Jun 05, 2025
Updated by UshaJP Adding to the grievance, there is also a discrepancy in the quoted and billed amounts. Initially, I was quoted ₹15, 000 via WhatsApp with a clear breakdown: “For the background investigation, it will take around two weeks. Our investigation charge will be ₹15, 000. Initially, we need an advance amount for travelling and other expenses. We will share our office receipt after the advance payment. A detailed report will be provided after the investigation.” However, the final bill was ₹17, 000. This sudden fee hike further strengthens the case for “Unfair Trade Practice” under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Jun 06, 2025
Updated by UshaJP Subject: Fraudulent and Unprofessional Conduct – Southern Detective Agency, Kerala | Senior Citizen Denied Justice
I am a 64-year-old senior citizen and I am filing this complaint after undergoing severe mental, emotional and financial stress caused by the grossly unprofessional and misleading conduct of Southern Detective Agency, Kerala.
I first contacted them on 21.03.2025, seeking a detailed, confidential background investigation into a personal family matter involving suspicious relationships and threats. I was assured a professional report within 2 weeks, for which I paid ₹10, 000 via Google Pay to their office admin on 23.03.2025.
However, the report they delivered:
Lacked time-stamps, dates, proper names, or references.
Contained no verification of criminal background of individuals we specifically warned about.
Completely ignored our urgent request (dated 11.04.2025) to monitor the subject over the Vishu holiday weekend.
Had no signature, no agency seal, no address and no legal credibility.
Read like a poorly written school essay, with vague generalisations and no investigative depth.
The agency repeatedly ignored our emails and WhatsApp messages, despite our persistent efforts to seek clarification. Our communication log clearly shows how many times we reached out—yet their silence shows arrogance and total disregard for ethics.
My final written reminder to them:
On 3rd June 2025, 12:04 pm, I sent a final email with the subject "Final Reminder Regarding Revised Investigation Report" demanding either:
A revised, authentic report, or
A full refund of ₹17, 000, by the end of day 3rd June, failing which I would proceed with legal and consumer action. They have not responded even to this final communication.
Their silence shows how confident they are in their influence over legal forums, since they seem to believe clients like me, especially senior citizens, will be too exhausted to fight back.
Therefore, through this post:
I am exposing the fraudulent conduct of Southern Detective Agency, Kerala.
I am warning other vulnerable clients: do not engage them if you expect truth, transparency or professionalism.
I am now pursuing this further through channels available to ensure this betrayal does not go unchecked.
All communication evidence is documented. I will not rest until justice is served.
– Usha Jayaprakash
Jun 07, 2025
Updated by UshaJP Subject: Contradiction Between Southern Detective Agency’s Website Claims and Actual Service – Misleading Promises & Deficiency in Service, Betrayal of Trust of Senior Citizen
I am compelled to raise a formal grievance against Southern Detective Agency, Ernakulam, as my personal experience directly contradicts the claims made on their official website. While they advertise high success rates, court-admissible evidence, client privacy, and a friendly, professional approach, the reality was deeply disappointing and misleading:
Claim: "High Success Rate & Professionalism"
Reality: Only a single day of surveillance was conducted, yet the report falsely generalised behaviour as routine. There was no verification of key details, such as the criminal background of the woman involved (whose uncle is reportedly linked to two murders)—despite our explicit request.
Claim: "Court-Admissible Evidence"
Reality: We received only one poorly shot video and irrelevant photos of empty roads. There were no time stamps, location indicators, or subject-focused visuals—making the report inapplicable even for informal review, let alone court use.
Claim: "Client Privacy & Transparency"
Reality: We were given none of the surveillance materials except one vague video. Repeated follow-ups were ignored after the agency promised a review. Communication with Ms. Saji Mary stopped without notice, and no revised report was ever shared.
Claim: "Friendly & Down-to-Earth"
Reality: Our questions were met with arrogance and defensiveness from the agency’s leadership. There was no empathy, clarification, or accountability for the ₹17, 000 we paid.
