Avoiders are skilled at staying off the radar. If you’re trying to locate someone who doesn’t want to be found, preparation is key. Make sure you gather as much information as possible—this includes their last known address, vehicle details, and information about family members or anyone who might live with them, such as a spouse, children, or roommates. Any small detail can make a big difference in your search.
Here are some practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you track down avoiders effectively.
Having a well-thought-out plan is essential. Follow these steps:
Review all the information you’ve gathered.
Verify that the subject’s details are accurate.
Organize the data to decide which pieces are most useful.
Run your search and carefully analyze the results.
For a more detailed breakdown, check out resources like The Art of Skip Tracing, which explains the basics in greater detail.
2. Look Into Vehicle Registrations
Vehicle registrations often provide valuable clues. Many states require proof of residency to renew a vehicle’s registration. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) verifies residency using official documents, which can help you confirm where the person might live.
3. Investigate Close Relationships
Friends and family can provide leads on the avoider’s whereabouts. Search for details about a spouse, children, or roommates from their last known address. For instance, some people may use a child’s Social Security Number (SSN) to qualify for a new residence. By tracking these connections, you might find where the avoider is staying now.
4. Trace Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
Phone numbers can lead to many clues, such as the person’s employer, businesses they frequent, or even a friend’s address. Email addresses are often connected to social media accounts, employers, or other online platforms. Even if someone changes their email, older accounts may still hold useful information about their city or other identifying details.
5. Try a Postal Search
A postal search can reveal a lot, including previous addresses, current locations, or recently updated information. Here’s how to perform one:
Visit the USPS website (usps.com).
Enter the zip code and locate the post office information.
Contact the post office to find the person handling PCO (postal customer orders).
Fax a request marked with “URGENT: COURT DEADLINE PENDING.”
Follow up after two days.
Keep in mind that postal searches can take some time, so they’re better suited as a backup method rather than your first approach.
6. Check Local Jails
If a postal search doesn’t yield results, the person may be in jail. Look up local jails or correctional facilities to see if the individual has been arrested or incarcerated recently.
7. Talk to Neighbors
Sometimes, neighbors can offer valuable information about the avoider. Sending a private investigator (PI) to speak with them can help you learn whether the person still lives at their last known address or has moved elsewhere. Many neighbors are willing to help if approached politely and given a good reason for the inquiry.
8. Search Public Records
Public records, such as criminal records or court documents, can provide clues. For example, if the person was recently released from jail, their parole officer might have details about their address. Family or friends who posted bail for the individual could also lead you to useful information.
9. Contact the County Assessor
The county assessor’s office can help you find the current owner of a property, which might provide a forwarding address or clues about when the person moved out.
10. Check Utility Records
Utilities like water, electricity, internet, or trash service often leave a paper trail when someone moves. A change in utility accounts can reveal the avoider’s current location, even if they haven’t updated their official address.
11. Use Reliable Databases
Databases are a powerful tool for skip tracing. They can include details like date of birth, Social Security Number, driver’s license information, and more. Regularly check these resources to ensure your data is up-to-date.
Final Thoughts
Locating someone who doesn’t want to be found requires patience, organization, and attention to detail. By using these practical skip tracing tips, you can increase your chances of finding the information you need.
Do you have any additional tips or strategies that work well? Share them in the comments below!
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