How to Find Someone Who Owes You Money: Complete Guide
They borrowed money and vanished. They owe you for services and stopped returning calls. You won a judgment but the debtor disappeared. Finding someone who owes you money—and actually collecting—requires the right approach. This comprehensive guide covers everything from DIY searches to professional skip tracing, asset discovery, and legal enforcement strategies.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Professional skip tracing locates 85%+ of debtors using restricted databases
- You need their location to serve legal papers, garnish wages, or levy assets
- Free search methods work for some—but fail when debtors actively hide
- With a judgment, you can garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and lien property
- Without a judgment, you’ll need to sue first or negotiate directly
- Asset searches reveal what they own so you know where to target collection
- Timing matters—debts become harder to collect as time passes
📑 Table of Contents
- Why Debtors Disappear
- What You Need to Know First
- DIY Search Methods
- Professional Skip Tracing
- If You Have a Judgment
- If You Don’t Have a Judgment
- Finding Their Assets
- Collection Strategies
- Legal Considerations
- Common Scenarios
- Realistic Timeline
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- When to Get Professional Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
🏃 Why Debtors Disappear
Understanding why someone vanishes helps you find them. Debtors disappear for several reasons:
Financial Desperation
They can’t pay and are avoiding everyone—not just you. They may have multiple creditors and feel overwhelmed.
Deliberate Avoidance
They have money but don’t want to pay. They’re counting on you giving up or not finding them.
Life Changes
They moved for a job, relationship, or fresh start—and “forgot” to mention the debt they left behind.
Legal Avoidance
They know you’re pursuing legal action and are trying to avoid being served with papers.
The good news: regardless of why they disappeared, the same strategies work to find them. People leave data trails. When they connect utilities, get a driver’s license, apply for credit, or start a new job—that information becomes accessible to professionals.
📋 What You Need to Know First
Before searching, gather everything you know about the debtor:
✅ Information Checklist
- Full legal name (including middle name, maiden name, aliases)
- Date of birth (critical for distinguishing from others with same name)
- Social Security Number (if you have it—greatly improves search accuracy)
- Last known address (even if years old)
- Phone numbers (cell and landline, even old ones)
- Email addresses
- Employer information (company name, last known job)
- Vehicle information (make, model, plate if known)
- Names of relatives or associates
- Social media profiles
You should also clarify your legal standing:
📜 Do You Have a Judgment?
If you sued and won, you have a court judgment. This gives you powerful collection tools: wage garnishment, bank levies, property liens. Your priority is finding their location and assets.
📝 Do You Have Documentation?
Contracts, loan agreements, invoices, bounced checks, text messages agreeing to pay—these prove the debt exists if you need to sue. Gather everything before proceeding.
🔍 DIY Search Methods
Before paying for professional services, try these free or low-cost approaches:
Social Media Investigation
People who avoid creditors often maintain active social media. Check:
- Facebook: Look for location check-ins, new job announcements, tagged photos showing their location
- LinkedIn: Employment information, current employer, location
- Instagram: Geotagged photos, stories showing their area
- Twitter/X: Location settings, mentions of where they are
Search for their name in quotes, search for usernames they’ve used before, and check friends lists for mutual contacts who might have information.
Public Records Search
Many records are publicly accessible:
- County assessor/recorder: Property ownership records
- Court records: Other lawsuits may list current addresses
- Voter registration: Address information (varies by state)
- Business filings: Secretary of State databases for business ownership
- Marriage/divorce records: May show name changes or new addresses
Contact Mutual Acquaintances
Reach out to people who might know where the debtor is:
- Former coworkers
- Mutual friends
- Family members (carefully—don’t harass)
- Former neighbors
- Professional associations they belonged to
⚠️ Limitations of DIY Methods
Free searches work when debtors aren’t actively hiding. If someone moved, changed jobs, and isn’t posting on social media—you’ll hit a wall. DIY methods also can’t access the restricted databases that show utility connections, credit applications, and DMV records. When free methods fail, professional skip tracing succeeds.
Free People Search Websites
Sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, and TruePeopleSearch aggregate public data. They can help, but understand their limitations:
- Data is often months or years old
- Phone numbers may be disconnected
- Addresses may be previous residences
- No verification of accuracy
These sites are useful as a starting point—but don’t rely on them for finding someone who’s actively moved or hiding.
