Skip Tracing Defined

Skiptracing refers to the task of finding a person's whereabouts. There are many reasons why this process may be needed. When skip tracing is required, a professional, known as a "skip tracer," is often hired. Some skip tracers are private detectives who do many different investigative tasks, while some others only perform skip trace searches. The people who are being traced are frequently referred to as "skips." This name is derived from the expression "skipping town".

Who performs skip trace searches?

Some professionals that commonly engage in activities that can be considered skiptracing include process servers, attorneys, bounty hunters, repo professionals, private investigators, investigative journalists, and of course the police. Sometimes, similar methods are used to find important witnesses for trials.

What are some of the methods used in skip tracing?

The first principle of skip tracing is to gather as much info as possible about the target. Once as much factual information as possible has been collected, this info is carefully broken down and analyzed. Sometimes, the whereabouts of a subject can be deduced by the initial information alone. Very often, however, more active methods than simple research are necessary, These tactics may include calling or speaking in person to family, friends, and acquaintances.

There is also a great deal of important information to be found in various private or semi-private databases. These sources of information may include credit reports, loan applications, and any public databases the skip tracer can access.

Advanced skip tracing techniques

Everything a skiptracer needs to locate his or her subject can usually be found using the above methods. However, it may not be immediately obvious. A professional skip tracer needs to be able to analyze information by thinking outside the box. All available documents should be compared and cross-referenced with everything else the skip tracer has. When this has been completed, patterns may emerge that can provide clues to the location of the subject. Often, this will put the skiptracer on the right path to locating the person they're after.

If you're looking for professional skip tracing services, contact Same Day Process today . 

Mobile Notary Services FAQs

Originally published ​March 1, 2016. Last updated April 30, 2023. Mobile notary services provide a convenient and accessible option for individuals who require notarial acts but cannot travel to a traditional notary's office or need...

The Importance of Process Serving in Legal System

Originally published 01/19/2016. Last updated 04/05/2023. The United States judicial system operates on the principles of fairness and due process. This system aims to ensure that all parties involved in a legal case receive equal and...

What Happens If I Avoid A Process Server?

Original Post: 07/31/2017 If you are looking to sue someone, divorce them, obtain child support, or many other legal issues, you may attempt to have the papers served to them. A process server can be hired to track them down and serve the...

5 Things Private Investigators Can and Can't Do

Originally posted on 11/08/2016 Have you been frustrated with a case that doesn't move forward? Many people dealing with a stuck case might consider hiring a private investigator. These professionals have a large amount of...

What should I expect from my process server?

Navigating the legal world is a challenge, but finding an experienced, reliable, and knowledgeable process server shouldn’t be. Here at Same Day Process, we treat each client as our only client and go above and beyond to assure each case is...

The Signs of a Trustworthy Process Server

Blog originally published on December 11, 2015. Updated on December 8, 2022. When beginning legal proceedings, it’s extremely important to have an iron-clad process serving procedure in place for any legal document you need to deliver....

The Benefits of Hiring a Private Investigator

Originally posted on 07/05/2016 We all want more info in life, but sometimes that information is hard to come by. A private investigator can help to uncover important information including a search for a person's whereabouts. Private...
Page: 123456 - All