Small Business Information

The Types of Skip Trace Accounts


First, we need to define the different kinds of skip trace. There are three basic types of skip trace accounts, they are:

The Typo Account

This account is really not a skip trace account. The reason that the information is not correct for this debtor is because their information was erroneously inputted into your record system. A common example of this is- John Q Debtor 123 Main St and it is put into your record system as 321 Main St. This kind of account is usually fairly easy to correct.

The Unintentional Account

This account happens because the debtor just does not notify your company to update their information with your company when they move and change residences. Most of the time they are not trying to hide from you, they just moved and forgot to tell you. They are making no efforts to hide their current location.

The Professional Runner

These are the hard ones! The reason for someone to be in this category can vary. They will either fall into one of two sub categories. It could be that they live paycheck to paycheck and have fallen behind and have no idea how to catch up so they avoid you until they can figure out a way to repay you. They honestly intend to repay you they just don't know how. The other end of this spectrum is the individual who really has no intent on repaying in the first place. These debtors make every effort to cover their tracks, move often and tell untruths to avoid contact with you.

To know which type of skip trace account you have helps you determine which direction to move within the account. For example start off by checking the information in your record system with any paperwork that would have been originally filled out by your debtor. Make sure it matches. It does, Okay. What else is there? Are there any references, emergency contacts, someone else on the account or employment information? What was the last bit of information that you got from your customer? Does your company utilize caller ID? If not, you should. Record the phone numbers coming in. You never know when this could be useful. Reverse the number and see who it belongs to. In your record system do you keep notes each time there is contact with your customer. Review the notes what are some clues? If you do not, it is extremely recommended that you start! Did your customer send you a payment by mail? What are the name and the address on the check? What is the postmark on the envelope?

This has been an introduction to skip tracing. This is only the first step of many to become well versed in skip tracing. There are volumes of information on how to locate people, collateral and assets some can really help you out.

Happy hunting.

Ron Cooper
ACCURATE INTELL.COM
http://www.accurateintell.com
PO Box 30485
Greenville, NC 27833
(252)375-0262


MORE RESOURCES:

Small Business Champions Reach Out to Cincinnati Entrepreneurs
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
Small-business software leader Intuit joined forces this morning with the Hamilton County Development Company (HCDC) and the Computer and Communications ...


City, Hispanic Chamber launch small business program
Bizjournals.com, NC - 2 hours ago
Portland officials have teamed up with the city’s Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber chapter on a new small business assistance program. ...


MLive.com

Use collaboration as a tool to grow your small business
MLive.com, MI - 10 hours ago
This seems a reasonable, even intelligent approach to incorporate into building a successful small business. So why don't more small businesses use ...
Lending to small business in state on par with nearby states ... Crain's Detroit Business
all 2 news articles


StartupNation and Microsoft Office Live Small Business Search for ...
FOXBusiness - Aug 20, 2008
According to the Small Business Administration, over half of all US businesses are based out of an owner's home, and home-based businesses contribute more ...


UTSA Today

UTSA Institute for Economic Development: a big resource for small ...
UTSA Today, TX - 5 hours ago
Through UTSA's Institute for Economic Development and Small Business Development Center, the events help fuel business growth and demand for UTSA graduates ...
East Texas Business Briefs Tyler Morning Telegraph
all 2 news articles


Big Feet Pajama Co. Finalist For Biz E’s Innovative Small ...
Eworldwire (press release), NJ - 8 hours ago
The annual BIZ E Awards are the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce's salute to small business. Nominees and winners are recognized for their contributions and ...


EL boom can be driven by small business
Dispatch Online, South Africa - 18 hours ago
By GRANT WHEATLEY I HAD the privilege of hearing Tom Peters speak at the International Council of Shopping Centres Convention held in Las Vegas in the ...


Regulatory Expert Jamie Belcore Joins Advocacy
MarketWatch - 7 hours ago
Regulatory expert Jamie Belcore has joined the Office of Advocacy of the US Small Business Administration. As a full-time regulatory attorney, ...


Microsoft: Small Business Server 2008 Hits RTM
Windows & Net Magazine, OH - 3 hours ago
Microsoft recently sent word that part of its Windows Essential Server Solutions product family--Windows Small Business Server 2008 (SBS2008)--has been ...


Credit Cards Replace Small Business Loans
BusinessWeek - Aug 20, 2008
by John Tozzi The 30% interest rate on their small business credit card shocked James and Heather Hills enough to stop using it entirely in April. ...

Small-Business - Google News

home | site map
© 2006