Tracing Debtors in the UK: A beginners guide
In the complex world of modern day debt collection, tracing debtors is very much a science in itself.
Businesses and individuals often face the challenge of debtor evasion, where customers may actively avoid contact or become unresponsive in an attempt to escape repayment obligations.
In such situations, effectively tracing debtors becomes an essential aspect of debt recovery, necessitating proven strategies and techniques for locating missing clients and ensuring that outstanding debts are addressed.
Armed with this invaluable knowledge, your business will be better equipped to overcome the challenges associated with debtor evasion, enabling you to implement effective debtor tracing methods and secure financial stability in the face of even the most elusive clients.
One of the most common ways unscrupulous people use to avoid paying debt is to pretend they have moved property. Undertaking tracing actions may not just find a new address but it can also confirm they are at an existing address.
Private landlords are often faced with absconded tenants who have left properties with unpaid rent arrears.
Tracing Debtors in the UK: A Simple guide
Debtors can be notorious for disappearing without a trace. This can prove to be a major problem for individuals and businesses looking to reclaim unpaid debts. Therefore tracing debtors has a crucial role to play in modern day debt collection.
Fortunately, there are a number of techniques that can be utilised to locate those who owe money. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the topic of tracing debtors in the UK. It is prudent to note that any tracing activities must be conducted within the confines of the law.
Start by gathering information
The first step in tracing a debtor is to gather as much information as possible about their whereabouts. This can include their name, address, phone number, email address, and social media profiles. If you are dealing with a business debtor, you should gather information on the company registration number, directors, and any previous addresses. You should also try to obtain any relevant documentation such as credit agreements, invoices, and contracts.
Use online sources
Once you have gathered as much information as possible, you can start to utilise online sources to track down the debtor. This includes using social media platforms that can give valuable information when tracing a debtor. You can also use online directories to search for their address and phone number if appropriate.
Sometimes online directories can be outdated though. This can be a useful tool however for somebody that maybe incurred a debt a number of years ago. Important to note that the statute of limitations prevents debt collection for debts over 6 years old.
The electoral roll
One of the most effective ways to trace a debtor is to use the electoral roll. This is because it lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in the UK.
You can obtain this information by contacting your local council, or by using one of the many online services that offer access to the electoral roll.
Use a specialist service
Tracing Debtors and individuals is a timely exercise that often ends fruitless. Working with a trained professional service can expedite the process and confirm a new or existing address for your debtor. We are able to help with this from only £75+VAT for a successful trace.
Private investigators
If you are having difficulty finding a debtor, you may want to consider hiring a private investigator. They have access to a wide range of databases and resources that can help them track down the debtor. They can also carry out surveillance and other investigative work to find the individual.
Private investigators normally charge £100+ per hour. This can be a very expensive option but maybe needed if you are dealing with a particularly slippery person.
Tracing a debtor Conclusion:
Tracing debtors in the UK can be a challenging process, but with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to locate individuals who owe money. It is also essential that all GDPR laws and regulations are respected.
By gathering as much information as possible, utilising online sources, and considering legal action if necessary, you can maximise your chances of reclaiming unpaid debts. If you are still having difficulty tracing a debtor, it may be worth seeking professional help from a private investigator or a debt collection agency.
Need to trace a absconded Debtor?
Frontline Collections can provide a specialist tracing service from only £75+VAT for a successful UK trace. Contact us today for immediate help and advice.