Locate Investigations are more Than A Database Search

A locate investigation involves much more than a search of a commercial database like; TLO, IRB, Accurint, Westlaw, LexisNexis, Tracers, etc.  An investigator who is proficient in tracking down people (Locate Investigations, Skip-Tracing, Witness Locates) needs a variety of tools.  Some of the tools are free like social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram), Corporate Records, and Court Records. Others like the ones referenced above cost money.

In most cases a combination of commercial (paid) databases, letters, OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) and discreet phone calls are required to confirm the whereabouts of a subject or target.

If you need to locate a subject for the purposes of serving it is crucial that you send out “Letters to the Postmaster.”  We recommend that you send letters regarding any previously known addresses and any new addresses that you develop through a database search.  The postmaster requests take some time to get back, but you can determine if the subject is CONFIRMED to received mail at the address, MOVED and left no forwarding or is NOT known at the address.  When you are serving a Summons & Complaint a letter from the postmaster can give you standing for sub-service under (415.20 (b))

Section 415.20 (b) of the California Civil Code Of Procedure States: If a copy of the summons and complaint cannot with reasonable diligence be personally delivered to the person to be served, as specified in Section 416.60, 416.70, 416.80, or 416.90, a summons may be served by leaving a copy of the summons and complaint at the person’s dwelling house, usual place of abode, usual place of business, or usual mailing address other than a United States Postal Service post office box, in the presence of a competent member of the household or a person apparently in charge of his or her office, place of business, or usual mailing address other than a United States Postal Service post office box, at least 18 years of age, who shall be informed of the contents thereof, …

What if a traditional locate investigations still doesn’t work?

In cases where you cannot locate your subject, we recommend locating people that would know how to contact your subject and where he or she might be living or working.  We call this practice using the “EX Factor” (VIDEO on Locating People Using the Ex-Factor).  This could be an ex-spouse, ex-partner, ex-neighbor, ex-employer…

If you want to know why locate investigations are much more than database then watch the video below and get the whole story.