Skip Tracing & Locate Techniques Flashcards

A skip tracer finds two conflicting addresses for a debtor — one from a credit header (6 months old) and one from a utility record (2 months old). Which should be prioritized?

Answer: The utility record because it is more recent and reflects current service connection

More recent data from active service connections (utilities) typically reflects current residence better than older credit header information.

What is 'pretexting' in the context of skip tracing, and why is it prohibited?

Answer: Using a false identity or fabricated scenario to trick a third party into revealing debtor information; it violates the FDCPA and GLBA

Pretexting involves deception to obtain private information, which violates FDCPA's prohibition on misrepresentation and GLBA's privacy protections.

Which federal agency has primary enforcement authority over debt collectors who violate the FDCPA during skip tracing activities?

Answer: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for non-bank collectors historically, now primarily CFPB

The CFPB now holds primary FDCPA enforcement authority over debt collectors, though the FTC historically led this role before the CFPB's creation.

When a skip tracer calls a number and reaches someone who claims the debtor no longer lives there, what is the best practice?

Answer: Document the contact, note the denial, and pursue additional locate sources to verify or find a new address

A single denial does not confirm the debtor is absent; the tracer should document and continue researching alternative locate sources.

What does NCOA stand for, and how is it used in skip tracing?

Answer: National Change of Address — a USPS database that provides forwarding addresses when consumers file a change of address form

NCOA is the USPS database of filed address changes, widely used to update debtor addresses automatically when mail-forwarding is active.

A debtor's account shows a bankruptcy flag. Before continuing skip tracing, what must the collector verify?

Answer: Whether the automatic stay is in effect, which would prohibit collection contact including locate efforts directed at the debtor

The bankruptcy automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 prohibits virtually all collection activity, including contact aimed at locating the debtor for collection purposes.

Which type of court record is MOST useful for locating a debtor who may have been involved in recent civil litigation?

Answer: State court civil docket records, which often contain current address information from filed pleadings

State civil docket filings frequently contain current addresses provided by parties in pleadings, making them a valuable and public skip tracing resource.