Social Media Search vs Skip Trace: When to Use Each

Digital vs Traditional Investigation

Social media searches and skip traces approach investigation from different angles. Skip tracing searches structured databases for verified contact information. Social media searches scour digital platforms for activity, connections, and lifestyle evidence.

The best investigations often combine both approaches — skip tracing for verified addresses and phone numbers, social media for supplementary intelligence and evidence.

When Social Media Wins

Social media searches are particularly valuable when subjects are off the grid in traditional databases but active online, when you need evidence of lifestyle or activities, or when investigating fraud where social media posts may contradict claims.

For insurance fraud, workers' compensation cases, and custody disputes, social media evidence can be more valuable than traditional skip trace data.

Combining Both Services

For thorough investigations, we recommend starting with a comprehensive skip trace for verified contact information, then adding a social media search for digital intelligence. This dual approach provides both actionable data and contextual evidence.