Skip tracing for debt collection is finding people who have defaulted on their debts to collect the outstanding balance. This is a must for debt collectors to use various tools to get current contact info, and having access to comprehensive data is crucial for efficient skip tracing. Debt collection software plays a significant role in streamlining the debt recovery process by integrating features like skip tracing and high-security options. In this post we’ll show you the top skip tracing tools for debt collection 2024 and their features, pros and cons to help you choose the one that fits you.
You need the right skip tracing tool to find debtors. Here are the top skip tracing tools for debt collection 2025, each good at something.
- Best for Data Access: Thomson Reuters CLEAR
- Best for Legal Compliance: LexisNexis Accurint for Collections
- Best for Real-Time Data: idi Skip Tracing
- Best for Credit-Based Skip Tracing: Transunion
- Best for Advanced Search: Delvepoint
- Best for Bulk Skip Tracing: Tracers
What is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing is a process used to locate individuals who have gone missing or are difficult to find, often for debt collection or other financial purposes. It involves gathering and analyzing data from various sources, such as public records, credit reports, and social media platforms, to identify the individual’s current contact information and whereabouts. Skip tracing is a crucial step in the debt recovery process, as it enables collection agencies to locate and contact debtors who have skipped town or are hiding from their financial obligations.
How Skip Tracing Works
Skip tracing typically begins with collecting bits of information about the individual in question, such as their name, address, phone number, and social security number. This information is then analyzed and cross-referenced with data from multiple sources, including public records, credit reports, and social media platforms. Sophisticated skip tracing tools and software are used to identify patterns and connections between the data, which helps to pinpoint the individual’s current location and contact information. The goal of skip tracing is to provide accurate and reliable data that can be used to contact the debtor and recover the outstanding debt.
Skip Tracing Tools for Your Needs
The right skip tracing tool for you depends on your needs, data access, integration of public and proprietary data, real-time updates, or legal compliance.
We’ll get into each tool to help you make an informed decision.
Thomson Reuters CLEAR Skip Tracing - Best for Data Access
Price: Varies by subscription.
- Data access
- Personalized reporting
- High ROI
- Expensive for small agencies
The Thomson Reuters CLEAR Skip Tracing tool is good at providing access to comprehensive data, which is key for debt collectors in their search. It allows users to search into a vast network of public records and databases to find people fast and accurately. Personalized reporting lets you create and export custom reports to skip trace.
I’ve used the tool myself and seen a big improvement in our skip tracing. Companies have seen results in just one year of using this system. While small agencies may have cost concerns, having access to accurate and current info is worth it for the big impact it has on your business.
- Data Access: 5/5
- User Experience: 4/5
- Cost: 3/5
LexisNexis Accurint for Collections - Best for Legal Compliance
Price: Varies by subscription.
- Legal compliance
- Data solutions
- Data accuracy
- User interface is complex
Despite the complex user interface, Accurint is a trusted tool to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and give debt collectors current info—two key to our success in collections. The tool supports effective skip tracing efforts while ensuring legal compliance, making it invaluable for uncovering valuable insights into individuals' whereabouts and financial activities. The benefits of legal compliance and accurate data makes investing in Accurint a smart and worthwhile move.
- Legal Compliance: 0/5
- Data Accuracy: 0/5
- User Experience: 0/5
idi Skip Tracing - Best for Real-Time Data
Price: Varies by subscription.
- Real-time data
- Multiple data points
- Financial indicators
- Interface is overwhelming
Skip tracing is what IDI Skip Tracing does best by providing real-time data to find debtors and people who have gone skip. They offer current data including personal info like names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, family members, associates and decedents. They have financial profiles with key markers like bankruptcies, liens and judgments to help collect debts.
IDI Skip Tracing software provides real-time data for effective skip tracing, offering current info to trace debtors accurately and fast. With its data feed that gives current info to trace debtors accurately and fast, IDI has become a must-have for debt collectors even with the complex interface upon first use. The amount of data available through IDI reduces the time spent searching and makes it a core tool in any collection strategy.
- Real-Time Data: 5/5
- User Experience: 3/5
- Data Variety: 4/5
Transunion - TLO
Price: Varies by subscription.
- Credit data
- Advanced tracking
- Credit info
- Credit only
Skip tracing is a valuable tool for debt collectors looking to find people and TransUnion has it covered with its broad access to credit data and advanced tracking. TransUnion's skip tracing work involves a detailed process of collecting and analyzing personal information to locate individuals, particularly debtors. This platform gives you access to a lot of financial info like credit scores, payment records and past due accounts which is key for debt collectors looking for credit activity data.
TransUnion uses advanced algorithms to find people where credit history is key. The service is spot on when it comes to finding people with multiple debts making it a must-have for professionals doing tracing even if it’s only financial related info.
