The primary role of a skip tracer is to track down individuals who are difficult to locate for various reasons, including:
- Debt collection
- Legal matters
- Property investigations
- Family reunification
- Employment verification
- Asset recovery
When repeated attempts to contact someone fail, businesses or individuals may turn to a skip tracer for assistance. In some cases, the person being sought is intentionally avoiding contact, while in others, they may be unaware that someone is trying to reach them. Changes in address, phone numbers, or email accounts can create communication gaps, making it challenging to reestablish contact. This is where the expertise of skip tracers becomes invaluable.
Key Information Skip Tracers Use to Locate Individuals
Professional skip tracers follow a structured process to track down individuals while adhering to local legal guidelines. They gather information through various methods, including:
- Collecting basic details
- Reviewing public records
- Examining social media activity
- Verifying employment status
- Contacting family and friends
- Utilizing skip tracing tools and software
Gathering Essential Information
Before starting the search, skip tracers collect as much initial information as possible. The more details they have, the easier it is to locate the individual. Commonly required details include:
- Full name (including middle name or any previous names)
- Date and/or place of birth for document verification
- Last known address to identify potential close contacts
- Phone number, which may reveal registered personal details
- Active social media profiles
Throughout the process, skip tracers verify the accuracy of the information provided, as the sources may not be aware of aliases or recent changes in the person’s details.
Searching Public Records
Public records vary by country but often include property records, marriage and divorce records, and court documents. In some regions, additional resources are available—for example, in Australia, an ABN lookup can provide a business’s registered postcode, which may lead to further insights such as an office address or personal contact details.
Investigating Social Media Activity
Social media platforms can offer valuable clues, especially with the use of image-tracing software. This technology helps identify locations where photos were taken, as well as timestamps and device details. Social media can also provide an opportunity to contact the individual directly or gather information through their online connections. If direct contact is unsuccessful, skip tracers may reach out to the person’s friends or family for additional leads.
Verifying Employment Information
Employers typically limit the information they disclose about employees. However, they can confirm whether the person is still working at a given location. Skip tracers approach employers discreetly to protect the individual’s privacy, particularly in legal cases. Additionally, employment records and platforms like LinkedIn can be useful for tracing job history and identifying new workplaces.
Contacting Family, Friends, and Neighbors
Another effective approach is reaching out to people close to the individual. Family members and friends may provide insights into their recent whereabouts, employer, or personal circumstances. Skip tracers may also contact neighbors who could share relevant details. This step helps build a clearer picture of the individual’s movements and current situation.
Using Skip Tracing Software
Skip tracing tools provide access to vast databases, but accurate results depend on cross-referencing other collected data. When searching for a name, multiple matches may appear, especially if the name is common. To narrow down the results, investigators use supporting details such as:
- Date of birth to filter by age range
- Spouse’s name to eliminate unrelated individuals
- Last known address for additional verification
Although skip tracing software can be expensive, it saves time and increases the accuracy of locating the right person.
Ensuring Accuracy: The Importance of Double-Checking Facts
A skilled skip tracer continuously verifies the authenticity of the information they obtain. Cross-referencing data at different stages prevents errors and ensures that the right person is being contacted. In some countries, skip tracers may have access to vehicle registrations, credit reports (which can indicate hospitalizations), and utility records that reveal residential addresses.
Even a simple Google search can provide valuable insights. It allows skip tracers to verify information, identify additional social media accounts, and confirm other details gathered during their investigation.
Each step in the skip tracing process highlights the importance of every piece of information, making accuracy and thorough verification essential to success.