What is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing is the practice of tracking a person or entity who has purposefully eluded being discovered.
Who Orders a Skip Trace?
Skip traces can be ordered by virtually anyone. Some of the most common requestors of skip traces include:
- Process servers
- Courts and litigants
- Real estate agents
- Creditors and collection agents
- Bounty hunters
Who Can Be Located with a Skip Trace?
Anyone can be tracked using a skip trace, although some individuals are so far off the grid that even a skip trace doesn’t turn up much information.
Do I Need a Skip Trace?
Skip tracing is a process server’s best friend! If the person you need to serve doesn’t want any part of it, skip tracing can let you know where they might be hiding out. Some people even change jobs or residences to avoid service! Or maybe the basic info on file just isn’t accurate anymore. With skip trace techniques in mind— like tracking down your target by following evidence like old phone bills and credit card statements–you’ll have the information you need to locate them.
What Information Can a Skip Trace Find?
A skip trace will give you a whole lot more than just a name and phone number!
Other details that can be unearthed during a skip trace include:
- Information on owned properties
- Financial and credit details
- History of criminal activity
- Legal and court history
- Travel records
- Online presence
- Driver’s license/vehicle registration and title
- Credit card applications
- Loan applications
- Job applications
- Phone number databases
- Utility bills
- Department store/customer loyalty card
- Fraud allegations
- Public tax records
- Criminal background checks
- Courthouse records
- Estate and inheritance records
- Known associates
How Long Does a Skip Trace Take?
Skip traces can take anywhere from 48 hours to a few weeks. It all depends on the complexity of the target’s background.
Skip Traces in Dallas
If you need help locating someone in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Accurate Serve® of Dallas can help. Call us at (469) 518-9581 or send us service requests online to find out more about how we can help locate the most evasive of defendants and witnesses.
