If you’re hiring a TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures) service in Toronto, the wrong choice costs you twice: once in money, and again in false confidence that you’ve been swept when you haven’t.
Here are the seven questions we recommend asking any TSCM operator before paying a deposit.
1. “What licenses do you hold?”
In Ontario, a real TSCM operator should hold either a Private Investigator license under the PSISA (Private Security and Investigative Services Act) or operate as a licensed locksmith with technical surveillance authorization. Fob Experts is NASTF VSP certified and CRA-registered (BN 795501634).
2. “What equipment do you actually carry?”
Real answer should include: spectrum analyzer (REI OSCOR class, Signal Hound, or PlutoSDR + professional analysis pipeline), non-linear junction detector (REI ORION or equivalent), inspection borescope, calibrated antennas. If they say “we use special equipment,” ask for specifics.
3. “Can I see the chain-of-custody documentation you’d provide?”
Court-ready paperwork includes timestamped photos, FCC ID cross-reference for any found device, sealed evidence bag protocol, signed sweep report. If they can’t show you a template, the report won’t hold up in court.
4. “Do you coordinate with police?”
Real professional operators have a standing offer of coordination with their regional police service for cases where a recovered device might bear law-enforcement markings or warrant authorization. Fob Experts maintains this with Durham Regional Police.
5. “What’s the price, and what’s covered?”
Real range: $499 to $1,500 for a single vehicle, depending on add-ons. Anything under $200 is incomplete. Anything over $2,500 needs justification (multi-vehicle, full house + office, federal-tier kit).
6. “Do you find nothing sometimes?”
The right answer is yes. Most sweeps turn up nothing. If a TSCM operator tells you they “always find something,” they’re either incompetent or scamming.
7. “What manufacturers have you found?”
The honest operator will name specific brands they’ve documented in their case load. Fob Experts publishes our recovery catalog at /tracker-industry/ — every brand we find is named with FCC ID cross-references.
Book Fob Experts
Book a sweep online or call 416-676-9142. Pickering-based, mobile across the GTA, same-day available.
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