There’s “batch skip tracing” that real estate investor’s and flippers do to skip trace property owners and then there’s covert skip tracing done by private investigators, process servers, repo agents, fugitive recovery agents and others in the security and investigative profession.

When you’re searching online for skip tracing tips and tricks, be sure you understand whether or not the source or method you’re learning leaves a “footprint”.

Sometimes you don’t want to leave a trace that you’re looking for someone.

Why? Because if you tip them off before you find them, they can go into even deeper hiding!

If you think it’s hard to serve civil papers on a deadbeat ex-husband who owes a ton of court ordered back child support, just wait until he finds out a real private investigator is looking for him!

So, be careful who you’re learning from!

Another reason to learn from the right person…

Don’t get ANY paid training unless the person teaching it has produced the results in his life he’s promising to produce in your life!

BTW, I am Mr. Been-There-Done-That!

Skip tracing and other P.I. work is how I made my living for 9 years until I switched over to just training other pros! (Full Disclosure: I still do a ton in this field, but not for the general public like I used to.)

So, as Jim Rohn used to say: Be a student not a follower.

Take what I teach you her and learn for other pros to determine the best thing for your unique circumstances!

Committed to your success,
Larry Kaye,
Private Investigator &
Best Selling Author

P.S. – And, of course, don’t miss my special report titled… If You Want To be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless You Do These Three Things. You can get it right here…

As a private investigator, bounty hunter or “just” a professional skip tracer working for a company, you need to keep it legal and ethical so this week I’m sharing three things I never do while pretexting for information from a relative of the skip, his employer or any company that may have a lead for me!

This is not a legal thing… this is just some rules I have for myself. And obviously, this ain’t everything! (IE. You can never impersonate law enforcement, etc.)

Larry’s Three Nevers for Pretext

1. If a license is required.

I personally never pose as an occupation that requires a license.

I like to think this allows me a layer of protection from the accusation that I was somehow practicing ______________ without a license. (For example, medicine, law, etc.)

Of course the even more important thing is to not perform a pretext where you are actually practicing medicine, law or whatever!

2. I never pose as clergy.

I don’t want my skip, subject or bad guy to hesitate before going to clergy. I never want him to think he might get burned if he seeks help. I want him to turn his life around! So I never want to give a bad impression of clergy.

3. You can never do real harm.

Never do a pretext that actually causes your subject to lose money, a day of work or anything where he suffers a lose.

BONUS PRETEXT TIP

This is huge and super easy to miss…

Never do a pretext if your client prohibits it.

This can easy cost you a lucrative law firm client. If they say, “No pretext”, then don’t do it. Eventually, they’ll find out!

Summary:
Always keep it legal and ethical!

WARNING: I hope this is obvious, but NEVER pose as a Law Enforcement Officer! It’s super creepy and usually a felony!

Committed to your success,
Larry Kaye,
Private Investigator &
#1 Best Selling Author

P.S. – Don’t miss my special report, If You Want to be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless you Do These Three Things. You can get it for free right here…

Want to know what free public records search websites I use for license plate look-ups, skip tracing, criminal records checks, background checks and other private investigator work I do. The answer is:

The one that has the records I need! That’s is where I search public records!

Knowing the specific site I’m searching isn’t what’s important!

You need to search the site that are right for your location and your case. Different public records have different information.

Vehicular Accident Reports

Accident reports have addresses and phone numbers and known associates (riding in the car with the subject you’re investigating.

Inmate Records

Inmate records (AKA: Sheriff’s Booking Info) has dates of birth, inmate ID number, booking date, criminal charges, mugshots and sometimes even their next court date!

Police Radio Traffic

Police radio traffic or scanner traffic has a TON of good stuff, sometimes even including the owner of a car when searched by license plate number!

I can give you the exact website address so you can search the my county sheriff’s inmate records, but that’s not what you need! You need to find the site in YOUR area..

Same with the criminal court index and other government offices holding public records in your area.

In this weeks private investigator training video I explain step-by-step exactly how I solved my client’s problem without even leaving my office. I used all free online public records sites.

WARNING:

When you are searching online, be careful because the major search engines make their money when you click on their advertising links and they are not above tricking you into clicking the wrong link!

Usually the first few links that come up are advertisers who are trying to scam you or trick rip-off companies who have manipulated themselves higher that the legitimate office you’re actually looking for.

I hope that’s helpful!

Committed to your success,
Larry Kaye,
Private Investigator &
#1 Best Selling Author

P.S. – Want more solid info like this? Then don’t miss my special report titled… If You Want To be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless You Do These Three Things. You can get it right here…

For crime writers and mystery writers I am pleased to announce the release of a new book The Writer’s Guide to FBI Legal Procedures edited by me, Larry Kaye!

In this amazing writer’s resource you’ll discover:

The 5 exceptions to when a search warrant is needed (It’s not just for emergencies!)

What really happens when the FBI books a suspect.

Does the F.B.I need the name of a suspect to get an arrest warrant? No! (Finally, the truth about “John Doe Warrants”.)

Suspect’s incriminating statements that are subject to exclusion – and this has nothing to do with his Miranda Rights!

Do Search Warrants expire? What about Arrest Warrants? Is there may be a ticking clock? Find out here!

How long does the Special Agent have to get her arrestee in front of a judge (and what happens if she can’t!)

When the US Attorney’s order for arrest is NOT to be complied with.

When an F.B.I. Agent can legally make an arrest for NON-FEDERAL crimes. (Including when an Agent is required to defend himself as an “ordinary citizen”!)

When Special Agents can make a arrest without a warrant. (And, interestingly how this compares to a “citizen’s arrest”.)

Can an anonymous sources really be used to determine probable cause? (After all, even the most credible source may unwittingly provide unreliable information!)

The authority of a Special Agent vs. a civilian Process Server!

An Agent doesn’t need to have the warrant in her possession at the time of arrest, but upon request…

When the Agent needs in an arrest warrant AND a search warrant to arrest a suspect (even if there’s no search)!

Why an F.B.I. Agent can be found guilty of a crime when his prisoner escapes!

How F.B.I. Agents answer a judge’s questions when using a confidential source.

A real-world Informant Case Study

A full chapter on arrest!

And much, much more!

Please do check it out right here!

In the meantime, this is Larry Kaye reminding you to do the right thing, even if it’s the hard thing.

Committed to your writing success,
Larry Kaye, P.I.
& #1 Bestselling Author