Skip tracing is vital when locating someone who’s gone off the radar. Whether it’s a debtor, a missing family member, or a witness for a legal case, our San Diego skip tracing experts use proven methods to track them down quickly and accurately. With our years of experience and access to powerful investigative tools, you can trust that we’ll find the answers you need.
Our skip tracing services are designed to give you peace of mind. We combine thorough research with the latest technology to uncover even the most elusive individuals. Whether for personal, business, or legal reasons, we’re here to help.

What is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracking is a way to find people who have moved or run away. People disappear without a trace, either on purpose or by chance, which is part of the service people want. People want to find them.
Skip tracking is the smart use of public records, databases and profiles, social media, and many other research tools to determine where someone is. It can help with many different problems, from putting families back together to finding creditors.

How Does Skip Tracing Work?
Skip tracing is a detailed process of careful steps for collecting and verifying data concerning the person you’re trying to locate. Here’s a breakdown of how this process works.
Gathering Initial Information:
Investigators begin by gathering all possible information about the target subject:
- Full name – including any aliases or name changes.
- Last known address or location.
- Social Security number or driver’s license (if available).
- Any telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and social media profiles of the individual involved.
This step creates the foundation for the entire process, allowing investigators to cross-reference this data with various databases.
Analyzing Public Records:
The next step is burrowing into public records, which can yield some vital clues:
- Property records, utility bills, or DMV records can evidence recent moves.
- Other information that could be secured includes marriage licenses, bankruptcy filings, and court documents.
Using Investigative Databases:
Professionals also have access to specialized databases that aren’t available to the public. These databases pull information from a wide range of sources:
- Criminal record checks.
- Credit history and financial activities.
- Previous applications to other jobs or rental history.
Social Media and Online Presence:
Many people today leave a digital footprint on the social media sites, often without their knowledge:
- Investigators monitor networks like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Location tags, recent check-ins, or connections with others can offer useful information.
Cross-referencing and Verification:
Investigators then cross-reference it with all the information compiled:
- Comparing several sources for accuracy.
- Verifying addresses and contact details with known associates.
What Types of Cases Benefit from Skip Tracing?
Here's how it helps different groups.
For Individuals
- Reconnecting with lost relatives or friends: Skip tracing is ideal for losing contact with family members or old friends and wanting to reconnect.
- Locating heirs: Skip tracing will help find missing heirs for inheritance reasons or family matters, in a legal and timely manner.
For Businesses
- Recovery of debts: When the debtor disappears into thin air, skip tracing can help locate them and recover what is owed.
- Locating former employees or business partners: If one is looking for business associates or workers who have yet to become unreachable over time, skip tracing provides a correct solution.
For Lawyers
- Witness or defendant location: Sometimes, locating the right person can make all the difference in specific legal cases. Skip tracing helps attorneys locate hard-to-find witnesses and defendants who are important to building a formidable case.
How Long Does Skip Tracing Take?
Skip-tracing times differ depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of information available. It could take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to handle urgent situations like finding a debtor or a witness for a lawsuit. On the other hand, finding a long-lost family member might take longer, based on the number of leads available.
Please remember that each case is unique and that the time frame will depend on factors like the person’s online profile or legal situation. The process would go faster if more details could be provided.

Why Accuracy in Skip Tracing is Critical
Accuracy is the backbone of any successful skip tracing investigation. When looking for someone, anything less than correct or updated knowledge can set that person way back and may involve wasting precious time and resources.
To ensure accurate results, our team:
- Cross-references multiple data sources.
- Utilizes special tools for checking information.
- Bringing years of experience in handling a wide range of cases.
We combine our efforts with technology, complementing extensive research to provide accurate results.

