Best Ways to Find a Missing Person Who Needs to be Served
People usually don’t want a visit from a process server, since they often deliver unpleasant news. However, avoiding a process server never works out, but that doesn’t stop people from trying to. Avoidance gives the process server the added task of hunting down an evasive target. After years of experience of finding people who don’t want to be found, Accurate Serve has learned the following tips and tricks to make the hunt a little easier:
Do your homework
Don’t skimp on researching your target before heading out for a service attempt. These days, you don’t have to leave your desk to discover plenty of information about virtually anyone. Gather this basic information at a minimum:
- Name
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Aliases/nicknames
- Vehicle make, model, color, unique bumper stickers, and other identifiers
- Picture or physical description of the target
- Best time and place to contact
- History of evading service
- History of violence
Since each case and target is different, you’ll need to adjust this list accordingly. Not all list items will apply to all jobs, but reviewing the items that do apply will give you a better picture of your client.
Write everything down
Write down everything you learn about the target and the case in a dedicated space, no matter how insignificant it seems. The minor details may be what leads you to the target, so don’t leave anything out. Add to your notes as you learn more information.
Use names casually
We’re wired to have a natural, automatic reaction when someone calls our name. Use this to your advantage when serving process. However, keep in mind that a response to a first name or nickname should not be the only information you use in identifying a target; cross-check this with other identification methods to be sure you’re serving the right person.
Give them a call
No one wants their work, family, or friends to know that a process server is searching for them, so a target will usually get back to you back pretty quickly once you start calling their associated phone numbers. These could be home or work numbers, or even the numbers of friends and family (be careful when contacting someone at work, as there are rules about that). You shouldn’t involve other people at first, but contacting others can be helpful if finding the target continues to be a problem.
Dress for the occasion
Always opt for an outfit that blends into the area you are visiting. That means suits and ties in business settings and more casual attire when attempting service at a residence. Your appearance often determines your reception.
Check out their social media
People love posting on social media platforms, so use this to your advantage. Search the target’s names, nicknames, emails, and phone numbers on social media sites. Many people publicly tag their locations to their posts, so finding them should be no problem. However, avoid contacting targets from your social media accounts without identifying yourself as a process server first.
A few of the many social media platforms available today include:
- Snapchat
- Twitch
- YouTube
Lookup public records
There is a wealth of information available online about everyone these days, so a quick Google search can give you just the information you need to track someone down. For example, search for upcoming court dates for the target, and approach them as they are entering the courthouse. Directory sites may lead you to phone numbers and addresses that may not be listed officially.
However, do not rely on online information, as it can be inaccurate or outdated.
Stakeout
For the most difficult targets to locate, a stakeout may be in order. During a service attempt at the location where you think the target is hiding, take photos of anything you can see that should move regularly, including:
- Oil stains on the driveway
- Power meter readings
- Water meter readings
- Things you can see looking in a window, such as dirty dishes or a coffee table
Once you have a few photos, stick a piece of masking tape in a highly visible place on the door they seem to use the most. In an inconspicuous spot near the bottom of the same door, place a small, clear piece of tape connecting the door to the door frame. Now, leave and return in a few days. Has any of the tape been removed, or have the items you took photos of moved? If they have, you know there’s human activity there, and you can move on to the stakeout. Pick a nearby spot to park your vehicle where you can see the entrance to the home. When the target finally shows their face, make your move.
Ask for alternative service
If you can’t locate the target after multiple service attempts at various locations, including the target’s last known home and work addresses, the judge may grant you permission to serve the target by substitution or publication. In service by substitution, you may give the process to someone who you reasonably believe will give it to the target. However, you will need to mail a copy of the papers to the target’s last known address as well. For service by publication, an announcement for the target can be posted publicly, usually in the local newspaper, for at least 32 days.
Avoiding service of process is fairly common as many people mistakenly believe that avoiding a process server will stop their court case altogether, but this is untrue. Even if the target cannot be located in person, other service options exist. At Accurate Serve, we give you all the tools and knowledge you need to find even the most elusive targets.
Visit https://www.accurateserveorlando.com/ to view all the services we offer in the Orlando, Kissimmee, and Lake Mary areas. When you’re ready to join the Accurate Serve team, contact us at https://www.accurateserveorlando.com/contact or email serve@accurateserveorlando.com to discuss your future with us.