People tracing, also known as skip tracing or person locating, is the process of locating individuals who are missing, have gone into hiding, or are otherwise difficult to find. This can be done for various reasons, such as locating a debtor, finding a long-lost family member, tracking down witnesses for legal proceedings, or locating persons of interest for criminal investigations. People tracing is an essential skill for private investigators, law enforcement officers, and other professionals who work in the field of locating and apprehending individuals.
Here at People Tracing, we have many years’ experience when it comes to tracking down people who may not want to be found. Whether you’re looking for a missing loved one, to connect with an old friend or for legal or commercial purposes, our person tracing services are second-to-none. Our global presence means we’re able to trace people in more than 170 countries, helping you to get the answers, closure or results that you need.
There are several steps and techniques involved in the people tracing process:
Information Gathering
The first step in people tracing is to gather as much information about the subject as possible. This includes basic information like their name, date of birth, last known address, and social security number. It also includes more detailed information like their employment history, known associates, and any known habits or hobbies. This information can be obtained from public records, interviews with friends, family members, or colleagues, and online searches on social media and other platforms.
Database Searches
Once the basic information has been gathered, private investigators utilize various databases and information sources to find any additional information about the subject. These databases can include credit bureaus, utility companies, criminal records, and various public records. Access to these databases may require subscriptions, licensing, or authorization, and the availability of these resources can vary from country to country.
Surveillance
In some cases, physical surveillance is necessary to locate a subject. This can involve staking out their last known address or following leads provided by informants. Surveillance can be conducted by foot, vehicle, or even remotely using technology such as drones and GPS tracking devices. The goal of surveillance is to gather information that leads to the current whereabouts of the subject.
Social Engineering
Social engineering is the art of manipulating people into divulging information or performing actions that assist in the tracing process. This can involve techniques such as pretexting, in which the investigator assumes a false identity to gain the trust of the subject’s associates, or simply using a friendly demeanor to coax information from unsuspecting individuals.
International Tracing
In cases where the subject has fled to another country or has ties to multiple countries, international tracing may be necessary. This can be more challenging due to differences in laws, languages, and access to resources. Experienced investigators often have a network of contacts and resources in various countries, which can help facilitate the tracing process.
Analysis and Reporting
Once the subject has been located, the investigator will analyze the information gathered and provide a detailed report to the client, including the subject’s current whereabouts, any additional information obtained, and recommendations for further action, if necessary.
In conclusion, people tracing is a complex and multi-faceted process that requires a combination of skills, resources, and experience. With years of expertise in tracking people down across the world, a private investigator is well-equipped to locate individuals who have gone missing, are in hiding, or are otherwise difficult to find.
