This page is for people who need to contact us without leaving a trail they do not want. If something here does not cover your situation, telephone us.
How to contact us safely
Before you get in touch, think briefly about how you are communicating, and whether anyone else might see it.
Using a separate email address
If you use a shared computer, a family email account, or an email address your partner has access to, set up a separate, private email account before contacting us. Use a device your partner does not have access to when creating it.
Phone calls
Our enquiry line is answered as "Harwick" — not with a fuller description of what we do. If you are concerned about call logs being visible (for example on a shared phone account or a phone bill), consider calling from a work phone, a friend's phone, or purchasing a low-cost pay-as-you-go SIM for the purpose of your enquiry.
If you need us to call you back at a specific time when it is safe to speak, simply let us know when you make contact and we will arrange this.
Encrypted communications
For clients who wish to communicate through fully encrypted channels, we can provide details of our secure messaging and email options once initial contact has been made. End-to-end encryption can protect messages in transit, but it cannot protect a message on a device or account that someone else can access. We will discuss the limits of the chosen channel with you.
If this is important to you, mention it when you first call or email and we will set this up before any sensitive information is exchanged.
Protecting yourself on your device
Your browser and device can leave traces of your activity that others may be able to find. Private browsing and encryption cannot make a monitored device safe. If someone may be monitoring you, consider using a device and account they cannot access, and seek specialist safety advice before changing settings or deleting records.
Recommended
- Understand the limits of private browsing
- Use a device only you have access to
- Create a separate email address for this purpose
- Call us from a phone not on a shared plan
- Ask us about encrypted communications early
- Tell us if you need callbacks at specific times
Avoid
- Using a shared or family email account
- Browsing on a shared home computer
- Saving passwords on a shared browser
- Paying from a joint account without considering visibility
- Leaving documents or reports in a shared folder
- Discussing the enquiry via messaging apps your partner can access
For specialist help, see Refuge’s technology safety support.
How payments appear on bank statements
This is a common concern on personal matters such as a matrimonial investigation or a domestic financial dispute. Your bank statement or banking app may be visible to a partner, family member, or others. A payment to us can identify Harwick Intelligence Limited.
What will appear on your statement
Harwick Intelligence Limited may appear as the payee in your banking app and on your bank statement. The exact wording depends on your bank. We cannot promise that a payment will conceal our company name or your contact with us.
Please quote the invoice number as your payment reference. Do not include case details or a description of the work. Using an invoice number does not hide the payee name.
Payment methods
Follow the payment instructions on your invoice or separately agreed with us. Our bank details are provided on your invoice. You can also pay your invoice online using your invoice number and the amount to pay. If a payment appearing on a shared account is a concern, discuss this with us before making a payment.
Using a personal account you control independently is the most straightforward approach if a joint account might be seen by a partner. If that is not possible, speak to us. We handle these conversations regularly.
Invoices and paperwork
We do not send invoices or correspondence by post unless you specifically ask us to. All documentation is delivered digitally through secure channels. If you need a paper copy for any reason, please discuss this with us first so we can agree a safe arrangement.
Receiving and storing your report
Digital delivery
Reports are delivered via a secure, encrypted file transfer rather than by standard email attachment. You will receive a link to download the report, which is password-protected. We will provide the password to you separately — typically by telephone. Links expire after a set period.
Once downloaded, your report is your responsibility to store securely — for example, in a cloud storage account in your name alone, or on a device with a passcode your partner does not know.
Deleting downloads
If you download a report on a device a partner may use, be aware that downloaded files often appear in a Downloads folder that is easy to stumble upon. Move the file to a secure location or delete it from Downloads once you have saved it elsewhere. Also check your browser's download history.
If you need a printed copy
If you need a physical copy — for example, to share with a solicitor — consider who can access the printer, its logs, and the document. Workplace printers and print shops may also retain files. Agree a suitable arrangement with your solicitor or with us before printing sensitive material.
Our discretion towards you
We restrict access to client information to people who need it for the engagement, subject to the sharing and legal disclosure circumstances in our privacy notice. We do not confirm your enquiry to a partner, family member, or employer without your permission, unless disclosure is required by law. Our Privacy Notice explains the circumstances in which information may be shared.
If someone contacts us claiming to be you, or claiming to be acting on your behalf, we will verify this with you directly before providing any information.
If you feel you may be at risk of harm from a partner or family member, organisations such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline can provide confidential support. That is separate from any investigation, and sits alongside it. Your safety comes first.