🎯 Professional Skip Tracing
When DIY methods fail—or when you need reliable, verified information quickly—professional skip tracing delivers.
What Professional Skip Tracing Provides
Current Address
Where they actually live right now—verified through recent utility connections, credit applications, and DMV records.
Phone Numbers
Current cell and landline numbers associated with their name and address, including recently activated numbers.
Employment Information
Where they work—essential for wage garnishment. Includes employer name and address.
Relatives & Associates
Names and contact information for people connected to the debtor—useful if they’re still evading direct contact.
Why Professional Searches Work Better
| Factor | DIY/Free Sites | Professional Skip Tracing |
|---|---|---|
| Data Sources | Public records only | Restricted + public databases |
| Data Freshness | Months to years old | Days to weeks old |
| Credit Bureau Headers | No access | Full access |
| Utility Records | No access | Full access |
| DMV Records | No access | Licensed access |
| Employment Data | Rarely available | Often included |
| Verification | None | Multiple source confirmation |
| Success Rate | 30-50% | 85%+ |
💡 How It Works
When someone moves and connects electricity at a new address, applies for credit, renews a driver’s license, or starts a new job—that information flows into professional databases within days or weeks. Free people search sites may never get this data, or receive it months later. Professional skip tracers see it almost immediately.
What to Expect
- Turnaround: Most searches complete within 24-72 hours
- Cost: Typically $75-250; our flat rate is $129
- Information provided: Current address, phone numbers, employer (when available), relatives
- Success rate: 85%+ for locatable subjects
🔍 Ready to Find Your Debtor?
Professional skip tracing with 20+ years experience. Current addresses, phone numbers, and employer information.
Order Skip Trace – $129 →⚖️ If You Have a Judgment
A court judgment gives you powerful legal tools to collect—but only if you can find the debtor and their assets. Here’s what you can do:
Wage Garnishment
The most reliable collection method. Once you know where the debtor works:
- Obtain a Writ of Execution from the court
- Have the sheriff/marshal serve garnishment papers on the employer
- Employer withholds up to 25% of disposable wages each paycheck
- Payments come to you until the judgment is satisfied
Why it works: Continuous, automatic payments. Debtor can’t easily avoid it without quitting their job.
Bank Levy
Freeze and seize money in the debtor’s bank account:
- Identify the bank (skip tracing may reveal this)
- Obtain a Writ of Execution
- Sheriff serves the levy on the bank
- Bank freezes matching accounts and turns over funds
Limitation: One-time grab—you only get what’s in the account at that moment.
Property Lien
Attach your judgment to real estate the debtor owns:
- Identify property through asset search
- Record an Abstract of Judgment with the county recorder
- Lien attaches to the property
- Debtor can’t sell or refinance without paying you
Advantage: Long-term security. Even if they don’t pay now, you get paid when the property sells.
Debtor Examination
Compel the debtor to appear in court and answer questions about their assets under oath:
- File motion for debtor examination
- Court orders debtor to appear
- Ask about bank accounts, employment, property, income
- Lying is perjury; failing to appear can result in arrest warrant
Why it’s powerful: They must answer or face contempt charges. Great for uncovering hidden assets.
✅ The Collection Formula
Skip Trace (find their current location and employer) + Asset Search (find what they own) + Legal Enforcement (garnish, levy, lien) = Successful Collection
📝 If You Don’t Have a Judgment
Without a judgment, you can’t garnish wages or levy accounts—but you still have options:
Send a Demand Letter
A formal demand letter often prompts payment, especially when sent to their current address (found through skip tracing):
- State the amount owed and basis for the debt
- Set a deadline for payment (typically 10-30 days)
- Outline consequences of non-payment (lawsuit, credit reporting)
- Offer to discuss payment arrangements
Many debtors pay when they realize you’ve found them and are serious about collecting.
Negotiate a Payment Plan
If they can’t pay the full amount, a payment plan may be better than nothing:
- Get the agreement in writing
- Set specific payment amounts and dates
- Include consequences for missed payments
- Consider having them sign a confession of judgment (where legal)
File a Lawsuit
If they won’t pay voluntarily, sue them:
- Small claims court: For smaller amounts (limits vary by state, typically $5,000-$25,000)
- Civil court: For larger amounts; may want an attorney
You need their current address to serve the lawsuit. Skip tracing provides this.
