How Private Investigators Find People in the UK
January 19, 2022 - Reading time: 10 minutes
Updated on: September 5, 2025
Overview
As a leading detective agency in the UK, we are often instructed to find people for many reasons. Clients ask us to trace debtors, former tenants, business partners, witnesses, old friends and relatives. A private investigator or tracing agent may be able to confirm a current address, phone number or workplace, depending on what is lawfully available.
The best approach depends on the facts. We start by reviewing what you already know, then select the most efficient and lawful route to a result. If you are interested in our people tracing service, contact us for a free consultation and include as much detail as you can.
1. People tracing using record searches
Record searches are the backbone of many traces. It is not just access to data that matters but knowing how to thread records together accurately. We combine lawful databases with public sources to build a reliable picture and reduce false matches.
Tracing to find a person’s address
Most clients want a current residential address. Where lawful, we may also confirm a phone number or other identifiers to help you make contact or pass to a solicitor or process server.
Tracing someone that owes you money
Debtor tracing is common. If someone owes you money and has moved on, early action usually improves results. Once located, you or your solicitor can consider next steps such as letters before action or service of court papers.
Tracing biological parents
These searches are sensitive. We handle them with care and discuss contact preferences and potential outcomes in advance. See our guide on how to trace biological parents in the UK.
Tracing hidden assets
If you suspect assets are being concealed, asset tracing can help identify property, company links or other holdings. This is usually a separate instruction and can support legal proceedings.
2. On-the-ground investigations
When desk research stalls, fieldwork can bridge the gap. This may include discreet visits to last known addresses, speaking with neighbours or site staff, or verifying occupancy. For example, where records were stale, an agent attended a former address and, posing as an old friend, confirmed the subject’s new address and phone number from a neighbour. Fieldwork is effective but carries time and travel costs, which we agree with you first.
3. Internet and social media research
Most people leave a digital footprint. Public posts often reveal locations, workplaces, contacts and routines. Cross-referencing usernames, photos, groups and historical posts can lead to an address or workplace that can be verified by follow-up checks or fieldwork. We only use lawful OSINT techniques and do not attempt to access private accounts.
4. Can you trace someone with just a phone number or email?
Sometimes, yes. Success depends on number type, country, activity history and what is lawfully available. Specialist resources can sometimes link a phone number to a name or address. An email address may appear in public data, old listings, domain records or online profiles that help connect the dots.
We do not access confidential subscriber data. That requires legal authority through a court or law enforcement. Where appropriate, we can advise on next steps with a solicitor.
5. What information helps to trace someone?
You do not need everything on this list, but more detail usually improves speed and accuracy:
- Full name and any previous names or spelling variations
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Any previous addresses and dates
- Known phone numbers or email addresses
- Employer, trade, industry or likely workplace
- Relatives, partners or known associates
- Social media usernames or profile links
- Any reference numbers from old paperwork or agreements
6. How long does people tracing take?
It varies. Straightforward traces can be resolved within a day if the data is fresh and consistent. If the subject moves often, uses multiple identities or has gone overseas, it may take several days or weeks. We will always give a realistic estimate at the start and update you as we progress.
7. How much does a trace cost?
Costs depend on complexity, geography and whether fieldwork is needed. Many UK traces can be quoted at a fixed fee when the brief is clear. International work or cases that require agents on the ground are usually time-based. For an accurate quote, contact us with the details you have and your goal, for example service of documents, re-establishing contact or pre-action enquiries.
8. Is people tracing legal in the UK?
Yes, when carried out lawfully. We work within UK data protection and privacy law. We rely on open sources, lawful databases and proportionate investigation. We do not obtain confidential records without legal authority and we do not misrepresent ourselves to gain restricted data. If a matter needs legal powers, we can liaise with your solicitor to consider court-approved routes.
Get a free consultation
To discuss a people tracing enquiry, visit the PrivateInvestigators-UK homepage or contact us. Include the person’s name, any dates of birth, previous addresses, phone or email details and your objective. We provide clear quotes and work discretely across the UK and overseas where required.
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