- Credit Data: 0/5
- User Experience: 0/5
- Versatility: 0/5
Delvepoint
Price: Varies by subscription.
- Advanced search
- Relationship graph
- Secure
- Steep learning curve for new users
Delvepoint has advanced search functions making it a top choice for skip tracers who want to dig deep into the data. The platform has a relationship graph that visually shows the family ties and associations of people, key to successful collections. Delvepoint has user security with multi-factor authentication.
Delvepoint’s advanced searching, integrating public and proprietary data, has been a game changer. It has an easy interface and fast data access which makes it easy to find people although there might be a little bit of a learning curve for new users. The relationship graph is very helpful as it maps out connections between people that would otherwise go unnoticed.
- Search Capabilities: 5/5
- User Experience: 3/5
- Security: 4/5
Tracers
Price: Varies by subscription.
- Bulk skip tracing
- Cloud
- Data access
- Expensive for small agencies
Skip tracing gets a boost with Tracers, a cloud based solution for high volume skip trace. The platform has immediate access to skip tracing data from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy to make decisions. Users get Tracers’ user friendly search tools and easy to navigate data links and can use the API to batch skip tracing and robust trace capabilities. This technology is an addition to any professional’s skip tracing toolset.
Tracers is known for handling large amounts of data and gives users access to over 120 billion records. This is great for people searching. Although it’s a big investment that may not be cost effective for small agencies, the efficiency and data access justifies the cost for those who want thoroughness in their investigations.
- Bulk: 5/5
- Cost: 3/5
Skip tracing is a must for debt collectors who need to find people who haven’t paid their debts. To help with this, skip tracing tools gather information from multiple sources like public records, credit reports and specialized databases. These are essential as they have updated personal contact information and employment status which makes finding elusive debtors easier.
Tracers provides access to comprehensive data for bulk skip tracing, making it an invaluable tool for efficiently locating individuals and improving collection strategies. Continuous effort is required for skip tracing as initial searches usually lead to more searches than actual results. Tools like LexisNexis Accurint for Collections and Thomson Reuters CLEAR allows users to search for people using multiple search criteria even with old data. Staying compliant with privacy laws protects the company’s reputation and reduces legal liabilities.
To make sure your needs are met during the tracing process you need to know what each tool can do and where it falls short. Depending on whether you need access to large amounts of data, real time updates or batch processing, there’s a tool that caters to those needs in skip searching.
Best Practices for Skip Tracing
To ensure effective skip tracing, it’s essential to follow best practices, including:
- Verifying the accuracy of the data: Ensure that the data collected is accurate and up-to-date to avoid wasting time and resources on incorrect leads.
- Using multiple data sources: Cross-referencing data from multiple sources, such as public records, credit reports, and social media platforms, can help to identify patterns and connections that may not be apparent from a single source.
- Utilizing skip tracing tools and software: Sophisticated skip tracing tools and software can help to analyze and connect the data, making it easier to identify the individual’s current location and contact information.
- Following compliance regulations: Ensure that all skip tracing activities comply with relevant regulations, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), to avoid legal and reputational risks.
How to Choose the Best Skip Tracing Tool for You
Choosing the right skip tracing service should involve evaluating the features of different debt collection software, such as data accuracy, ease of use, and compliance with laws. Having a tracing service that has regularly updated and detailed information on right party contacts increases the chances of success. Having auto-updating and bulk handling features can be a big time saver in managing multiple prospects.
To get an idea of how reliable and efficient skip tracing services are, look at customer reviews and compare costs. Make sure the tool integrates with your existing system and has auto follow-ups to streamline your process.
In the end, finding the right skip tracing solution is all about matching it to your needs within your budget. Research your options and read customer reviews to find a tool that increases debt collection success.
FAQs
What is “permissible purpose” in skip tracing?
“Permissible purpose” is the legal reason debt collectors can retrieve an individual's credit information, usually for outstanding debts. Collectors must have this reason to be compliant.
What happens if a collector uses a skip tracing service without permissible purpose?
Using a skip tracing service without permissible purpose can result to serious legal consequences including FCRA violations.
Be compliant and avoid fines.
What types of bills do NOT come from a credit transaction?
Fees for towing, parking tickets and government fines are not from a credit transaction because they are usually enforced without prior solicitation of goods or services.
What to do when using social media for skip tracing?
Limit social media access to one user during skip tracing to prevent exposure to inappropriate content and reduce the risk of
Conclusion
In summary, the best skip tracing tools for 2025 have multiple features to cater to different needs. From large data access to real time updates and compliance to laws, these tools are designed to make your skip tracing more efficient and successful. Choose the right tool for your needs and streamline your debt recovery process and increase your success rates.
Moving forward, stay updated with the latest skip tracing technology. Effective skip tracing efforts can significantly improve debt recovery success. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the industry, these tools will help you find debtors faster and comply with laws. Choose well, happy tracing.
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