What is skip tracing?

What is Skip Tracing?

Skip tracing is the process of locating individuals whose current whereabouts are unknown. It is widely used in debt recovery, legal investigations, and asset reunification, helping businesses and professionals track down individuals for various legitimate purposes. Whether it’s tracing debtors who have moved without updating their contact details or finding missing persons, skip tracing combines advanced technology, investigative techniques, and analytical skills to deliver accurate results.

Key Applications of Skip Tracing

Skip tracing plays a crucial role in multiple industries, including:

  • Debt Recovery – Identifying and locating debtors who have skipped town or changed addresses without notifying creditors.
  • Asset Reunification – Helping individuals reclaim lost assets such as pensions, dormant bank accounts, and unclaimed property.
  • Legal Investigations – Finding witnesses, serving legal documents, or tracking individuals involved in court cases.
  • Missing Persons Searches – Assisting in locating vulnerable individuals, long-lost relatives, or those intentionally avoiding detection.

Skip Tracing Techniques

Effective skip tracing in the UK relies on a mix of digital tools, databases, and investigative methods, all while adhering to strict data protection laws. Key techniques include:

  • Database Searches – Checking public records such as electoral rolls, court filings, property registries, and business directories to gather essential information.
  • Social Media Investigation – Leveraging platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to uncover clues about a person’s current location, employment, or connections.
  • Interviews & Networking – Engaging with associates, relatives, and colleagues to gather potential leads and verify new information.

Legal & Ethical Considerations in Skip Tracing

Skip tracing must be conducted in compliance with UK data protection laws, including GDPR. Professionals must ensure that all data collection and processing activities are lawful, transparent, and accountable. By following ethical guidelines and maintaining accurate documentation, skip tracers build trust and credibility while delivering reliable results.

Looking for professional skip tracing services? Contact our expert team today to locate individuals quickly and efficiently while staying fully compliant with legal requirements.


If you can't find your debtor, they'll never pay.

Get in touch with UK Tracing today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tracing agent?

Tracing agents specialise in finding the current address for your subject. Use cases include locating your debtors, getting an up to date address to serve legal documents and reconnecting with old customers, friends or family.

What does 'no trace, no fee' mean?

For our address tracing service, if we can’t find a new address or confirm the current address for your subject, you don’t pay. In the rare event of this happening, your payment will be refunded in full.

What counts as a positive trace?

A trace is regarded as positive when we either find a new address, or confirm the current address for your subject.

Who are UK Tracing?

UK Tracing are a people tracing service, locating your gone-away customers of family and friends to a new address. A trading style of STA International Limited, we have over 20 years experience in tracing our clients’ gone-away subjects.

Can I place multiple files to be traced?

We provide regular and bulk tracing services to numerous letting agents and solicitors. To enquire about discounts that are available for bulk and repeat traces, please contact us on 01622 528 544 or email us at [email protected]

Do you offer a trace and collect service?

As part of leading UK debt collection agency, STA International, we do offer trace and collect services. We’ll trace your subject to their current address and then attempt to collect the debt owed to you. Contact us for more information on this service.

What information do you need to start a trace?

To start tracing, we usually need basic information such as the name, date of birth, last known address, and any relevant information. The more details you can provide, the quicker and more accurate the search will be.

What is beneficiary tracing?

Beneficiary tracing involves locating individuals who are entitled to inherit from a will, estate, or trust. This service is often used when family members or heirs are missing or unknown, and their whereabouts need to be confirmed to settle the estate.

Copyright: © 2025 UK Tracing. UKTracing is a trading style of STA International Limited. Registered in England & Wales. Company Registration Number: 02893487