How do professional skiptracers work?

Skiptracing is done by collecting as much information as possible about the subject. Sometimes the subject's current whereabouts are in the data, but is hidden by masses of information or disinformation. Most often the data will be used to identify third parties that might be able to assist the process.

This is where the job becomes more than mere research since one must often employ methods of social engineering to get information without compromising the search.

A common tactic involves calling or visiting former neighbors, employers or other known contacts to ask about the subject, sometimes under false or misleading pretenses. In most jurisdictions this deception, known as pretexting, is legal.

Records that "skiptracers" use may include phone number databases, credit reports (including information provided on a loan application, credit card application, and in other debt collector databases), job application information, criminal background checks, utility bills (electricity, gas, water, sewage, phone, internet, and cable), social security, disability, and public tax information.

These methods don't break any law because the information is freely available due to the nature of the business, whether it be debt collectors, bounty hunters, or other "skiptracers".