Report to Credit Bureaus
For business debts, you may be able to report unpaid debts to credit bureaus. This damages their credit and often motivates payment. Requirements vary—consult with a credit reporting specialist.
⚠️ Statute of Limitations
Every state has a time limit for suing on a debt (typically 3-6 years). If the statute has expired, you may lose the right to sue. Act promptly. Check your state’s statute of limitations for your type of debt.
💰 Finding Their Assets
Knowing where someone lives is only half the battle. You also need to know what they own—so you know where to direct collection efforts.
What Asset Searches Reveal
| Asset Type | What You Learn | Collection Method |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | Properties owned, equity estimate, existing liens | Property lien, forced sale |
| Vehicles | Cars, boats, RVs, aircraft | Vehicle levy |
| Employment | Current employer name and address | Wage garnishment |
| Business Interests | Companies owned, LLC memberships | Charging order, asset seizure |
| UCC Filings | Equipment, inventory, receivables | Levy on business assets |
| Other Judgments | Competing creditors | Priority assessment |
Why Asset Searches Matter
Imagine two scenarios:
Debtor with Assets
Skip trace reveals current address and employer. Asset search shows they own a home with $80,000 equity and drive a $35,000 car. Action: Garnish wages immediately. File property lien. Debtor realizes you’re serious and negotiates payment to protect their home.
Judgment-Proof Debtor
Skip trace reveals current address. Asset search shows no property, no vehicles, renting an apartment, working a minimum wage job. Action: Keep the judgment alive (renew before expiration). Monitor periodically. Their situation may improve over time.
Without an asset search, you might spend time and money pursuing someone who has nothing—or miss opportunities to collect from someone who does.
🎯 Collection Strategies by Situation
Strategy 1: The Direct Approach
Best for: Debtors who have money but are avoiding you
- Skip trace to find current address and employer
- Send demand letter to new address via certified mail
- Follow up with phone call
- If no response, proceed to legal action
Strategy 2: The Legal Hammer
Best for: Debtors who won’t respond to anything but force
- Skip trace to find current address for service
- File lawsuit immediately
- Obtain judgment
- Asset search to identify collection targets
- Garnish wages and/or levy assets
Strategy 3: The Long Game
Best for: Debtors who are currently judgment-proof but may improve
- Obtain judgment while debt is still within statute of limitations
- File property liens to protect against future purchases
- Monitor debtor periodically (every 6-12 months)
- Act when circumstances improve (new job, inheritance, property purchase)
- Renew judgment before expiration
Strategy 4: The Negotiated Settlement
Best for: Situations where full collection is unlikely or you want quick resolution
- Skip trace to establish contact
- Offer to settle for reduced amount (50-70% of debt)
- Get settlement agreement in writing
- Release debtor from remaining obligation upon payment
⚖️ Legal Considerations
What You CAN Do
- ✅ Hire a skip tracer to find the debtor’s location
- ✅ Send demand letters to their address
- ✅ Call them to discuss the debt (within reason)
- ✅ File lawsuits and serve legal papers
- ✅ Garnish wages with a judgment
- ✅ Levy bank accounts with a judgment
- ✅ Place liens on their property
- ✅ Report to credit bureaus (following proper procedures)
What You CANNOT Do
- ❌ Harass, threaten, or intimidate the debtor
- ❌ Call at unreasonable hours (before 8am or after 9pm)
- ❌ Contact their employer except for garnishment
- ❌ Discuss the debt with third parties (except attorneys, spouse)
- ❌ Use deceptive practices to collect
- ❌ Threaten actions you cannot legally take
- ❌ Collect debts discharged in bankruptcy
🚫 Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
If you’re a professional debt collector (not the original creditor), FDCPA strictly regulates what you can do. Violations can result in lawsuits against YOU. Even original creditors should follow these guidelines to avoid claims of harassment or unfair practices.
State-Specific Rules
Collection laws vary significantly by state:
- Wage garnishment limits: Some states prohibit or limit wage garnishment
- Property exemptions: Homestead exemptions protect some equity
- Vehicle exemptions: Many states exempt a car up to a certain value
- Statute of limitations: Time limits for suing vary from 3-10 years
- Judgment duration: How long judgments last before needing renewal
Research your state’s laws or consult with an attorney before proceeding with aggressive collection.
