Skip tracing is the process of locating a person who is intentionally avoiding being found. This can include people who have skipped bail, failed to appear in court, or owe money and are avoiding creditors. It can also refer to finding missing persons or locating heirs to an estate.
Private investigators are often called upon to assist in skip tracing cases. They use a variety of methods to locate individuals, including searching public records, using databases and social media, and conducting interviews with friends and family members.
One of the first steps a private investigator may take when conducting a skip trace is to gather as much information as possible about the person they are trying to locate. This might include their full name, date of birth, social security number, and any other identifying information. They may also use this information to search for the person's address, phone number, and other contact information.
Once the private investigator has gathered this information, they will start to search for the person. This might include searching public records such as voter registration, property records, and criminal records. They may also use databases and social media to find more information about the person.
In addition to these methods, a private investigator may also conduct interviews with friends, family members, and associates of the person they are trying to locate. They may ask these people if they have any information about the person's whereabouts or if they know of any other people the person may have been in contact with.
Another important tool that private investigators use in skip tracing is surveillance. This can include monitoring the person's social media accounts, following them, or even setting up physical surveillance in order to track their movements.
It's important to note that skip tracing is a complex and time-consuming process that requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. Hiring a professional private investigator who is experienced and skilled in skip tracing can increase the chances of success and save you time and resources.
In summary, skip tracing is the process of locating a person who is intentionally avoiding being found. Private investigators are often called upon to assist in skip tracing cases, using a variety of methods such as searching public records, using databases and social media, conducting interviews, and surveillance. Hiring a professional private investigator with experience in skip tracing can increase the chances of success in finding the person.