Posted by Bob(OH) on January 09, 2003 at 02:37:39:
Hummm…not sure why your on this site but …since you asked, Skip tracing used to be an easy job. With new laws proctecting women from abusive husbands it has become more and more difficult. That is the main reason the the change in the law. Used to be you could walk into a post office with an address and a dollar bill and you could get a forwarding address. No more.
I’ve done private investigation work, auto repo stuff and eventually got into law enforcement.
I think if you are interested in “forming a firm” to do this, you should get up to speed on the current laws for your state regarding this. You may, in many states be required to get a licenses. That could involve taking a state test to show your not some whacked out freek and that you actually have some bonifide interest in the job. Also, you may need to show some type of insurance coverage before you are able to operate.
Now, with all that said, what is your educational background? Even though you are talking about this, you need to consider a criminal justice background. Take some classes on private investigations and then try to talk to your county prosecution investigator. They may be able to give up some info with out feeling like your going to “steal” business from them.
You have a good idea and the service is in demand but, I feel as if you should get your ducks in a row before you just jump in and start telling everyone you can do this and do that and not really know who to do it. If you have the need to hire out a service for something you should be able to do, You’ll not only be loosing money but, if you think about it…why would someone hire you to do what this service can do with out paying you…? middle man thing going on. Now, I understand the need for some long distance work. For that you may, at times, be required to get some outside help. With the internet,you can find anybody just about anywhere. That is a paid service. Not sure how it works, maybe they have some type of contract for use or it could be a one time charge.
We are in the information era. The only two things holding people back is 1) knowledge, how to do it and 2) Some laws restrict the access to some information for the protection of civilians…you know, the need to know thing.
Hope some of this helps.
Good luck !
Bob(OH)