After racking my brain trying to think of how to start this, I realized that the obvious is normally right. Strangely, that is the same rule in skip tracing. So, to start this off, What is skip tracing?
Skip tracing is a term that merges two concepts: "skip" and "trace." To fully grasp the essence of skip tracing, it's essential to understand these two components.
Skip
The term "skip" refers to a person who has "skipped" town. This old idiom implies that someone has left without a trace. It differs from simply leaving town, where departure is typically expected, known, and accompanied by forwarding details. To "skip town" suggests an element of elusiveness. Just as in the physical activity of skipping, where there's a step missing, a skip in this context leaves no straightforward trail to follow. It requires more effort to locate the person, as they have not notified anyone of their departure or left any clear indications of their whereabouts.
Trace
The "trace" in skip tracing is the process of locating the skip. A tracer is the individual or team responsible for tracking down the person who has skipped town. Tracing involves gathering all available intelligence, piecing together clues, and methodically working to uncover the skip's location. This can involve a variety of techniques, from checking public records and databases to interviewing acquaintances and following digital footprints.
Imagine a tracking dog in the movies. When the escapee crosses a river, the dog loses the scent. This is akin to a skip, where the straightforward path is disrupted, necessitating more thorough and creative search methods.
The Art and Science of Skip Tracing
Skip tracing is both an art and a science. It requires a mix of investigative skills, analytical thinking, and sometimes a bit of luck. Here are the fundamental steps typically involved in the process:
- Information Gathering: The first step is to collect as much information as possible about the skip. This can include their last known address, contact numbers, social media profiles, financial records, and any other relevant data.
- Database Searches: Using specialized databases, a tracer can cross-reference the gathered information to find new leads. These databases might include credit reports, utility bills, vehicle registrations, and other public or proprietary records.
- Interviews and Inquiries: Speaking with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues can provide valuable insights. People close to the skip might have information about their habits, recent activities, or potential whereabouts.
- Digital Footprints: Digital Footprints: In today's digital age, online activity can offer significant clues. Tracers might examine social media posts, online purchases, and other internet-based interactions to trace the skip's steps.
- Field Work: Field Work: Sometimes, physical investigation is necessary. This can involve visiting last known locations, conducting surveillance, or even following up on tips from various sources.
Skip tracing is a crucial skill in various fields, including debt collection, law enforcement, and private investigation. It combines traditional investigative techniques with modern technology to locate individuals who have deliberately made themselves hard to find. Understanding the nuances of skip tracing can significantly enhance one's ability to successfully track and locate skips, making it a valuable tool for professionals in the industry.
If skip tracing interests you, follow the blog page on Tracers.au and stay tuned on the podcast at Brad Lyons' YouTube Channel for free. We will explore the comprehensive methods I have utilized over the years to locate individuals. These methods range from basic Google searches to advanced techniques involving HUMINT, IMINT, SOCINT, GEOINT, and several other intelligence-gathering methods.