Debtor Tracing finds the current address, contact details and employer of a person or business that owes you money, so you can serve papers or recover the debt. Send one request and independent investigators reply with availability and prices.
Give the debtor's name and last known details to get debtor tracing quotes.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteWhat It Involves
- Database tracing. Credit bureau and other lawful data sources.
- Registry searches. CIPC, Deeds Office and vehicle records.
- Open sources. Social media and online footprint.
- Field verification. A visit to confirm the person lives or works at the address.
- Asset indicators. Property, vehicles and directorships that may help recovery.
Who Uses It
Landlords, small businesses, attorneys, lenders and individuals owed money after a loan, sale or court order.
What to Send First
- The debtor's full name and, if you have it, ID or company number.
- Last known address and phone number.
- The rough amount owed.
- Whether you have a judgment.
Do not upload documents, statements or evidence through the request form. The investigator will ask for what is needed once you agree to go ahead.
How It Works
- Desk trace. Data and registry searches.
- Leads. Addresses and numbers checked for currency.
- Verification. Field confirmation if required.
- Report. Verified details for your attorney or sheriff.
Findings and Reporting
A short report with the confirmed address, contact details, employer and any assets found, and how each was verified.
Limits
Investigators may not intercept calls or messages, access email or bank accounts, or obtain private records such as bank statements or phone records without consent or a court order. No investigator can guarantee a result, recovery of money or that evidence will be accepted by a court.
Investigators trace people; they do not collect debts or threaten debtors. Use an attorney or registered debt collector for recovery.
Debtor Tracing Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Desk trace, per debtor | R1,500 - R3,500 |
| Trace with field verification | R3,500 - R10,000 |
| Process serving | R1,500 - R5,000 |
| Investigator hourly rate | R500 - R1,500 per hour |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Indicative ballpark figures in rand, rounded. They are compiled from prices published by South African investigation firms and typical market rates. They are not our prices or quotations, and no investigator is bound by them. Confirm VAT, travel and what each quotation includes.
Get prices for your trace rather than a range. Send one request, with no obligation.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteWhat Affects the Price
- Information you have. An ID number makes tracing faster and cheaper.
- How long ago. Older trails take more work.
- Field work. Physical verification adds cost and travel.
- Volume. Batches of debtors are often priced lower per trace.
Debtor Tracing FAQs
Is debtor tracing legal?
Yes, when there is a lawful reason, such as a debt, and data is handled in line with POPIA.
Will the investigator collect the money?
No. They find the debtor. Recovery is done by your attorney, a sheriff or a registered debt collector.
Can you trace without an ID number?
Often yes, but it takes longer and the success rate is lower.
Is there a fee if the debtor is not found?
Some investigators charge a reduced fee for unsuccessful traces. Ask before you agree.
Related Services
Request debtor tracing quotes through Private Investigators South Africa and compare each investigator's fee basis and verification.
Private Investigators South Africa is a referral and quote service. We do not carry out investigations and we do not employ investigators. Work is quoted and carried out by independent investigators, and your agreement is with the one you choose. Ask for a written quotation and proof of PSIRA registration before you pay a deposit. No investigator can promise a particular result or that evidence will be accepted by a court.
Debtor Tracing. Describe what you need once and get the best quote, fast.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteGet the Best Quote, Fast
Keep it brief. Do not send ID documents, passwords, intimate images or evidence through this form. Your enquiry is passed only to investigators suited to the job, and you decide whether to go ahead.
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