Author: Spokeo (guest contributor)
In an era where traditional methods of data collection are becoming less effective and
increasingly costly, social media presents a goldmine of actionable insights. The pervasiveness
of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn has changed the game for
collection agencies and skip tracers. Individuals today often maintain multiple social media
profiles, which affords a multidimensional view of their whereabouts and how they spend their
time. This isn’t merely a fleeting trend; it’s a shift in the industry that professionals need to
understand and harness.
One of the most significant advantages of social media lies in its capacity to unveil valuable
insights about consumers, encompassing their current location, employment location, contact
information, and preferences. In today’s digital age, individuals readily share personal
milestones and location-related data on social platforms. This wealth of information can be
harnessed to gain a comprehensive understanding of their geographical whereabouts,
employment locations, contact details, and preferences.
Geographically and temporally, social media brings an added layer of detail to the table.
Geo-tagging features and check-ins can provide real-time indications about a debtor’s current
location or places they frequent. Additionally, the timing of a debtor’s online activities can inform
when collection efforts are most likely to be effective. These nuances were previously
impossible to gauge through traditional skip tracing methods.
Social connections, too, provide valuable avenues for investigation. A debtor’s friends and
family are often visible on social media platforms, offering an additional layer of contact when
the individual is hard to locate. Even professional networks are no longer hidden, thanks to
platforms like LinkedIn. This can be particularly useful for procedures like wage garnishment or
when direct workplace contact is required.
There are other subtleties social media can reveal, which might seem peripheral but can have a
profound impact on collection strategies. For instance, the tone and style of an individual’s posts
can provide clues about how to effectively communicate with them.
It’s essential, however, to tread carefully when using social media for collections, keeping in
mind legal and compliance factors. Some information might be admissible in legal proceedings,
adding weight to collection cases. Transparency is key; all actions should fall within the
framework of compliance and regulatory guidelines.
What makes social media uniquely powerful is its ability to provide real-time updates. Unlike
traditional databases that could be years outdated, platforms like Facebook and Twitter offer
immediate insights. Life-changing events such as new employment or marriage often find their first public mention on social media, and these can serve as triggers for timely collection actions.
Technology takes this a step further by enabling automated strategies. Advanced analytics tools
can scan social media platforms for changes in a debtor’s location while integration with existing
CRM systems provides a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the debtor’s profile and risk
factors.
To sum up, the increasing relevance of social media in skip tracing and collections cannot be
overstated. Agencies looking to leverage these advantages should consider specialized
platforms like Spokeo for Business. Pioneering in social media aggregation and deep skip
investigations, Spokeo ensures you are equipped with the most authoritative and actionable
insights. The future of collections is digital, and platforms like Spokeo for Business are leading
the way.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended as legal advice. Consult your legal and/or
compliance department before making any changes to your operations.
