Overview
Skip tracing and people search are both methods of locating individuals, but they differ significantly in scope, depth, and use cases. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right service for your needs.
A people search is typically a basic lookup that returns publicly available information like addresses and phone numbers. A skip trace is a comprehensive investigation using proprietary databases, cross-referenced records, and professional analysis to locate someone who cannot be found through simple searches.
When to Use Each Service
Use a people search when you have a name and need basic contact information — a current address or phone number for someone who hasn't actively tried to avoid being found.
Use a skip trace when the subject has moved without forwarding information, has common names requiring precise identification, or when you need court-admissible documentation of your search efforts.
Which Should You Choose?
For legal proceedings, debt collection, or professional investigations, a comprehensive skip trace is almost always the better choice. The additional data sources, verification steps, and professional analysis provide the accuracy and documentation these situations require.
For casual reconnection or basic contact updates, a people search may be sufficient and more cost-effective.
| Feature | Skip Trace | People Search |
|---|---|---|
| Data Sources | 20+ billion records, proprietary databases | Public records, basic databases |
| Verification | Cross-referenced & analyst-verified | Automated results |
| Court Admissible | Yes — formatted reports | Generally no |
| Success Rate | 95%+ | 60-70% |
| Turnaround | Same day to 24 hours | Instant |
| Best For | Legal, collections, investigations | Basic contact lookups |