PCS Skip Tracing & Locate Techniques 3

Question 1

Which skip tracing database aggregates information from credit headers, public records, and utility data to produce a consolidated debtor profile?

Accepted Answer

LexisNexis Accurint or TransUnion TLO

Answer

Tools like LexisNexis Accurint and TransUnion TLO are commercial skip tracing platforms that consolidate multiple data streams into a single debtor profile.

Question 2

What does the term 'hard skip' mean in collections terminology?

Accepted Answer

A debtor who has intentionally concealed their location and left no traceable forwarding information

Answer

A 'hard skip' refers to a debtor who has deliberately hidden their whereabouts, making location significantly more difficult than a standard skip.

Question 3

When skip tracing reveals that a debtor has died, what is the FIRST action a collector should take?

Accepted Answer

Cease collection from the deceased and identify the estate or executor for further action

Answer

Upon confirmed death, collection must shift to the estate and its executor or administrator rather than continuing against the deceased.

Question 4

Which of the following represents an ILLEGAL skip tracing tactic under the FDCPA?

Accepted Answer

Falsely identifying yourself as a government official to obtain debtor location information from a third party

Answer

Misrepresenting identity (e.g., claiming to be a government official) violates FDCPA Section 807, which prohibits false or misleading representations.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of running a debtor's name through the Social Security Death Master File (SSDMF) during skip tracing?

Accepted Answer

To confirm whether the debtor is deceased before continuing collection efforts

Answer

The SSDMF is used to verify mortality, preventing collectors from inappropriately pursuing collection against deceased individuals.

(PCS) Professional Collection Specialist Practice Test

(PCS) Professional Collection Specialist Practice Test

PCS Skip Tracing & Locate Techniques 3