Skip tracing — the process of locating a person who has moved from their known address — is a critical skill for process servers. When standard service attempts fail, skip tracing fills the gap.
What Is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing involves using investigative techniques and databases to locate individuals who are difficult to find. This might be someone who has moved, is actively avoiding service, or simply has outdated contact information.
Database Searches
Professional skip tracing databases aggregate public records, utility records, credit header data, and other information to build a profile of an individual's likely location. Popular tools include TLO, IRB Search, and Accurint.
Social Media Investigation
Social media platforms can provide clues about a person's current location, workplace, and daily habits. Look for check-ins, tagged photos, and posts that reveal patterns. This must be done ethically and within platform terms of service.
Public Records
Court records, property records, voter registration, and business filings are all publicly available and can help establish a person's whereabouts. Many of these are now searchable online.
Field Investigation
Sometimes the most effective approach is old-fashioned legwork — visiting known addresses, talking to neighbors, and checking with employers. An experienced server develops instincts for finding people.
Ethical Considerations
Skip tracing must be conducted within legal and ethical boundaries:
- Never misrepresent your identity or purpose when gathering information
- Comply with applicable privacy laws including the FDCPA when relevant
- Never use illegal methods to obtain information
- Document all skip tracing efforts for the court record
- Respect boundaries — don't harass contacts for information
When to Use a Professional
While basic skip tracing can be done by anyone, complex cases often require professional skip tracing services with access to specialized databases and investigative experience.