
Skip tracing is a vital process in investigative operations, debt collection, legal services, and many other industries that require locating individuals whose whereabouts are unknown. This article explores what skip tracing entails, the methods used, its benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations surrounding its practice.
What Is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing refers to the methodical process of locating a person who has “skipped” town, changed contact information, or otherwise become difficult to find. This individual may be delinquent in paying debts, has legal obligations, or is needed for matters involving family law or child custody.
Who Uses Skip Tracing?
Several sectors rely heavily on skip tracing, including:
- Debt Collection: To locate borrowers who defaulted on loans or credit cards.
- Legal Services: To find individuals for court proceedings or serving legal documents.
- Private Investigators: To locate missing persons, witnesses, or individuals who need to be contacted.
- Insurance Companies: To verify claims or find individuals in relation to claims or fraud investigations.
Techniques and Tools of the Trade
Data Sources
Skip tracing involves gathering information from multiple public and proprietary sources. These might include credit reports, public records, utility bills, tax records, employment history, social media, and databases that …