Skip tracing

Skip tracing is the process of locating individuals who have “skipped” or disappeared, typically to avoid legal obligations such as debt repayment, legal notices, or other contractual responsibilities. In Australia, skip tracing is often used by debt collectors, private investigators, law firms, and even in the real estate industry. The process involves gathering as much information as possible to track down the person, and it requires a combination of online tools, databases, and investigative techniques.

1. The Skip Tracing Process in Australia

The skip tracing process typically follows these key steps:

Step 1: Gather Known Information

Begin with the basic known details about the person, such as:

• Full name (including any known aliases)
• Last known address (even if outdated)
• Date of birth
• Phone number(s)
• Email addresses
• Known employers or business affiliations

Step 2: Check Public Records

Australia has several public records that may provide useful data, including:

• Property ownership records

  : Check state-based property databases to see if the person owns real estate. If you have a last known address, you can also check the Australian Property Monitors (APM) or RP Data.
• Court records and legal documents: These can reveal whether the person is involved in any ongoing legal proceedings, such as bankruptcy or family court matters.
• Voter registration: Australian citizens who are over 18 are required to vote and are listed in the electoral rolls (available to certain registered parties or with the correct authority).

Step 3: Use Online Databases and Tools

Various databases and skip tracing tools help you access both public and private information. These tools often search through multiple sources quickly and provide more current data than can be found manually.

2. Tools and Databases for Skip Tracing in Australia

1. Australian Skip Tracing & People Search Databases

• ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission): Search for business names, company records, and other corporate data. This can help track a person through their business associations.
• Personal Public Records Databases: Some databases can access electoral rolls (not always public), court judgments, or address history, which can be helpful when trying to track someone.

2. Commercial Skip Tracing Tools

These tools often pull together various records and provide comprehensive reports:

• Veda (now Equifax): One of Australia’s largest credit bureaus, Veda provides credit reports and other financial records that can be critical in locating someone.
• Accurint: This service provides a comprehensive set of information, including address history, phone numbers, criminal records, and more.
• CRO (Credit Reporting Offices): Offers credit history data, which can be important for locating people through their credit activity.

3. Online People Search Tools

• White Pages Australia: This is a standard tool for finding residential addresses and phone numbers. It’s helpful for looking up individuals’ contact information, though it might not always be up-to-date.
• TruePeopleSearch: A people search engine that allows you to find contact details, including addresses, phone numbers, and social media profiles.

4. Social Media Platforms

Social media can be a useful skip-tracing tool:

• Facebook: The platform is widely used in Australia, and many people leave traces of personal information, including locations, job history, and friends that might offer clues.
• LinkedIn: Professional networks can often help you trace a person through their current or previous employers.
• Instagram & Twitter: These platforms sometimes contain location data and other personal details that can help with the tracing process.

5. Private Investigator Tools

Hiring a private investigator or using specialized investigation databases can be particularly helpful. Investigators often have access to proprietary databases and the legal expertise to track people.

3. Other Techniques and Considerations

Phone Number Tracing

Phone tracing can be an essential step in locating someone, especially if they have an unlisted or mobile number. Some skip tracers will use services that reverse lookup phone numbers, connecting them to an address or account. Services like Mobile Phone Directory or TrueCaller can help identify the owner of a number, even if it’s not publicly listed.

Use of Directories and Reverse Lookup Tools

• Yellow Pages Australia: Another directory service that lists businesses and sometimes residential numbers.
• Reverse Email Lookup: Tools that allow you to reverse search an email address to find associated data such as location, social media accounts, or phone numbers.

Engaging in Fieldwork

When digital tools and databases don’t provide enough information, skip tracers often resort to traditional methods, such as:

• Door knocking: Visiting the last known address or contacting neighbors.
• Surveillance: In certain cases, private investigators use surveillance techniques to observe the individual’s movements or interactions.

4. Legal Considerations in Skip Tracing in Australia

It’s important to ensure that any skip tracing efforts are compliant with Australian privacy laws, particularly:

• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth): The Privacy Act governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. Ensure that any data collected in the skip tracing process is done in accordance with the Act.
• Telecommunications (Consumer Protection) Act 1999: This legislation restricts certain types of calls and other communication methods that could be used in skip tracing.
• Do Not Call Register: Make sure that you don’t violate the “Do Not Call” registry by calling numbers that are listed.

Violating privacy laws or overstepping legal boundaries in an attempt to locate someone could lead to fines or lawsuits. Always ensure that your skip tracing process is legally sound, and avoid harassment or illegal surveillance techniques.

Conclusion

Skip tracing in Australia involves a combination of digital tools, databases, and investigative methods to locate individuals who have deliberately or inadvertently disappeared. By using the right tools and techniques (and staying within legal boundaries), you can maximize the chances of locating a person. For businesses or individuals looking to skip trace in a professional capacity, using a combination of credit and public records, online people search tools, and sometimes field investigation is key to success.

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