5 Skip Tracing Techniques Used by Top Private Investigators

5 Skip Tracing Techniques Used by Top Private Investigators

Finding someone who doesn’t intend to be found is no easy task. Just ask local law enforcement. In 2024, the DOJ reported only 28% of the total 546,568 reported cases to be found. To successfully trace individuals requires the use of skip tracing.

Private investigators have been utilizing this method to find individuals who are possibly evading legal responsibilities or have disappeared. While skip tracing has been around for a while, the use of technology has incorporated the collection of data from multiple sources such as public records, online databases, and social media.

By connecting these facts, skip tracing service providers can establish a path that points to the person’s present whereabouts. This blog will examine key skip-tracing methods employed by private investigators, illuminating their approach to locating individuals evading detection.

Gathering Data from Public Record

Private investigators start by accessing public records. These records include birth certificates, marriage licenses, and property deeds. By examining these documents, investigators can identify a person’s last known address.

Public records are often the first step in locating an individual. They provide crucial information about a person’s past locations. Investigators use this data to build a profile of the person they are trying to find. This initial step is essential for laying the groundwork for further investigation.

Sometimes, public records reveal connections between individuals. For example, marriage records might show a spouse’s address. This information can lead investigators to the person’s current location.

Utilizing Online Databases

Online databases are another critical tool for private investigators. These databases compile information from various sources, such as credit reports, utility bills, and voting records. Investigators subscribe to these databases to access detailed reports.

These reports often include addresses, phone numbers, and employment history. This information helps investigators narrow down potential locations. Online databases save time and increase the chances of finding the person quickly.

Investigators may cross-reference data from multiple databases to verify accuracy. This step ensures they are working with the most current information available. It also helps in eliminating false leads.

Analyzing Social Media Activity

Social media platforms offer valuable insights into a person’s whereabouts. Private investigators analyze posts, photos, and check-ins to gather information. Even if a person is cautious online, their network of friends might provide useful leads.

Investigators look for patterns in a person’s online activity. For example, frequent check-ins at a specific location might indicate a regular hangout spot. This information can be critical in tracking down the individual.

Investigators also use social media to contact mutual friends. These contacts can provide additional information or confirm details about the person’s location. Social media is a powerful tool in modern skip tracing.

Conducting Surveillance

Monitoring/surveillance is a well-established method employed by private detectives. If other techniques suggest a probable site, investigators may monitor the area to verify the individual’s whereabouts. This technique requires visually inspecting the region.

Surveillance enables investigators to collect up-to-date data. They are able to confirm whether the individual resides at a certain address or often goes to a specific place. This method is frequently employed to validate the outcomes of alternative investigative techniques.

Sometimes, investigators utilize video or photographic evidence acquired through surveillance. This proof can be critical in legal cases or for confirming an individual’s identity.

Contacting their Inner Circle

Private detectives frequently contact individuals who are acquainted with the person in question. These individuals could be relatives, buddies, or colleagues. Investigators could potentially use deceptive excuses to gather information without disclosing their true intentions.

This technique is particularly useful when the person is actively avoiding detection. Associates may unknowingly provide clues about the person’s location or activities. Investigators must exercise discretion when using this method.

At times, just reaching out can be sufficient to make the individual reappear. When someone is aware that they are being searched for, they may go back to a place they are used to, which helps investigators find them more easily.

Final Words

Skip tracing plays a critical role in conducting private investigations. Every method offers distinct data that helps with the entire inquiry. Combining these methods enhances the likelihood of achieving success. Skip tracing continues to be a fundamental aspect of investigative tasks, aiding in the discovery of concealed information and locating people.

Having a grasp of these methods is essential for individuals with a curiosity in the industry. Skip tracing involves a combination of strategy, ingenuity, and determination and is not simply a procedure. It is a key part of what makes private investigation effective.

At Global Pursuit, we provide skip tracing services which are quick, accurate and useful. We are known as one of the best skip tracing companies in the USA. Contact us to know more.