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ERROR: You need to create the directory /data/MCULElgadata/ with web server write access

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ERROR: You need to create the directory /data/MCULElgadata/ with web server write access

Steve Peterson :: Blog
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Steve Peterson :: Blog

November 16, 2007

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Cathy Scoda @ Steve Peterson

Skiptracing on the Internet

What’s the best way to locate your skips? Is it on the Internet? How much does it cost? There are a large number of Internet websites that specialize in locating people. Before selecting one of these companies, you need to remember two things: First, most of these sites do one thing really well and that is take your money. They make big promises to get you to sign up and then they fail to deliver the goods. Second, they include your company’s information in their database, and then they sell it. Not exactly what you would want to happen. Sometimes it may take a year or so of membership before you discover that the site is a rip-off. Most credit unions don’t mind paying a fee in exchange for good information. So, is the Internet a waste of time and money? There are some good websites like Accurint.com. Probably the most popular choice of financial institutions. Netdetective.com also has very high ratings from consumer reports. What about free sites? SWITCHBOARD.COM411.COMWHITEPAGES.COMDEFENSELINK.MIL (VERY GOOD FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL)GOOGLE UNIVERSITY  (STUDENTS & FACULTY AT MOST UNIVERSITIES) So, is the Internet the best way to locate people? Let me say it this way…NO…NO…NO! Nine out of ten skips that you can locate will be due to a well completed credit application. There should always be a minimum of TWO references on each application. The best references are always the parents of the debtor and the parents of the co-debtor. Family is always the key in locating skips. The problem is that most financial institutions don’t do a very good job with references. IF YOU DON’T GET AT LEAST TWO REFERENCES ON YOUR APPLICATIONS, DON’T BLAME THE COLLECTION DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY CAN’T LOCATE THE DEBTOR! In my humble opinion, the Internet simply can’t keep up with most debtors. Their personal information (jobs, phone #’s, addresses) changes faster than the websites can obtain it. That’s not to say that the web won’t locate some people…it will. I just don’t like its batting average. One final comment, the worst method of all is the credit bureau report. Old addresses, old phone numbers, old employers. Your best bet is still going to be the credit application. You can control the information and it’s FREE! 

 

Keywords: collect, collection, debt, debtor, financial, locate, reference, skip, skips, skiptrace

Posted by Cathy Scoda @ Steve Peterson | 0 comment(s)

September 26, 2007

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Steve Peterson

Skiptrace like the pros

How is it that collection agencies seem to be able to find skips better than you do? It could be for a variety of reasons, but basically it's because they know all the little tricks of the trade.

Let me give you one such tip. The first rule of calling references is to assume that the debtor is there. When a reference answers the phone, just ask to speak to the debtor. Use only the debtor's first name. If you are informed that the debtor does not live at that #, act surprised and lead into your questions on where he can be located. Once and a while...you will get a pleasant surprise when the debtor actually is there. Many times you will get responses like "he doesn't get off work til 6pm". This will lead you to ask where his new employment is.

No skiptracing tip works every time. I am betting you will like this approach once you polish your pitch.

Steve

Keywords: Skiptracing

Posted by Steve Peterson | 0 comment(s)