Skips

Overview

The Skips feature helps locate debtors when contact information is outdated or incorrect. Skip tracing is the process of finding current contact information for accounts where the debtor cannot be reached using existing data.

Accessing Skips

Navigation

• Click the Skips button in the top navigation
• Shows skip trace interface
• Displays accounts needing location
• Access to skip tools

When to Use Skip Tracing

Common Indicators

Skip trace when encountering:

• Disconnected phone numbers
• Returned mail
• Wrong party contacts
• No valid contact info

Account Conditions

Consider skip tracing for:

• High balance accounts
• Recent placements
• Statute expiration approaching
• Client priority accounts

Skip Trace Process

Initial Review

Before skip tracing:

1. Verify all existing numbers tried
2. Check all addresses on file
3. Review reference information
4. Document failed attempts

Information Gathering

Collect available data:

• Full name and variations
• Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• Last known addresses
• Employment information
• Reference contacts

Skip Methods

Database Searches:

• Credit bureaus
• Public records
• Utility records
• Phone directories

Online Resources:

• Social media
• Public databases
• People search engines
• Property records

Manual Methods:

• Reference contacts
• Employer verification
• Neighbor contacts
• Directory assistance

Skip Trace Results

Information Found

Skip traces may return:

• Current phone numbers
• New addresses
• Employment information
• Email addresses
• Relative contacts

Quality Indicators

Evaluate results by:

• Data freshness
• Source reliability
• Multiple confirmations
• Match confidence

Acting on Results

When new information found:

1. Update account immediately
2. Attempt contact
3. Verify information
4. Document source

Skip Management

Skip Queue

The Skips list shows:

• Accounts needing traces
• Previously skipped accounts
• Pending results
• Recent completions

Priority Setting

Prioritize skips by:

• Account balance
• Age of debt
• Client requirements
• Success probability

Batch Processing

For multiple accounts:

• Group similar searches
• Use bulk skip tools
• Process efficiently
• Track results

Skip Best Practices

Cost Effectiveness

Consider skip costs versus:

• Account balance
• Recovery probability
• Client authorization
• Resource allocation

Compliance

Ensure skip tracing:

• Follows legal requirements
• Respects privacy laws
• Uses authorized sources
• Maintains data security

Documentation

Always document:

• Skip trace authorization
• Methods used
• Results found
• Contact attempts

Skip Success Strategies

Timing

Best times to skip:

• Early in placement
• After initial attempts
• Before statute expires
• When authorized

Information Quality

Improve success with:

• Complete debtor data
• Accurate identifiers
• Multiple data points
• Recent information

Follow-up

After skip trace:

• Attempt contact immediately
• Verify information
• Update all systems
• Plan next steps

Advanced Skip Features

Automated Skips

System may offer:

• Automatic triggers
• Batch processing
• Result integration
• Cost tracking

Skip Monitoring

Track skip performance:

• Success rates
• Cost per locate
• Contact rates
• Payment correlation

Skip Analytics

Analyze patterns:

• Best skip sources
• Success factors
• Cost effectiveness
• ROI metrics

Working Skip Results

New Phone Numbers

When numbers found:

1. Call immediately
2. Verify identity
3. Update account
4. Mark as good if successful

New Addresses

For address updates:

1. Update account records
2. Send appropriate letters
3. Verify deliverability
4. Plan field visits if applicable

Employment Information

With employer data:

1. Verify employment
2. Follow wage garnishment rules
3. Use for negotiation
4. Document carefully

Skip Challenges

No Results

When skip fails:

• Document attempt
• Try alternative methods
• Consider enhanced skip
• Review with supervisor

Bad Information

If results incorrect:

• Mark as failed
• Document issues
• Try other sources
• Update skip notes

Cost Concerns

When skip expensive:

• Get authorization
• Consider alternatives
• Group similar accounts
• Track ROI

Team Coordination

Sharing Results

When skip successful:

• Update immediately
• Notify team members
• Share across accounts
• Document source

Skip Expertise

Develop skip skills:

• Learn search techniques
• Understand sources
• Practice efficiency
• Share knowledge

Common Skip Scenarios

Recent Move

Debtor relocated:

• Check forwarding addresses
• Search new area
• Contact references
• Use change of address databases

Name Change

Marriage/divorce:

• Search name variations
• Check maiden names
• Use AKA searches
• Verify identity

Deceased Debtor

Death discovered:

• Verify information
• Locate estate
• Find executor
• Follow procedures

Performance Metrics

Success Tracking

Monitor skip metrics:

• Locate rate
• Contact rate
• Payment rate
• Cost per success

ROI Analysis

Calculate skip value:

• Recovery amount
• Cost invested
• Time saved
• Success rate

Troubleshooting

Skip not available:

• Check permissions
• Verify account eligibility
• Review client rules
• Contact supervisor

Poor results:

• Verify input data
• Try different sources
• Expand search criteria
• Consider manual methods

System issues:

• Check connectivity
• Clear browser cache
• Try different browser
• Contact support

Tips for Success

Preparation

• Gather all information
• Verify existing data
• Plan search strategy
• Set realistic expectations

Execution

• Be thorough
• Try multiple sources
• Verify results
• Act quickly

Follow-up

• Update all records
• Attempt contact immediately
• Document everything
• Track success

Related Topics

• Good Numbers - Managing verified contacts
• Account Updates - Information management
• Contact Strategies - Effective outreach
• Compliance - Legal requirements