experts are paid hourly for the remainder of the project.

Pay band: $70–110/hr

What they look for

4+ years of experience in private, fraud, insurance, licensed, or closely related investigative work
Evidence gathering and source verification
Background checks, surveillance, interviews, and records research
Analysis of legal, financial, or personal matters
Investigative reporting and fact-based conclusion writing
Strong written English communication skills

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 10 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: This tests whether your claimed experience reaches the four-year threshold and includes substantive work on legal, financial, or personal matters rather than adjacent security or administrative duties.
A strong answer: Give a chronological, verifiable summary with job titles or practice type, approximate dates, client categories, and representative case types. Distinguish work you personally performed from work supervised or handled by a wider team.
Where people lose it: Candidates lose points by naming broad fields such as fraud or litigation support without explaining their own evidence-gathering, analysis, or reporting responsibilities.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.