📍 Common Scenarios
Friend or Family Member Owes Money
Situation: You lent $5,000 to a friend. They promised to pay back but have gone silent.
Approach: Skip trace to find current contact info. Send a formal but friendly demand letter. Offer a payment plan. If they refuse, consider small claims court—but weigh the relationship cost.
Customer Didn’t Pay Invoice
Situation: You provided services, invoiced $15,000, and the client disappeared without paying.
Approach: Skip trace the business owners personally (not just the business). Send demand letter threatening lawsuit and credit reporting. File suit if no response. Pursue personal guarantees if applicable.
Won Lawsuit, Can’t Find Debtor
Situation: You have a $25,000 judgment but the debtor moved and changed jobs.
Approach: Skip trace for current address and employer. Asset search to identify collection targets. If they moved states, domesticate your judgment. Garnish wages, levy accounts, and lien property.
Contractor Took Money and Disappeared
Situation: Paid contractor $8,000 upfront. They did minimal work and vanished.
Approach: Skip trace immediately—contractors often do this repeatedly. Report to state licensing board. File police report for theft if appropriate. Sue in small claims or civil court. Check if they have a bond you can claim against.
📅 Realistic Timeline
Here’s what to expect when pursuing someone who owes you money:
Week 1: Initial Search
Try DIY methods: social media, public records, mutual contacts. If unsuccessful, order professional skip trace.
Week 2: Locate Debtor
Receive skip trace results. Verify address accuracy. Send demand letter via certified mail.
Weeks 3-4: Await Response
Give debtor time to respond to demand letter. Follow up with phone calls. Negotiate if they respond.
Month 2: Legal Action
If no satisfactory response, file lawsuit. Serve debtor at address found through skip trace.
Months 3-4: Court Process
Await court date. Debtor may default (not respond) or contest. Obtain judgment if successful.
Month 5+: Enforcement
With judgment in hand, begin collection: wage garnishment, bank levy, property lien. Timeline varies based on debtor’s assets and compliance.
💡 Speed Matters
The faster you act, the better your chances. Debts get harder to collect over time. Debtors move again, change jobs, and may become judgment-proof. Starting the skip trace and legal process quickly maximizes your recovery odds.
🔍 Find the Person Who Owes You Money
Professional skip tracing locates debtors who’ve disappeared. Current addresses, phone numbers, employers—everything you need to collect what you’re owed.
💵 Cost-Benefit Analysis
Is it worth pursuing someone who owes you money? Here’s how to evaluate:
When Pursuit Makes Sense
- Debt exceeds $1,000: Skip trace costs become negligible compared to recovery
- Debtor has verifiable income: Wage garnishment provides reliable collection
- Debtor owns property: Liens provide long-term security
- Statute hasn’t expired: You can still pursue legal remedies
- Documentation is solid: You can prove the debt exists
When to Reconsider
- Small amounts under $500: Court costs may exceed recovery
- Debtor is truly judgment-proof: No job, no assets, unlikely to improve
- Statute of limitations expired: Legal options are limited
- No documentation: Proving the debt may be impossible
- Debtor filed bankruptcy: Debt may be discharged
Sample ROI Calculation
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Skip Trace | $129 |
| Asset Search | $150 |
| Small Claims Filing | $75 |
| Service of Process | $75 |
| Wage Garnishment Filing | $50 |
| Total Investment | $479 |
If you’re owed $5,000 and can collect through wage garnishment, your ROI is over 900%. Even collecting 50% through a settlement yields substantial returns. The math strongly favors pursuit for debts over $1,000 when the debtor has income or assets.
👤 When to Get Professional Help
Consider hiring professionals for these aspects:
Skip Tracing Service (Like Us)
- Finding current address and employer
- Locating phone numbers for contact
- Identifying relatives who may know their whereabouts
Attorney
- Debts over $10,000 where litigation is likely
- Complex legal issues (contract disputes, fraud claims)
- Debtor has an attorney
- Cross-state collections requiring judgment domestication
Collection Agency
- You don’t have time to pursue collection yourself
- Large volume of smaller debts
- Willing to accept partial recovery (agencies take 25-50%)
Do It Yourself
- Smaller debts under $10,000
- Simple facts with clear documentation
- Debtor likely to pay if pressured
- Small claims court is an option
