Skip tracing is a crucial tool in legal investigations, particularly for attorneys who need to locate individuals or businesses for serving subpoenas, recovering debts, or verifying information. However, not all skip tracing investigation services are created equal. While cheaper, automated database searches or do-it-yourself online hunts may seem attractive because they cost less to conduct, the depth and accuracy of investigator-led skip tracing often justifies the additional investment.
Skip tracing quality matters when the case is at stake. Locating key witnesses, finding people who owe money, or reaching next of kin are important to the matter and the client. Paying more for an investigator to provide a higher skip tracing level with advanced techniques is worth it to receive comprehensive, accurate, and verified results.
Automated Searches vs. Investigator-Led Searches
Many skip tracing services rely on automated, database-driven searches. These services, while fast and inexpensive, typically pull information from publicly available sources like credit records, utility bills, and other digital footprints. Although this can provide a quick snapshot of a person’s whereabouts, the data can often be outdated, incomplete, or simply inaccurate. Automated searches are limited to the information that is readily available in databases, which leaves out a wealth of details that may be crucial to a legal case.
On the other hand, investigator-led skip tracing goes beyond basic database searches. Investigators not only have access to the same databases but also employ a range of additional techniques that are often overlooked in automated searches. For instance, an investigator can:
- Conduct social media searches: People often leave digital trails on social media that aren’t captured in conventional databases.
- Utilize deep web searches: Beyond the surface web, investigators can access hard-to-find information on the deep web, such as forum posts, obscure records, or even hidden personal profiles.
- Access collective camera footage: Some investigators can use collective camera systems across the U.S., which might capture images or movements that database reports can’t detect.
These tools enable investigators to gather more accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring that the results are not only comprehensive but also verified. For attorneys, this difference can be crucial in tracking down elusive individuals, businesses, or assets that automated systems may miss.
The Value of Paying More for Higher-Level Skip Tracing
While it may be tempting to opt for lower-cost database reports, you risk receiving incomplete or incorrect data. In many cases, automated search results generate multiple possible addresses, often leading to a scattershot approach to service of process. Any initial savings from a low-cost search can quickly evaporate when process servers are sent to incorrect or outdated locations, resulting in wasted time and resources. By investing in a more comprehensive, investigator-led skip tracing service, attorneys can ensure they are working with verified data that holds up in court or other legal proceedings.
The value of an experienced investigator lies in their ability to interpret and verify the information they uncover. They don’t simply generate a report — they analyze it, cross-check the data, and fill in gaps with human insight. This thorough approach not only provides lawyers with the answers they need but also saves time and resources by preventing mistakes down the line.
Offering Customizable, Low-Cost Options
However, not every case requires a full-scale investigation. In some instances, you may already have a potential lead on a subject’s location but need additional information to verify it. To address these needs, First Legal investigators offer customizable, low-cost, a la carte options. These targeted searches can confirm specific details, such as vehicle registration to uncover license plate numbers or utility account information to verify a specific address. These options are perfect for attorneys who have already gathered some information but need to confirm a few key facts before proceeding.
By investing in thorough, high-level skip tracing legal investigations, attorneys can be confident in the accuracy of the findings, allowing them to focus on building a strong legal strategy.
For assistance locating people or information for your legal matter, contact First Legal and work with a skilled, discrete, and experienced skip tracing investigator.
