We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Is there a way of tracing someone....

Hi all,
Strange one here but in a nutshell
I have an old personal debt with someone, well over 10 years old now.
My circumstances have changed now and I am able to pay it and I feel I should
However I have no way of getting in contact with the individual now and the email I had at the time bounced back
Is there anyway of tracing someone if I have enough previous details about them?
«1

Comments

  • pramsay13
    pramsay13 Posts: 2,023 Forumite
    Name Dropper Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    There isn't one magic way of tracing people.
    Do you have anything other than a name and email address? 
    Do you have an old address, mobile phone number, school, work etc?
    Social media is probably the quickest and easiest way of tracing someone, either the person themselves, or a relative or friend that will be able to pass on details.
  • sourcrates
    sourcrates Posts: 29,738 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture Debt-free and Proud! Post of the Month PPI Party Pooper
    As above, social media probably your best bet, or you can use a specialist tracing agency, but that is likely to involve cost.

    If they have not bothered chasing you down for this debt, after 10 years, I doubt they will be expecting any payment from you now, but hey, its your call.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter
  • Karonher
    Karonher Posts: 934 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture First Post
    Social media will be a first call. You never know but they may need the money more than you do now.
    Aiming to make £7,500 online in 2022
  • dlpfan2019
    dlpfan2019 Posts: 98 Forumite
    Third Anniversary First Post Name Dropper
    Thanks all,
    I did try on social media a few weeks ago but will try again

  • Aspiration
    Aspiration Posts: 532 Forumite
    500 Posts Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker Name Dropper
    Just wanted to say Good on you for paying it back!! 
    April 2020 - £102,222 Loans/CC’s.

    Jan 2022 - £0
    Cleared - £102,222

    Jan 2022 - Now time to build suitable investments and a business!
  • katsu
    katsu Posts: 4,968 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Mortgage-free Glee! First Post Name Dropper
    Do you know anyone who might know them?  Can you try and reach them via the way you met?
    Debt at highest: £8k. Debt Free 31/12/2009. Original MFD May 2036, MF Dec 2018.
  • dlpfan2019
    dlpfan2019 Posts: 98 Forumite
    Third Anniversary First Post Name Dropper
    Hi all,

    Well shockingly this is over a year old now, where does the time go!

    I have tried social media etc so am now thinking of asking a tracing agent but not sure how it all works, do I do through a solicitor or are there services for it?

    I know its been a long time now and if its too expensive it may not be worth doing it but now I have a bit of time I would like to explore it a bit more
  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 33,924 Forumite
    I've been Money Tipped! First Post Photogenic First Anniversary
    You can go directly to a tracing agency - no idea of costs though, 
    Other options - advert in local paper if they may still be in the area? Some people do still look there rather than social media. 
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • sourcrates
    sourcrates Posts: 29,738 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture Debt-free and Proud! Post of the Month PPI Party Pooper
    Electoral role search, tracing website, as mentioned above, Google is your friend here.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter
  • Maskface
    Maskface Posts: 219 Forumite
    100 Posts Name Dropper
    Salvation army traced someone for my friend but that was a long lost family member. Not sure if they'd take this on. May be worth a try?
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 345.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 251K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 450.9K Spending & Discounts
  • 237.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 612.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 174.3K Life & Family
  • 250.8K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.