Investigating the Right Way
When a family reaches out about unexplained activity, they are trusting you with something very personal. They're letting you into their home, sharing their fears, and sometimes telling you things they haven't told anyone else. That trust must be protected.
Confidentiality is the rule. Everything about a client's case stays private. That includes:
Their name and contact information
Their address or the location of the property
Photos, video, or audio recorded in their space
Personal details they share during interviews
Your findings and conclusions
Never post a client's evidence. A true haunting is deeply personal, and most families who live through one would never want their evidence shown. At Jaks Paranormal, we don't post, stream, or publicly share anything from a client's case: no photos, video, audio, or stories from their home. Our public content sticks to public legends and historic locations, never a family's private experience.
Stay off social media with cases. It can be tempting to post a photo of an interesting house or a teaser about a case. Don't, not during the case and not after. A single photo of a house's exterior can reveal where a family lives. Even mentioning "a big case this weekend" can make a family feel exposed.
Never do this for clicks and likes. We investigate to help people, not to grow a following. A family's fear is never content, and no video, view count, or follower is worth a family's privacy or peace of mind. If you catch yourself thinking about how a moment will look online, stop and refocus on the people in front of you.
Secure your data. Keep audio, video, and notes on devices and accounts that only your team can access. When a case is closed, follow your team's policy for storing or deleting files, and honor any client request to delete their materials.
Care for the whole person. People reaching out about activity are often tired, anxious, or scared. Sometimes there's more going on — grief after losing a loved one, stress, health concerns, or trouble sleeping. You are not a doctor or counselor, and you shouldn't act like one. But you can listen with compassion, and when it's appropriate, gently suggest they talk with a medical professional, counselor, or their pastor or faith leader.
Watch your words. What you say carries weight. Avoid scary language like "That's a demon" or "This house is dangerous" unless you have very good reason. Fear can make a hard situation worse. Speak calmly and honestly, and explain what you're doing and why.
Respect faith and beliefs. Families come from many backgrounds. Some have strong religious faith; some don't. Honor what matters to them. If a family would like prayer, a blessing, or to involve their own clergy, support that. Never pressure anyone to adopt your beliefs.
Follow up. After the investigation, check in. Let the family know when to expect results and keep your promise. A simple phone call or message showing that you care goes a long way.
Confidentiality and compassion are what make a family comfortable calling you in the first place — and comfortable recommending you to someone else who needs help.