Skip tracing is the process of finding people who have moved or are trying to avoid being found—often used by investigators, debt collectors, or legal professionals. It may sound complicated, but with the right tools and strategy, anyone can get better at it. Here are 12 practical and easy-to-understand tips to help you become more skilled in skip tracing.
1. Start with a Clear Plan
Before jumping into any search, always begin with a clear plan. Start by checking the information you already have. Confirm the person’s identity, look at the data you’ve collected, and figure out which parts will help you find them. Once you know what you’re working with, run the search and review the results carefully.
2. Check Close Relationships
Sometimes the best way to find someone is by looking into the people close to them. Search for their spouse, children, or even old roommates from their last known address. These connections often give helpful clues about where the person might be living now. In some cases, people even use a family member’s information, such as a child’s Social Security number, to apply for housing.
3. Use Vehicle Registration Information
Most states require people to show proof of their current address when registering or renewing a vehicle. You can request this information through the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This often gives up-to-date and reliable information about where someone lives.
4. Follow Phone Numbers and Email Links
Phone numbers and email addresses can help you track someone through people or businesses they’re connected to. For example, they might be using a friend’s phone, staying with a relative, or working for a local company. These details can often lead to their current location.
5. Look Into Email Addresses
Even though people change their email addresses, many are still linked to their social media profiles, job applications, or online accounts. Searching through these can reveal more personal details or show patterns about their activities and location.
6. Try a Postal Search
A postal search can help you find out if the person has recently moved and where their mail is going. Though this method can take several days, it can give you their old and new addresses.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit usps.com
- Enter the zip code to find the local post office
- Call the post office to ask who handles address changes (also known as PCO)
- Fax your request, including a note like “URGENT: COURT DEADLINE PENDING”
- Follow up by calling again in two days
This method is slower, so it’s better used after trying quicker options first.
7. Talk to the Neighbors
If you’re having trouble finding the person, consider sending someone to speak with their former or current neighbors. Often, neighbors are willing to share helpful information, especially if you explain the reason you’re looking for the person. They may know if the person moved out, where they went, or who is currently living in the house.
8. Search Local Jails
If you’ve hit a dead end, the person might be in jail. Jail records are public, and you can call or search online through local detention centers to see if the person is being held. If they are, you may be able to get their release information, which might include a new address.
9. Check Public Records
Court documents, criminal records, and parole information can be helpful. These records may include the person’s latest known address or contact information for their family members or bail sponsors. These are especially useful if the person has recently been involved in a legal case.
10. Use Reliable Databases
Make sure you’re using trusted and accurate data sources. Many skip tracing tools and databases can give you information like full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and driver’s license details. The more details you have, the easier it becomes to track someone down.
11. Ask the County Assessor
The county assessor keeps records of who owns property. If you’re not sure whether someone still owns or lives at a certain address, checking with the assessor’s office can help. You might also see if there was a recent sale or transfer of the property, giving clues about when and where the person moved.
12. Look at Utility Records
Utilities like water, electricity, internet, and trash services usually get turned off when someone moves. In many cases, people set up new accounts at their new address. These records might not show an exact address right away, but they can confirm whether someone is still living in a certain place or if they’ve moved.
Final Thoughts
Skip tracing takes patience, attention to detail, and a step-by-step approach. The more creative and thorough you are, the better your chances of finding the person you’re looking for. Whether you’re helping someone reconnect with a family member or trying to recover lost assets, these tips are a great way to sharpen your skills.