Claim: “Transparent Quoting & Billing”
Reality: Initially quoted ₹15, 000 via WhatsApp with clear investigation details. However, the final demand was ₹17, 000 without explanation or revised estimate—indicative o[censored]nfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Other Serious Omissions:
We were not informed through the report that the subject—whom we were investigating—had been promoted from trainee to permanent employee at Indel Money, something we found on our own via LinkedIn. The report also completely omitted any details of weekend or holiday behaviour, making it incomplete and unhelpful.
Conclusion:
The stark contrast between what Southern Detective Agency claims on its website and what was actually delivered to us reflects a classic case of misleading advertisement, service deficiency, and unfair trade practice. Vulnerable clients seeking truth and closure should not be taken advantage of by agencies hiding behind polished web content.
We respectfully seek:
• A full refund of ₹17, 000
• A formal inquiry into their service claims and delivery practices
• Consumer awareness so others do not fall victim to similar misrepresentation
All supporting evidence (chats, photos, receipts, and report) can be submitted upon request.
Name: Concerned Client
City: Thrissur, Kerala
[11:53 am, 21/3/2025] usha jayaprakash2008: Dear Sir,
I am looking for a professional and legally compliant private investigation service for a personal family matter. We are concerned about an individual who has become involved with a family that has a criminal background and may be manipulating him for their personal gain.
Before we proceed, I would like to know the cost I would incur for the procedure as I need to arrange funds accordingly. Additionally, I would appreciate details on:•
• The investigation methods you use (background checks, surveillance, etc.).
• How you ensure confidentiality and legal compliance.
• Expected timelines for such an investigation.
Please let me know a convenient time to discuss this further. I appreciate your discretion and professionalism in handling this matter.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
Concerned client
[12:11 pm, 21/3/2025] S D Agency: Hi
[12:11 pm, 21/3/2025] S D Agency: Dear Sir,
we are one of the leading detective agency having network all over india. We have 21 years of investigation experience. We have well trained and experienced investigators who are retired policemen and other experts retired from services. We provide various services like pre matrimonial investigation, post matrimonial investigation, asset verification, address verification, background verification, business survey, employment verification etc. The report will be supported by photo, video and audio evidences.
Comment: Your introductory assurance mentioned comprehensive investigation methods and reliable evidences. However, the final report lacked credibility: no signed investigator statement, no official seal or letterhead, and no valid criminal background verification as promised.
[12:12 pm, 21/3/2025] S D Agency: We will inform the details shortly.
[12:39 pm, 21/3/2025] usha jayaprakash2008: Thank you, sir.
[2:26 pm, 21/3/2025] S D Agency: Dear Madam, as per the details that you given, we can do background checks. We can collect the whole background and activities of the subject. Plz let me know your detailed requirements.
For the background investigation it will take around two weeks to complete this investigation . For that, we need the available details about the subject.Our investigation charge will be 15000/-. Initially we need an advance amount from this total investigation Charge. It's for travelling and other expenses of the investigation. We will share our office receipt after the advance payment. We can provide detailed report after the investigation..
Comment:
The report was incomplete and did not reflect the depth and rigour expected from a two-week professional investigation. Despite assurances, it lacked verifiable details such as hostel information, current job status (including any promotions), and a credible background on the woman in question. There was also no in-depth analysis of her activities or any substantiated link to criminal associations.
The investigation, which lasted from March 24, 2025, to May 8, 2025, failed to meet the promised standards. Moreover, an additional ₹2, 000 was added under “travel expense” without prior consultation or consent, bringing the final amount to ₹17, 000. Given the urgency and emotional strain involved, we chose not to dispute it at the time—a decision we now deeply regret.
Thankyou
[2:52 pm, 21/3/2025] usha jayaprakash2008: Dear Sir,
Thank you for your response. I would like to proceed with the background investigation as discussed. Please let me know the details required from my end to begin the process. Also, kindly share the payment details (account number or preferred payment method) for transferring the advance amount.
Once I receive the payment details, I will process the advance payment and share the transaction receipt. Please confirm when you can start the investigation after receiving the advance.
Looking forward to your confirmation.
Comment:
A clear and cooperative intent was shown from the client side. Despite this, the agency did not share any start date or action plan, nor did they ever confirm if the promised two-week schedule had begun.
