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Common Challenges in Skip Tracing & How to Overcome Them

Common Challenges in Skip Tracing & How to Overcome Them

If you are trying to locate an individual, and they seem to have disappeared into a puff of smoke, what are you supposed to do? You don’t have time to spend hours researching a person on publicly available databases, which may contain outdated information. 

Skip tracing is a helpful way to locate individuals who are hiding from legal or financial obligations. Skip tracers can use various methods to locate people, including gathering information, mining data from public and private sources, analyzing the collected data, and attempting to contact the individual. 

At Pro Legal, we provide invaluable skip tracing services that can help you locate a hard-to-find individual. However, even we can encounter various challenges in skip tracing. 

Let’s take a look at some of the common challenges of skip tracing and how Pro Legal overcomes these challenges. 

1. Outdated or Inaccurate Information

Many skip tracing databases pull from public records that may be months or even years old. Defendants or witnesses may have changed addresses, phone numbers, or aliases. Without access to more sophisticated databases, you can run into a wall at this point. 

Some ways to overcome this problem include: 

  • Use multiple data sources – not just one database.

  • Leverage private investigator networks when deeper digging is required.

  • Supplement digital searches with manual verification, such as calling references and checking social media.

2. Common Names & Identity Confusion

Good luck searching for anyone with the last name “Smith” in a public database. Common names can yield dozens or even hundreds of results, making it difficult to narrow down your search. 

To overcome this problem, you can:

  • Use advanced search filters, such as middle initials, relatives, and known employers.

  • Document why a specific match was selected, which is critical for legal cases.

  • Use date of birth, known addresses, or social connections to triangulate the correct individual.

3. Data Privacy Laws & Compliance

There are strict rules regarding legal compliance. Rules like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), as well as state-level laws, govern how data is accessed and used, especially when it is for litigation or debt collection. 

To maintain compliance with skip tracing, you can: 

  • Work only with FCRA-compliant data providers if you’re using skip tracing for collections or legal action

  • Train your team on ethical data usage and privacy compliance

  • Keep detailed logs of all skip tracing activity to protect against liability

4. Uncooperative Third Parties

Family members, employers, or landlords may refuse to share information about the subject even if you’re legally entitled to it. 

Instead of arguing or getting aggressive, try the following: 

  • Use scripts and soft-skill techniques when calling third parties

  • Reference your firm’s legal authority to gather certain information where appropriate

  • If needed, escalate via subpoena or court order to compel disclosure

5. Misleading Digital Footprints

Smarter and more experienced fugitives may leave false information online to throw people off their trails. Or, there may be data trails that belong to someone else, particularly with recycled phone numbers and shared accounts. 

To handle this problem, you can:

  • Cross-verify online data with official records: voter rolls, DMV, utility bills, etc.

  • Monitor for recent activity, such as updated social profiles or credit inquiries, to verify current residences.

  • Consider behavioral patterns (like location tags and online purchases) to assess credibility.

6. Resource Constraints

Not every law firm has the time, training, or resources to dig deep, particularly when caseloads are heavy. 

Instead: 

  • Hire a professional skip tracing company, like Pro Legal.

  • Use automated tools for routine searches.

  • Maintain a centralized tracking system to avoid duplicate work and improve case flow.

Pass Your Skip Tracing Needs to Pro Legal in Minnesota 

When you need professional skip tracing services, choose Pro Legal. We provide up-to-the-minute live status of results and delivery, exceptional communication, and attention to detail. We have a long history of success, having been skip tracing since 1995!

Once we find the individual you’re looking for, we can also serve them if that's your ultimate goal. Our services are perfect for the busy law firm that needs some extra help. 

Request service online today!