Is there a way of tracing someone.... 29 March 2021 at 1:02PM in Debt-free wannabe 12 replies 1.2K views

dlpfan2019

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?

pramsay13

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

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.

Karonher

Social media will be a first call. You never know but they may need the money more than you do now.

dlpfan2019

Thanks all,
I did try on social media a few weeks ago but will try again

Aspiration

Just wanted to say Good on you for paying it back!! 

katsu

Do you know anyone who might know them?  Can you try and reach them via the way you met?

dlpfan2019

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

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. 

sourcrates

Electoral role search, tracing website, as mentioned above, Google is your friend here.

Maskface

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?