What is Skip Tracing? How It Works, and When You Might Need It.

In an increasingly mobile and digital world, people can vanish without leaving a trace – intentionally or not. Whether it’s someone trying to escape financial obligations, a missing family member, or an elusive witness in a court case, there are countless reasons why someone might need to be found. That’s where skip tracing comes in.

At Kinsey Investigations, we often receive calls from clients who are emotionally distressed, financially burdened, or legally stuck because they can’t locate someone crucial to their lives or cases. They may be looking for a long-lost relative, a tenant who skipped out on rent, or an ex-spouse who disappeared without settling custody or child support issues. In other cases, attorneys, businesses, or insurance companies reach out needing to locate someone in connection with litigation or fraud investigations.

Despite what TV and movies might suggest, finding a missing person or someone who simply doesn’t want to be found isn’t as easy as running a few names through a database. It requires skill, tenacity, and access to resources that the average person doesn’t have. That’s why hiring a professional private investigator – especially one with a strong background in skip tracing – can make all the difference.

Skip tracing is more than a buzzword; it’s a specialized investigative technique designed to locate people who are “skipping town,” hiding, or simply unaware that someone is looking for them. As a woman-owned private investigation agency based in Los Angeles with a strong track record of skip tracing success, Kinsey Investigations combines digital tools with old-fashioned investigative savvy to get results – often when no one else can.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what skip tracing is, how it works, and when you might need it. Whether you’re dealing with a personal matter or a professional dilemma, understanding skip tracing could be the first step toward resolution.

What Is Skip Tracing?

The term “skip tracing” comes from the phrase “to skip town,” referring to someone who has intentionally disappeared or left an area without notifying others. “Tracing” refers to the process of tracking them down.

Skip tracing is the act of locating a person’s whereabouts for any number of reasons – legal, financial, familial, or otherwise. It’s commonly used by private investigators, bail bondsmen, debt collectors, and legal professionals.

The person being sought is known as the “skip.” They may have moved without leaving a forwarding address, changed their name, or otherwise gone off the grid. Whether the disappearance is deliberate or accidental, a skip tracer’s job is to find them.

How Skip Tracing Works

Skip tracing is a detailed, multi-step process that involves gathering and analyzing a wide variety of information. Here’s an overview of how it typically works:

1. Initial Information Gathering

The process begins with collecting all known information about the person. This can include:

• Full name and known aliases
• Date of birth
• Social Security number (if available)
• Last known address or phone number
• Employment history
• Known associates or relatives
• Any relevant social media profiles

Even small or outdated details can serve as valuable leads for experienced investigators.

2. Database and Public Record Searches

Professional skip tracers have access to specialized databases that are not available to the general public. These include:

• Utility and phone records
• Credit reports
• Vehicle registrations
• Court records
• Property deeds
• Voter registrations
• Business licenses

These sources help establish patterns, such as recent address changes, financial activity, or connections to other individuals.

3. Digital Footprint Analysis

In the age of social media, many people leave behind digital clues even when they think they’re being discreet. Investigators look at:

• Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
• Online purchases or reviews
• Forum posts or blog comments
• Email address usage
• IP logs (when accessible through legal channels)

This can reveal where the person is currently located or where they’re likely headed.

4. Interviews and Fieldwork

Sometimes digital data isn’t enough. Skilled skip tracers may conduct interviews with neighbors, friends, former landlords, or employers. They might visit the last known residence, canvas the neighborhood, or conduct surveillance. In some cases, going into the field is the only way to verify if a lead is solid.

5. Cross-Referencing and Verification

Once a potential location is identified, the final step is confirming the skip’s presence there. This could involve further research, contacting local sources, or in some cases, physically observing the location to ensure the person is actually there.

At Kinsey Investigations, our team combines high-tech tools with hands-on techniques to complete the picture and make accurate confirmations.

When Might You Need Skip Tracing?

Skip tracing can be a valuable tool in a wide variety of situations, including:

1. Locating a Missing Family Member or Friend

People sometimes lose touch with family members or old friends due to time, trauma, or life circumstances. Skip tracing can help reunite loved ones—even in cases that seem hopeless.

2. Tracking Down a Debtor

If someone owes you money and has stopped responding or disappeared, a skip tracer can help locate them so you can take the next legal step – whether it’s recovering rent, loans, or other obligations.

3. Finding a Defendant or Witness

Legal professionals often use skip tracing to locate people crucial to a court case, such as defendants who haven’t responded to summons or witnesses whose testimony is vital to proceedings.

4. Serving Legal Documents

Process servers sometimes struggle to locate individuals who are intentionally avoiding service. A skip tracer can locate them so they can be properly served, keeping your legal case on track.

5. Locating an Heir or Beneficiary

In estate cases, heirs may be unaware they are entitled to an inheritance or may be difficult to find. Skip tracing ensures estates are settled properly and beneficiaries receive what they’re owed.

6. Adoption and Biological Family Searches

In cases involving closed adoptions, people often want to find their biological parents or siblings. With discretion and care, skip tracing can assist in these deeply personal journeys.

Why Choose Kinsey Investigations for Skip Tracing?

Skip tracing is both an art and a science. While anyone can run a name through an online search engine, professional investigators go much further. At Kinsey Investigations, our Los Angeles-based team has years of experience tracking down people others couldn’t find.

As a licensed and insured woman-owned agency, we pride ourselves on professionalism, discretion, and compassion—especially in emotionally sensitive cases. We understand that every skip trace is more than just a search; it’s about bringing resolution, accountability, or peace of mind.

Whether you need to locate someone for personal, legal, or financial reasons, Kinsey Investigations is here to help. We work diligently, respectfully, and within all legal boundaries to deliver reliable results.

Need Help Finding Someone? Let’s Talk.
Contact Kinsey Investigations today to learn more about our skip tracing services. Our expert team is ready to assist with personalized, discreet investigations tailored to your unique needs.