What Tools We Use for Skip Tracing
Our skip tracing experts put to work advanced tools, coupled with investigative techniques, that let them find the people you need to find. Here’s a glimpse of some of the resources we can count on to accomplish the job:
Public Records:
Useful for conducting background checks on potential employees or business partners. This can help to uncover any potential red flags, such as a history of criminal activity or negative online behavior.
Specialized Databases:
Social media investigations can be used to conduct due diligence on a company or individual. This can help to uncover any potential risks or liabilities, such as a history of legal disputes or financial problems.
Social Media Analysis:
Information gathered can be used to assist in criminal investigations. This can help to uncover evidence of criminal activity, such as drug trafficking or cybercrime.
Credit and Financial Reports:
Social media investigations can be used to gather intelligence on a target for the purpose of espionage, or to identify the intent, capability, and opportunity of an individual or group that may pose a threat to an organization or other entity.
Surveillance Tools:
Social media investigation is a common tool used in family law, divorce, and child custody cases. It can help to uncover information on the lifestyle, assets, and activities of a spouse.
How Much Does Skip Tracing Cost?
Skip trace services generally cost between $125 and $500, depending on the case’s complexity. Basic cases, like debtor locating or address verification, would make up most of the lower-spectrum cases.
At the same time, more cases involving severe missing persons or long-lost relatives would tend to be higher. Of course, the exact cost will be determined by the amount of information given, how long it may take to trace the subject, and other probably required investigation techniques.
We are very transparent about our prices so that you will have a clear idea of how much everything costs, and there are no hidden fees. Sometimes, payment plans might be an option for more involved projects, easing into the process.
What Sets San Diego Private Investigations Apart?
At San Diego Private Investigations, we know that finding someone who has disappeared can be both stressful and overwhelming. That’s why we offer a personalized, client-focused approach to skip tracing. Our team of experienced investigators uses every tool to track down individuals quickly, accurately, and legally.
We have access to exclusive databases and networks that give us an edge in finding people who are hard to locate. Combined with our local expertise in the San Diego area, we offer a level of service that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a business owner looking to recover a debt, a lawyer needing to locate a witness, or someone searching for a missing relative, we’re here to help.
Our approach is not just about finding someone-it’s about providing answers. Every case is handled with care and confidentiality, ensuring that you get the results you need without compromising anyone’s privacy. From the moment you reach out to us, we keep you updated on every step so you’re never in the dark.
If you’re ready to get started with skip tracing, our team is just a call or click away. Let us take the stress out of the search-contact us today for a consultation


Contact Us for Your
Skip Tracing Needs
Skip tracing is invaluable for locating difficult-to-find people, whether for legal, personal, or business reasons. We’ve broken down how the process works, the tools we use, the types of cases we handle, and what sets us apart. We aim to provide fast, accurate, and reliable results for every client.
If you need help finding someone, contact San Diego Private Investigations today. We’re ready to assist you with any skip tracing needs. Call us now for a consultation and get started!
Skip Tracing FAQ
Is skip tracing legal and ethical?
Skip tracing is absolutely legal if conducted by licensed private investigators or professionals authorized for such investigations. At San Diego Private Investigations, we follow all local, state, and federal laws that ensure the legality and ethics of our methods. We also respect the privacy of all individuals who may be involved in the investigation process.
Can I request skip tracing for someone I don't have much information about?
Absolutely! Even with limited information, we can start a skip trace. Basic information is naturally preferred, such as the target’s full name and last known address, but other identifiers will do: phone numbers, emails, and social media profiles.
What if the person I'm looking for has changed their name?
Skip tracing methods are planned in such a way as to accommodate all types of name changes, including marriage, legal change, and aliases. Through numerous databases, our investigators use cross-referencing techniques to track an individual even when their name has varied.
How accurate is the information obtained from skip tracing?
Our skip tracing is quite accurate because we cross-reference information from various trusted sources like public records, specialized databases, and financial reports. No method can guarantee 100% accuracy, but we take every step to verify and validate the information that we have gathered.
Can skip tracing be used to find people internationally?
Skip tracing applies in international cases, though the process becomes more complex and time-consuming. It requires access to global databases and international investigative networks, though our team can handle the cases depending on the regulations of the country at hand.
What happens if skip tracing doesn’t locate the person?
While our success rates are very high, some may still need help. In those instances when the subject cannot be found after due diligence on all leads, we will compose a detailed report of what was performed and other potential steps that can be taken in continuing your search, if necessary, through further investigative means.
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