Choosing a People Tracing Service: 5 Questions to Ask

If you’re trying to locate someone – whether it’s a missing debtor, an absconded tenant, or a lost family member or friend – choosing the right tracing agency is essential. With so many providers claiming to be the best, how do you separate the reliable professionals from the rest?

Here are five essential questions to ask before choosing a people tracing service in the UK.

1. How accurate are your results?

Success rates can vary depending on the information provided, but what really matters is how accurate the results are when someone is found.

At UK Tracing, around 70% of trace requests are successful – but of those, over 99.9% are accurate. That means when we say we’ve found someone, you can trust the address is correct. Our accuracy rate is better than 1 error in every 1,000 cases, giving our clients complete confidence in taking the next step.

2. Do you comply with UK regulations?

Tracing people involves accessing sensitive information, so legal compliance is non-negotiable. Ask whether the agency operates in line with the Data Protection Act, GDPR, and other relevant legislation.

UK Tracing follows strict ethical and legal standards, conducting all searches in compliance with UK privacy laws to protect you and your organisation.

3. What is your turnaround time?

Speed matters, especially if you’re dealing with time-sensitive legal or financial matters. Some agencies may take days or even weeks to respond.

We offer a 24–48 hour turnaround on most trace requests, so you’re not left waiting to take action.

4. How is pricing structured? Are there hidden fees?

A trustworthy tracing service will offer clear, upfront pricing. Look for services that work on a “no trace, no fee” basis and avoid agencies with unclear charges or surprise add-ons for extra information, or expedited delivery.

At UK Tracing, our standard address trace is charged at £30 + VAT per successful trace. If we can’t find your subject, you pay nothing. It’s that simple.

5. What sources of data do you use?

The quality of the result depends on the quality of the data. Reputable tracing agencies have access to advanced databases including credit reference data, electoral rolls, and financial activity logs.

Our experienced team combines cutting-edge data access with expert human analysis, ensuring you get accurate, actionable results, not guesswork.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right people tracing service isn’t just about finding someone, it’s about doing it ethically, accurately, and without hassle.

By asking these five questions, you’ll not only protect your reputation but also increase your chances of success. At UK Tracing, we’re proud to offer a transparent, reliable and results-driven service trusted by solicitors, landlords, councils, and businesses across the UK.

Ready to get started?
👉 Submit a trace request now – No trace, no fee.


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

Get in touch with UK Tracing today.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 30 years experience in tracing our clients’ gone-away subjects.

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.

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