When you don’t have current contact information, your case stalls.
Professional Skip Tracing Services
Proceed provides reliable skip tracing services that deliver verified phone numbers, addresses, and email contacts drawing from a broad set of compliant sources. Every result goes through a validation process designed to ensure the information is current and usable — with an average 95% accuracy rate.
Whether you’re preparing for service of process, trying to reach the right party in a collections matter, locating a property owner, or conducting due diligence, our skip tracing services help you move forward with confidence.
What Is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing is the process of locating someone’s current contact information when they’ve moved, changed numbers, or left without updating their details. The term “skip” refers to someone who has “skipped out” from their last known location.
It’s more than a simple online search. Professional skip tracing uses multiple data sources and verification methods to identify accurate, up-to-date contact information.
Key Features
- Verified phone numbers, physical and mailing addresses, and email contacts
- 95% accuracy rate for validated contact information*
- Searches across multiple independent sources that include: public records, lawfully available contact and location indicators, and social media
- Results in less than 1 minute for single searches; batch processing for up to 10,000 records
- Searches conducted in accordance with applicable laws and permissible purpose requirements.
- Comprehensive reports that may include relatives and alternative contacts
Professional skip tracing goes far beyond Google searches. We pull from regulated data sources where permissible, utility records, property databases, social profiles, and other vetted sources that are not available through public search engines. Automated cross-referencing, combined with human review, helps ensure the information you receive is reliable and actionable.
*Accuracy rates based on internal validation. Results may vary depending on available data.
How Skip Tracing Works
1. Information Input
Provide the person’s full name and last known city and state. Additional details — such as a previous address, date of birth, phone number, email, or relatives’ names — can improve both speed and accuracy.
2. Multi-Database Search
Our system simultaneously searches across multiple independent sources that include: public records (property, court, voter registration), lawfully obtained identity and location data, utility connections, social media profiles, professional licenses, and licensed data services and verification tools. Advanced matching tools help filter out false positives.
3. Cross-Reference & Verification
We verify contact details by comparing multiple sources. Phone numbers are checked for status and connectivity. Addresses are validated against USPS and property records. Email addresses are screened for deliverability.
4. Results Delivery
Your skip trace report for single sources typically is delivered in less than a minute, with batch results available within 20–30 minutes on average. Each report consolidates current contact information, known associates, property data, and historical address information where available into a clear, organized summary.
5. Batch Processing (Optional)
Upload CSV files with hundreds or thousands of records for automated processing. Results include downloadable summaries and record-level status indicators—ideal for legal, recovery, investigative, and real estate professionals working at scale.
Who Uses Our Skip Tracing Services
Attorneys and Process Servers
seeking alternative addresses after an unsuccessful serve
Collections and recovery professionals
seeking updated contact details for lawful outreach
Real estate professionals
locating current property owners or occupants
Investigators and compliance teams
conducting due diligence or location verification
Skip Tracing FAQ
How accurate is skip tracing?
Professional skip tracing typically delivers 90–95% data accuracy. That means the contact information is current and correct.
Actual “connect rate” — meaning successfully reaching the person — averages 75–85%, since some individuals intentionally avoid contact or recently disconnected their information.
Results depend on how recently someone moved and how much data is available.
How long does skip tracing take?
Single searches typically return in under 60 seconds.
Batch processing is scalable:
- ~5 minutes for 100 records
- 20–30 minutes for 1,000 records
- 2–3 hours for 10,000 records
In fewer than five percent of cases, additional manual research may take 24–48 hours.
Is skip tracing legal?
Yes, when conducted with a permissible purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and using legally obtained data sources.
Permissible purposes include debt collection, legal proceedings, employment screening (with consent), insurance underwriting, and legitimate business transactions.
It may not be used for harassment, stalking, identity theft, or other unlawful purposes.
What information do I need to start skip tracing?
At minimum:
- Full name
- Last known city and state
Additional information — such as date of birth, previous address, phone number, partial SSN, or relatives’ names — can improve accuracy and speed.
What's the difference between skip tracing and a background check?
Skip tracing answers one question:
Where is this person now?
Background checks answer a different question:
What is this person’s history?
They serve different purposes and rely on different legal frameworks and data sources.
Do I need special permission to use skip tracing?
You need a permissible purpose under FCRA, which includes debt collection, legal proceedings, employment screening (with consent), insurance underwriting, credit decisions, or legitimate business transactions.
In most states, using skip tracing services does not require a special license (though some states require licensing for private investigators or bounty hunters). However, you’ll be required certify your permissible purpose when using our services.
Can I do skip tracing myself?
Yes, you can search public records, social media, and online directories. However, professional skip tracing provides:
- Access to paid and proprietary matching and validation methods
- Simultaneous cross-referencing from a broad set of compliant sources
- Verified data with significantly higher accuracy
- Substantial time savings
On average, data provided by professional skip tracing has 95% accuracy, compared to 40-60% associated with DIY success rates. For firms that need consistent, reliable results, professional services typically deliver better efficiency and ROI.
What databases do skip tracers use?
Professional skip tracing leverages multiple lawful data sources and verification tools.
These include public records such as property ownership, court filings, voter registration, professional licenses, and bankruptcy records. We also access lawfully obtained private data sources that provide identity and location insights, along with utility records and other subscription-based databases.
Digital sources — including social media profiles, online directories, and professional networks — help fill in additional context. In addition, we use proprietary aggregated datasets that compile information from multiple vetted sources.
Our databases refresh every 30 days, with priority sources updated weekly to help ensure results are as current as possible.
Is skip tracing confidential?
Yes. We use 256-bit encryption, secure servers, and strict access controls. Search activity is not shared with third parties.
In most cases, people are not notified they’ve been searched. However, if you use skip tracing results for regulated purposes (such as debt collection), you must comply with applicable disclosure requirements.
What if skip tracing doesn't find the person?
- Submitting additional identifying information
- Requesting manual investigation service (additional cost)
- Hiring a private investigator
- Pursuing legal options, such as court-ordered information disclosure
Can I integrate skip tracing into my CRM or software?
Yes. API access is available on Professional and Enterprise plans.
Our RESTful API provides JSON responses with real-time results, batch processing capabilities, webhook notifications, and comprehensive documentation.
Common integrations include Salesforce, Podio, HubSpot, and custom-built CRM platforms. With developer assistance, most integrations are completed in just a few hours.
Enterprise clients also receive technical support and implementation guidance to ensure the setup works smoothly within their environment.
Why Choose Proceed?
Proceed combines broad data access, automated cross-referencing, and human review to deliver contact information you can use with confidence.
Our reports are built for real-world application — whether you’re serving process, supporting lawful outreach and case progression, conducting investigations, or performing real estate research.
If an initial serve was unsuccessful and you need a verified new address, we’re ready to help.
