A private investigator reveals the number one reason people disappear without a trace, and it has nothing to do with murder
- The first week of August marks the beginning of National Missing Persons Week
- Sydney’s private investigator has shared insights into why some people go missing
- Many have financial problems, are victims of domestic violence or want to start over
- Amy Elliott often breaks the news to families that loved ones don’t want to meet
By Kylie Stevens for Daily Mail Australia
Published: 11:20, July 31, 2022 | Updated: 11:47, July 31, 2022
One of Australia’s leading private investigators has explained why people go to great lengths to disappear and make sure loved ones never see them again.
While the vast majority of missing persons reported to police across the country are safe, many families spend years searching for answers.
National Inquiry Agency is a private investigative company specializing in locating and missing persons.
While the Sydney firm also conducts background checks, process service and investigations for corporate clients and debt collectors, it’s missing persons cases that are close to director Amy Elliott’s heart.
The private eye has investigated numerous cases where someone has disappeared to try to escape their debts, an abusive partner or simply to start a new life elsewhere.
The founder and director of the National Inquiry Agency, Amy Elliott (pictured), is a private investigator specializing in missing people.
“As soon as I find out that there are financial problems with the missing person, I can usually identify the reason or purpose of their disappearance,” the qualified lawyer told 9 Honey.
‘Most of the time, the person retreats to where they know and somewhere they can hide. They will go to their bases.
The first thing Ms. Elliott does with a new case is dig into the missing person’s social media before getting basic details to identify them.
While the company’s main goal is to give customers peace of mind, it also means that Ms Elliott and her team are often the bearers of bad news.
He recalled tracking a woman who disappeared and cutting ties with loved ones by changing everything about herself, including her name, phone number and lifestyle.
“She just wanted to cut ties completely. And her family just wanted to make sure she was alive,” Ms Elliott recalled.
Amy Elliott (pictured) often has to break the heartbreaking news to families that the loved ones she’s looking for don’t want to be found or reunited.
Another 18-month investigation involved finding a fraudster who changed his name several times and was living a double life.
Sunday marks the start of National Missing Persons Week with the aim of raising awareness of the important issues surrounding missing persons.
The week of annual events is also used to profile long-term missing persons and educate Australians about the painful issue.
Of the 53,000 missing persons reported to police nationwide in 2021, more than 34,000 were under the age of 18.
Although 98% of missing persons are found safe, more than a third are reported missing on more than one occasion.
Private investigators are often recruited by loved ones of missing people who are desperate for answers (stock image)