Tools - Tips - Resources

What To Look For In A Skiptracer

Look For Proof Of Bottom-Line Results
When considering the use of a third party skiptracing agent or company – or when adding a skiptracing person to your staff – the number one thing to look for is a history of proven results.  Always ask for multiple references that you can call to evaluate how well the agency or potential new hire has fared in delivering valid locates in prior situations.

In addition to checking references, have the agency or individual be prepared to do a small test as proof of their expertise.  Assign 3 to 5 cases where you already have verified the information, but where the process of finding the correct data involved multiple steps and varied databases.  An outside firm may require some reduced compensation for this test exercise – but in the long run, it will pay dividends when you select the very best candidate for your skiptracing needs.

Efficiently locating the skip or fugitive’s whereabouts … is the bottom line.

Look For Creativity & Resourcefulness
Knowing which “rabbit trail” to follow during the skiptrace process requires a high degree of gut instinct and prior experience.

Is the skiptrace candidate able to quickly determine current contact information on relatives or former co-dwellers or last known neighbors of the subject?  Is the candidate skilled at researching real property records for asset ownership by the subject or subject’s relatives, who may in turn possess knowledge of current status?  Can the candidate obtain the physical location given just phone or cell number?  If the subject is known to live in a certain metro area and known to work within a specific trade or industry, can the candidate narrow down to the most likely jobsites for the subject at hand?

Tracking a missing subject takes creativity, street intuition, resourcefulness and hands-on experience.  There is no substitute for real expertise, just as there is no substitute for superior data tools.

Look For Best Skip Tools To Up Your Locates
It is acceptable to ask the skiptracing service provider what databases they utilize as part of their search process.  For example, any electronic cross-directory (411 directory assistance) product that is used should be one that is updated daily.

This national database of names, addresses, and phone numbers will allow the skiptrace company to immediately ascertain if the subject has a published or non-published landline phone connect.  In the hands of a skilled skiptracer, a good directory assistance will often lead to contact info on someone who knows the subject, or someone who knows someone who knows the subject – whether a neighbor at last known address, or former co-worker, or relative of subject.

Another valuable tool is a frequently updated “credit header” based database.  The better products integrate social security number and full name … with access to relatives, homeownership, date of birth, date of death (if applicable), live phone connect, last known address, history of residences, and co-dwellers over age of 18.  Make sure the skiptrace company you are considering fully adheres to the GLB (Graham, Leach, Bliley Banking Privacy Act) guidelines.  In general, access to ssn-based data is allowed for location of criminals, witnesses, fraud victims, process serving, former employees for legal reasons, and fraud prevention by government, law enforcement, and associated service providers.  Access is also allowed for collections and asset recovery by lending or retail institutions, by collections agencies or attorneys, and by associated service providers (such as skiptrace vendors, repo firms, etc.).

Other tools to look for are daily updated reverse cell and non-published phone database, as well as daily updated real property database.  A comprehensive cell & non-pub product can instantly provide name and location information for the given phone number.  A national property database can show both summary and detailed descriptions of the given property – plus allow quick access to other properties owned by the same individual or entity.                         

In summary, here’s what you should look for in a skiptracer:  Proven results … high creativity … great intuition … superior data tools … and compliance with GLB requirements.

Good luck in your search for a skiptrace superstar!

By Jack King, Director of Marketing for MasterFiles, Inc.

Western Union Services

Western Union has been providing cash and electronic payment technology for over 150 years!  We have been working with federal, state and local governments for over 7 years and have continued to make them a focus. Our Consumer-to-Government services provide fast, flexible and convenient ways to send payments.

Western Union offers several electronic and cash payment options that allow your defendants to send court fines and fee payments on a one-time or recurring basis.  Western Union’s Speedpay Service allows defendants to send payments over the telephone or Internet using credit cards, debit cards or through an Automated Clearing House (ACH). Defendants can also send payments for government entities through our network of 300,000 third-party Agents around the globe through Quick Collect and Quick Pay International.  A list of agents within your state can be provided.  Western Union’s suite of services provides a comprehensive and customizable payment solution that can help improve cash flow and reduce costs.  We know from experience that the more options you provide for payment the more revenue you will generate.  Some of the clear benefits for using us include:

• Taking a consultative approach when working with our customers looking at what fits best for them      
• Free training plus and experienced sales support team
• No set up costs to the judicial system for our cash or electronic Speedpay services
• No contract-simply sign are consent agreement for services
• 24/7 technical support staff ready to help
• Flexible payment options
• Guaranteed good funds with Quick Collect and Quick Pay International

The bottom line is we make it easier and more flexible for the defendants to pay by providing a name they can trust and the security you expect with options for every defendant.  There is no such thing as one size fits all so we work closely with the judicial system to provide choices and options that they need today and tomorrow.  We believe by doing these things we can increase the much needed revenues that judicial systems seek.

For more information on these services please contact Dean Fees at 703-781-1833.

Tap into the power of a network that’s been sending electronic payments for over a century. If someone’s going to help you handle something as serious as your court fines and fees payments, you’d better be sure that the company is one you can trust.

Learn more about our services at payments.westernunion.com

Free Public Access Records

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Try going to the website www.Translation.com. It’s free and simple to use. Simply type in your information and select “English to Spanish” and there you have it!!!!!

Below is a list of tips to help collection professionals fine tune what they do:

1. Listen to the defendant–listen - listen,  listen.  Listen to their mood it will tell you what will be the most effective approach in controlling the call.
2. Remain calm with the defendant - do not let an angry defendant stress you out. They will try as they might to deflect your ultimate goal which is simply to get them to pay.  If you argue it gives them a reason not to pay.   Stay relaxed , polite and stay focused.  A firm assertive calm approach will produce results.
3. Keep your word - One of the most important aspects of a collectors job is credibility.  If you state that action will be taken on a certain date then that action must be taken.  When people know that you do what you always say your going to do they take you seriously.
4. Follow up is critical to the collection process. 
   • Always give call #1 the benefit of the doubt.  There are defendants that will pay simply because you reminded them of the payment due.
   • Be firm and assertive.  Have a plan for a second, third approach for the defendant.  If the first technique does not work the second should be designed to get the customer to pay and stop you from calling.
   • Be clear to explain the consequences of non-payment if you have to make a third call.  This is the time to apply necessary pressure.
5. Never say never - Calling defendants who owe money is never a pleasant task but it does not have to be an unpleasant experience.  Remain upbeat and professional.  Your mood will be infectious in helping to get issues resolved. 
6. Ask defendants the correct questions - What is the question most commonly asked by any collectors?? “when will you be making that payment”??  A better question would be “will you be making that payment today??” or “will you be sending that payment this week”?.   In both of these questions you maintain control of the time frame and it eliminates manipulation of the answer. 
7. Get a commitment from the defendant!!!  It would be ideal if each defendant committed and paid according to the payment plan they sign.  If that occurred then we would all be unemployed.  I think we all know that will never happen.  Any call that ends without some sort of commitment is a waste of the collection process.  Always try to get a promise of some sort of payment.  Then all your hard work has some added value.