Can a PI Help Me Find Someone Who Owes Me Money?
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When someone skips out on a debt—whether it’s a former tenant, an old friend, or a business partner—it’s more than just frustrating. It feels personal. You're left asking: “Where did they go? Can anyone actually help me find them?”
The answer? Yes. A licensed private investigator can help. Especially when you’re dealing with someone who owes you money and has gone off the grid.
Why People Disappear When They Owe Money
People don’t always vanish maliciously—but when they do, it’s usually intentional. They might:
- Change phone numbers or email addresses
- Move to another city or state
- Use fake names or aliases
- Avoid social media or use it under pseudonyms
Trying to find them on your own is time-consuming, stressful, and often leads to dead ends. That’s where a PI comes in.
How a Private Investigator Can Help Locate Debtors
At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we specialize in skip tracing—a process that involves locating individuals who have “skipped town” or disappeared. Using legal and ethical methods, we can often find the most elusive individuals by cross-referencing a wide range of data sources.
Here’s how we approach these cases:
1. Database-Driven Research
We leverage proprietary data systems—far beyond what you’ll find on Google. These systems provide access to:
- Updated address histories
- Known associates
- Employment info
- Utilities and vehicle registrations
2. Credit Header Searches
While we never access full credit reports (unless legally permitted), credit header data—which includes name, date of birth, and most recent reported addresses—can offer crucial leads in locating someone for debt recovery.
3. OSINT (Open Source Intelligence)
We mine the web in ways most people don’t think of:
- Deep social media analysis
- Alias detection
- Forums and niche platforms
- Online activity patterns
4. Field Work (When Needed)
In some cases, we’ll conduct limited surveillance or speak to neighbors and associates—always within the bounds of New York law—to confirm the subject’s location.
Do I Need a Judgment First?
A common question clients ask is: “Do I need a court judgment before hiring a private investigator to find someone who owes me money?”
The short answer: No, you don’t.
If you have a legitimate financial interest—such as an unpaid personal loan, child support, invoice, or broken lease—and you’ve already filed a case in court or are preparing to do so, you can legally hire a private investigator to conduct a skip trace. In fact, for many clients, locating the individual is a necessary first step in proceeding with proper legal service or ongoing litigation.
When You Might Need a PI Before Filing in Court
In some cases, you can’t even begin a lawsuit until you have the debtor’s current address. Certain courts—especially in New York—require a valid and recent address in order to file a claim or serve legal documents. If the person has moved, changed names, or is actively avoiding service, your case might stall before it even begins.
That’s where we come in.
At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we’re frequently brought in before any paperwork is filed. Our job is to locate the subject using only legal and ethical tools, so that you or your attorney can take the next step—whether that’s filing a claim, serving papers, or initiating settlement efforts.
Why Intent Matters to the Court
The court needs to see that the person who owes the money has had a fair opportunity to respond. Simply owing money doesn’t mean you (or the court) can just show up at their home and collect it. Instead, you need to show:
- That they can be properly located
- That you made an effort to notify them
- That you’re following the proper legal channels
A PI’s skip trace report helps document that effort. In many cases, our findings also support alternative service methods (like service by publication or mail) when traditional methods fail.
What If You Already Have a Judgment?
If you already have a judgment but can’t find the person to enforce it, we can help there too. Many clients come to us after winning in court, only to discover that the debtor is nowhere to be found. We can assist in:
- Locating the debtor post-judgment
- Identifying employment or assets (for garnishment or lien options)
- Confirming if the individual has relocated or is concealing assets
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before we begin the investigation, we’ll ask you for any information you have, such as:
- Full name (or known aliases)
- Date of Birth or Social Security #
- Last known address
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Any photos or documents
- Details about the debt and your relationship to the person
- You don’t need everything—just what you have. The more we start with, the better and faster we can work.
When Hiring a PI Makes Sense
Hiring a private investigator isn’t about revenge—it’s about getting answers. Whether you're a:
- Landlord tracking down a former tenant who broke a lease
- Business owner chasing an unpaid invoice
- Individual trying to recover a personal loan
- We can help you move forward with facts, not frustration.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Money
At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we understand the emotional toll of being owed money. It’s not just a financial burden—it’s a breach of trust. You deserve answers, and we’re here to help you get them.
Need help finding someone who owes you money?
Reach out today for a confidential consultation. We’re based in Long Island and serve clients throughout New York State with professionalism, discretion, and results.
- 📞 Call: 516 962-1267
- ✉️ Email: [email protected]
- 🌐 Visit: https://eastonsecuresolutions.com