When searching for someone, whether for legal reasons, debt collection, or personal matters, you may come across the terms Skip Trace and People Locate. While they are similar in nature, they serve different purposes and use distinct methods to find individuals. In this blog post, the experts from Advanced Private Investigator & Security share a breakdown of how these services differ.
What is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing is the process of tracking down individuals who have intentionally moved or are avoiding detection. The term “skip” refers to a person who has “skipped town,” meaning they have disappeared without leaving a trace. This service is widely used by debt collectors, private investigators, and legal professionals to locate missing debtors, witnesses, or defendants in a court case. Skip tracing involves in-depth research using various databases, employment history, public records, utility bills, and even social media. Professionals conducting a skip trace have access to specialized tools that help them uncover hidden or outdated information. Since the goal is to find someone who does not want to be found, this process can be complex and require expert investigation skills.
What is People Locate?
People Locate, on the other hand, is a broader and less aggressive service used to find individuals who may not be actively hiding. This service is often used for reconnecting with lost friends or relatives, verifying identities, or finding someone for business or personal reasons. Unlike skip tracing, a People Locate search typically involves gathering all available information such as phone directories, social media profiles, specialized databases and court records. Because there is usually no intent to evade being found, this process at times is faster and requires less investigative effort.
Key Differences Between Skip Trace and People Locate
Purpose: Skip tracing is designed for finding people who are deliberately avoiding detection, while People Locate is for locating individuals who are not actively hiding.
Complexity: Skip tracing requires extensive investigation, specialized databases, and research techniques. People Locate searches rely more on readily available information.
Usage: Skip tracing is commonly used by debt collectors, legal professionals, and private investigators. People Locate is often used by individuals looking for lost connections.
Legal Considerations: Since skip tracing involves tracking down people who may not want to be found, professionals must follow strict privacy laws and regulations. People Locate services, however, generally allows a more friendly and conspicuous approach to accessible information.
Which Service Do You Need?
If you’re searching for someone who has gone off the grid, is avoiding legal action, or owes a debt, skip tracing is the right service. However, if you’re simply trying to find an old friend, relative, or business contact, a People Locate service should be sufficient.
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Both methods have their place in investigations, but understanding their differences ensures that you choose the most effective approach for your situation. At Advanced Private Investigator & Security, our professionals specialize in both. If you’re in need of a professional skip trace or people locate investigator, call Advanced Private Investigator & Security to get started.