Jun 08, 2025
Updated by UshaJP I, Usha Jayaprakash, aged 64, had approached Southern Detective Agency for a professional background verification service. I paid ₹17, 000, expecting a legally valid, complete, and honest report. However, the report delivered was unsigned, unverified, without seal or annexures, and contained factual errors—such as claiming a woman without a husband was “living with husband.” This was not just poor service; it was emotionally distressing and unethical.
I have since shared multiple follow-up messages (now attached) to the agency, requesting clarification and correction. These included biblical and moral references to emphasise truth and fairness. Despite this, I have received no satisfactory explanation or resolution.
As a senior citizen, I feel financially exploited and emotionally harassed.
I request that this case be reviewed with urgency and that appropriate action be taken.
08.06.2025 (6:50 am & 7:50 am - Malayalam)
"When ₹17, 000 was paid for Aditya Gopakumar’s background verification, the report provided by Southern Detective Agency was fake and incomplete. There was no address, no signature, no seal, no evidence. Claiming that a woman without a husband is 'living with her husband' is an assault on dignity."
Comment:
➡️ This message expresses the emotional harm caused by false documentation. Submitting such an unverified report is not only professionally negligent but deeply insensitive. It shows how truth was ignored and personal circumstances were misrepresented.
📍 (8:46 am )
"I, Usha Jayaprakash, paid ₹17, 000 for a background check that was unverified, unsigned, and legally invalid. This is not just poor service — it’s exploitation. How do you sleep after deceiving clients? Doesn’t your conscience or faith remind you: “Woe to those who acquit the guilty for a bribe” (Isaiah 5:23)? I will pursue this legally and prayerfully."
Comment
➡️ This message calls out the ethical violations and commercial exploitation involved. It connects legal irresponsibility with spiritual accountability, urging the agency to reflect on both their conscience and their actions.
📍 (8:48 am - Malayalam)
"We expected a truthful and detailed investigation report from your service. But what we received was incomplete and unchecked data. Worse, an additional charge was imposed without informing us — that is cheating."
Comment
➡️ This message clearly highlights the betrayal of trust and lack of transparency. Charging extra without consent and producing a report lacking signatures or verification shows both procedural and moral failure.
📍 9:07 am
"Wishing all of you a Happy and Holy Pentecost. May your lives be empowered with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit."
Comment
➡️ Even after such an experience, this message offers blessings. It shows that our pursuit of justice is not driven by anger or revenge but by moral conviction, patience and hope in truth. We seek accountability, not conflict.
Jun 08, 2025
Updated by UshaJP Mental Stress Affecting Professional Work
Respected Sir/Madam,
I wish to update my previously submitted complaint regarding the Southern Detective Agency.
I am currently employed as a Subject Matter Expert with an esteemed educational organisation based in Pune, where I am responsible for developing high-quality academic content. However, due to the emotional distress and mental burden caused by the agency’s unprofessional conduct and misleading investigation report, I am finding it extremely difficult to focus and do justice to my professional responsibilities.
The stress arising from the lack of transparency, unjustified charges, and the inadequate report delivered — which lacks verification, legal standing, and basic professionalism — has had a direct impact on my productivity, mental well-being, and peace of mind.
I humbly request that my complaint be processed with urgency. I sincerely hope appropriate action is taken against the agency so that they are held accountable, and such experiences are not repeated with others.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
Usha Jayaprakash
Age: 64 | Subject Matter Expert
Jun 10, 2025
Updated by UshaJP We wish to formally update our complaint to include gross negligence and misrepresentation in the background verification report submitted by Southern Detective Agency. Despite charging ₹17, 000, the report they provided was:
Incomplete and unsigned
Contained no verifiable proof or evidence
Incorrectly stated the subject’s professional designation by copying what was already submitted by us, without any investigation
Failed to correct or verify even basic details
This constitutes gross professional misconduct and wilful misrepresentation. We have attached proof (e.g., the subject’s current professional designation from a verified source) showing the inaccuracy in their report.
We urge the platform to take this complaint seriously and initiate appropriate action against the agency for unethical and unprofessional behaviour.
Jun 10, 2025
Updated by UshaJP Apologies, I am currently unable to upload the image that shows the subject’s present professional designation from a verified source.
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