How a Private Investigator Locates Someone: Person Locating & Skip Tracing in NYC and Long Island

Ever found yourself lying awake at night wondering where someone is? Whether it’s a missing loved one, a debtor who vanished, or a witness in a legal case, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. That’s where a private investigator steps in.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we specialize in person locating and skip tracing services across Long Island and New York City. Our licensed investigators combine proven techniques, digital research, and on-the-ground expertise to find people legally and ethically.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of person locating, explain the difference between skip tracing and locating, and highlight the legal boundaries (permissible use) that protect both you and the investigation.

 
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Information Gathering
Before any investigation begins, we sit down with you to understand your unique situation.

✅ Why This Matters: No two cases are alike. Searching for a runaway teen is very different from tracking down a former business partner.

We typically collect details such as:

• Full name and aliases
• Last known location or address
• Date of birth
• Employment or education history
• Habits, relationships, and reasons for disappearance

This foundation helps us build a profile of the subject and prioritize leads. Just as important, we guarantee full confidentiality, so your case details remain protected.

 
Step 2: Researching Public and Private Records
This phase is often called skip tracing—a core skill for licensed investigators. Our team searches records like:

• Property records
• Court filings
• Utility bills
• Vehicle registrations
• Address history

💡 Why hire a professional PI instead of DIY searches? Many online tools miss crucial data or use unreliable sources. We know how to cross-reference multiple databases legally, turning small details into actionable leads.

 
Step 3: Online and Social Media Investigations
In today’s world, almost everyone leaves a digital footprint—whether they realize it or not.

We analyze:

• Social media profiles
• Public forums and websites
• Tagged locations and digital connections

Through OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence), we uncover hidden usernames, email addresses, and digital breadcrumbs that can verify someone’s identity or location. Even if the person isn’t online, friends and associates often leave clues that point us in the right direction.

 
Step 4: Fieldwork and Surveillance
Sometimes, the only way to confirm a lead is with boots on the ground.

This may include:

• Visiting last known addresses
• Discreetly speaking with neighbors or associates
• Monitoring public locations for recent activity

When necessary, our investigators conduct legal surveillance using advanced equipment to confirm a subject’s presence without violating privacy laws.

📌 Example: A recent case in Long Island involved locating a debtor who kept switching apartments. Our combination of surveillance and database research allowed us to confirm their new address within days—something the client had been struggling with for months.

 
Step 5: Verification and Reporting
Before wrapping up, we carefully verify all findings through multiple sources. This prevents false leads and ensures accuracy.

Your final report may include:

• Physical descriptions
• Photographic evidence (if applicable)
• Likely addresses or employment information

These court-ready reports allow you, your attorney, or the court system to move forward with confidence.

 
Person Locating vs. Skip Tracing: What’s the Difference?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences:

🔍 Person Locating
Used for missing persons, family reconnections, or witnesses.
Involves deeper investigation, including surveillance and interviews.
Often personal or emotional in nature.
💼 Skip Tracing
Focused on financial/legal matters, like debt collection or lawsuits.
Relies more on records and databases.
Typically faster turnaround.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we handle both—tailoring our approach to fit your exact needs.

 
Skip Tracing and Permissible Use: What You Need to Know

Skip tracing isn’t just about knowing how to find someone—it’s about knowing when it’s legally allowed.

Under U.S. privacy and consumer protection laws, certain data sources can only be accessed when there is a permissible purpose. This means a legitimate legal or business reason for the investigation.

✅ Common Permissible Uses Include:

• Locating a debtor for lawful debt collection
• Assisting an attorney in serving court papers
• Finding a witness or respondent in a legal proceeding
• Locating heirs or beneficiaries in estate cases
  
  ❌ What’s Not Allowed:
• Using skip tracing for harassment or stalking
• Digging into someone’s personal life without a legal basis
• Accessing restricted data (like DMV or credit headers) without lawful authority

Working with a licensed New York private investigator ensures your case stays within the law. At Easton Secure Solutions, we only accept cases with a clear permissible use—protecting you, your case, and the integrity of our work.

 
Why Legal and Ethical Compliance Matters

Not all “people finder” services are created equal. Some rely on questionable methods that could put you at legal risk.

By working with a licensed New York private investigator (verify our license here), you ensure that:

• All information is obtained legally.
• Evidence can be used in court.
• Your privacy remains protected.
   

Real-Life Situations Where We Help

• A family in Queens wanted to reconnect with a long-lost uncle. Within weeks, we located him and facilitated safe contact.
• A law firm in Long Island needed to serve a hard-to-find witness. Our investigators confirmed the subject’s address, making the case move forward.
• A local business owner was struggling to collect on a debt. With our detailed skip tracing, they finally had proof of the debtor’s new residence.
   
  Contact Us Today
  If you’re searching for someone—whether for personal or legal reasons—don’t leave it to chance. A professional PI can make the difference between dead ends and real answers.

📞 Contact Easton Secure Solutions LLC today for a confidential consultation.

Easton Secure Solutions LLC
Licensed NYS Private Investigator #11000228434

☎️ Call: (516) 962-1267
✉️ Email: [email protected]
💻 Website: https://eastonsecuresolutions.com
📅 Schedule: Book a Consultation
📝 Client Intake: Click Here
🔎 Learn more about our Person Locating Services or visit the New York State Division of Licensing Services for more on PI regulations.