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Writer's pictureBrock H.

From Missing to Found: How Skip Tracing Solves the Mystery


In the world of investigations, skip tracing stands out as a powerful technique used to locate individuals who have seemingly vanished from the grid. From debt collectors and car dealerships searching for repossessed vehicles to estranged families seeking to reconnect, skip tracing serves as the key to solving the mystery of missing persons. Let's delve into the fascinating world of skip tracing, exploring the methods and strategies employed to bring the missing back into the fold.



A man looks into his phone, searching for lost loved ones. The lighting is moody and lonely
Your search for lost loved ones doesn't have to be endured alone.


1. Who Might Need Skip Tracing?

Skip tracing is a versatile tool that can be called upon by various individuals and entities.


  • Estranged Family Members: Families looking to reconnect with long-lost loved ones, such as adopted adults searching for birth parents or those seeking missing relatives, often turn to skip tracing.

  • Divorce Proceedings: Locating missing spouses or individuals for the purpose of serving divorce papers is another application of skip tracing.

  • Car Dealerships: In cases of vehicle repossession, skip tracing helps car dealerships locate and recover their assets.

  • Legal Professionals: Skip tracing is essential for legal professionals seeking to locate and contact witnesses in criminal and civil cases. It aids in gathering crucial testimonies and evidence.

  • Online Audits: Assess your own personal exposure online. We can help identify forgotten accounts, discover publicly accessible forums, and mitigate unwanted digital connections. Managing your digital footprint and presence can be crucial for professionals and those undergoing public scrutiny.


A missing person poster, please help, searching for a lost person
Finding People Who are Lost or Don't Want to be Found can Take a Team of Professionals

2. Information Gathering

The first step in any skip tracing endeavor is collecting as much information as possible about the missing person. This may include their full name, date of birth, last known address, phone numbers, social security number, known associates, place of employment, identifying vehicle information, social media handles, and any other details that can aid in the search.



Private Eye takes notes while interviewing a client about a missing person
We work with clients to gather all the Known information, before diving into the Unknown and shining a light.


3. Database Searches

Licensed Private Investigators, like those at Utah's Private Eyes Investigation Firm, play a pivotal role in skip tracing. They have access to specialized databases and software tools that search public records, government databases, and online activity. These tools are critical for uncovering information that can lead to the whereabouts of the missing individual.



Private Eyes Investigation Firm Utah Detective Board Evidence Solving Mystery Lost Persons Skip Tracing
The Private Eyes Investigation Firm of Utah is here to help gather evidence and solve the mystery of your missing person.


Creative tricks may also be employed, such as using a known license plate number to watch for a newly registered home address, or pinging a previously placed tracker's location to unknown coordinates, then using property records with the county assessor to reveal property ownership, offering valuable clues as to who they may be spending time with. Trained and specialized Private Investigators have an arsenal of tools and methods up their sleeves for cases like this.



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We use every available resource and sift through all the information to find the answers you need.


4. Online Research

In today's digital age, social media and online platforms have become valuable sources of information. Private Eyes Investigation Firm even employs an investigator who specializes in Online Audits, scouring the internet for digital footprints that may lead to the missing person.



A phone opened to a social media website facebook next to a laptop . Skip tracing, investigations, missing person
Social Media is an amazing tool for connecting and sharing. It's also a powerful resource in the world of Skip Tracing.


5. Contacting Known Associates

Sometimes, skip tracers reach out to known associates of the missing person. Friends, family members, coworkers, or acquaintances might provide valuable insights or direct investigators to the person's current location. It's crucial to note that contacting known associates is a task best handled by skip tracing professionals. Not only does this approach ensure your safety, but it also helps keep all actions legal and within the bounds of privacy regulations.



A man interviews another young man about where a missing person was last seen for a skip tracing job
Interviewing friends or known associates can lead to vital clues, when done right.


6. Surveillance

In certain situations, surveillance may be necessary to observe the movements of the missing individual discreetly. This method is used with utmost professionalism and adherence to the law.


A man takes photos of a person of interest from his vehicle on the street for a missing person skip tracing investigation
A Licensed Investigator knows the ins and outs of how to legally and safely conduct surveillance and gather crucial evidence.

In such cases, the investigators at Private Eyes possess the tools and experience necessary to not only unobtrusively observe the individual but also meticulously document their comings and goings, behavior, and interactions with associates. This comprehensive documentation is vital for legal proceedings and ensuring the integrity of the investigative process.


7. What Next?

Once the missing person is located, the journey doesn't always end there. Skip tracing often leads to further actions, such as delivering important documents with the help of a process server, setting up ongoing surveillance, or gathering evidence that could be used in court proceedings.


legal court columns judicial system. Next steps in an investigation
Private Eyes is here for every step of your investigation, from evidence gathering to delivering important documents with our Process Servers.

At Private Eyes Investigation Firm, we're dedicated to assisting you every step of the way, ensuring that the mystery is not just solved, but the necessary steps are taken to address your specific needs and goals.


Skip tracing is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, offering a lifeline to those in search of answers and reconnection. It underscores the power of persistence and the invaluable role of our licensed Investigators.


If you're looking to find someone, let Private Eyes be your guiding light. Contact us today to let our licensed skip tracing professionals solve the mystery and lead the way from missing to found.


Private Eyes Investigation Firm Utah Detectives Investigators How to find missing persons


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