Ever wondered how missing people are found or how debt collectors track down individuals who have vanished? That's where skip tracing comes into play. This investigative technique is essential for locating individuals who have intentionally or unintentionally disappeared.
What is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing is the process of locating a person's whereabouts when their current contact information is unknown or outdated. The term "skip" refers to someone who has "skipped" town or disappeared, while "tracing" refers to the investigative process of finding them.
How Skip Tracing Works
1. Information Gathering Skip tracers start by collecting all available information about the subject: - Full name and aliases - Date of birth - Social Security Number - Last known address - Phone numbers - Email addresses - Employment history - Family members and associates
2. Database Searches Investigators use various databases and resources: - Public records databases - Credit bureau information - Social media platforms - Property records - Court records - Utility records - Vehicle registration databases
3. Analysis and Cross-Referencing Information from multiple sources is cross-referenced to verify accuracy and identify patterns that might lead to the subject's current location.
4. Field Investigation When database searches aren't sufficient, skip tracers may conduct: - Physical surveillance - Interviews with associates - Property visits - Employment verification
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Skip tracing must be conducted: - In compliance with privacy laws - With proper authorization - Using legal methods only - Respecting individual privacy rights - Following industry best practices
Applications of Skip Tracing
- Debt collection
- Legal process service
- Missing person cases
- Witness location
- Asset recovery
- Insurance investigations
At FICS, our skip tracing services combine advanced investigative techniques with legal compliance to help you locate individuals efficiently and ethically.
