The Skip Trace search involves gathering fragmented data and using specialized resources to connect identity, location, and behavioral patterns, pulling from public records, social media, and databases to find a person's current whereabouts for legal and financial purposes.
There is no "skip search guarantee"; a service can't guarantee I will find that someone through skip tracing, as the process involves searching for individuals who may have intentionally disappeared. But I will try my best to locate that person.
Skip tracers’ biggest challenges
While skip tracing can be highly effective, it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are the top obstacles skip tracers often face:
Limited data
In some cases, the initial information provided about a subject may be minimal or outdated. This can make it difficult to begin the search or to differentiate the subject from others with similar names or backgrounds.
Changed or outdated data
People’s lives are dynamic – they move, change jobs, get married, or divorce. Keeping up with these changes can be challenging, especially if the subject is intentionally trying to avoid detection.
Time-consuming analysis
In the age of big data, skip tracers often find themselves sifting through vast amounts of information. While this is important for due diligence, determining what is relevant and what is not can be time-consuming and may lead to false leads if not done carefully.
Legal restrictions
Skip tracing must be conducted within the bounds of the law. Regulations such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and various privacy laws can limit the methods and extent of skip tracing activities, particularly in debt collection cases.
Ethical considerations
Skip tracers must balance their investigative duties with respect for privacy and ethical conduct. This can sometimes create dilemmas, especially when dealing with sensitive information or potentially vulnerable individuals.