Skip Tracing & Background Checks

Skip Tracing

Skip TraceSkip trace is the process used by ALIS-INC to locate a person’s whereabouts for any number of purposes. A skip tracer is someone who performs this task. The term “skip” refers to the person being searched for, and is derived from the idiomatic expression “to skip town”, meaning to depart (perhaps in a rush), leaving minimal clues behind to “trace” the “skip” to a new location.

Skip tracing is done by collecting as much information as possible about the subject. The information is then analyzed, reduced, and verified. Obtaining new and correct points of contact is key. Sometimes the subject’s current whereabouts are in the data, but are obfuscated by the sheer amount of information or disinformation. More 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.

Records that “skip-tracers” 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. While some of these records may be publicly available, some cannot be accessed without an appropriate search warrant, which is generally only available to law enforcement.

Even when no specific information is returned, public databases exist that cross-reference skip-tracing information with others the “skip” may have lived with in the recent past. For instance, if previous records show a “skip” lived in the same house as a third party, the third party may also be “skip-traced” in an effort to locate the “skip”.

Background Checks

Background CheckWhether you are vetting a new employee, completing a business deal, leasing real estate, or entering into some other type of legal contract, conducting a comprehensive and professional background check is always a good business practice. The cost to verify the background of an individual is an excellent investment when you consider the alternatives of monetary and/or productivity losses, fraud, corporate liability, and possible future legal proceedings.

ALIS-INC offers a variety of hands-on searches for background checks, including those components listed below in alphabetical order:

  • Character Reference Check
  • Credential Verification, including Licensing Records
  • Criminal History
  • Driving and Vehicle Records
  • Education Verification
  • Employment References
  • Identity and Address Verification
  • Litigation Records
  • Patriot Act Search
  • Pre-Employment
  • Pre-Marital
  • Sex Offender Registry

We can also provide consultation to help limit your liabilities with state and federal laws regarding background checks, especially with regards to discrimination, Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), negligent hiring liabilities, etc.