Being able to locate a debtor\’s bank account can be quite useful in your attempt to collect. By law, it is required that a private investigator to do the work. Be wary when you hire someone to locate bank account numbers as there are a number of scam companies claiming that they can help, and take your money with no activity in return.
Below are legal ways to obtain a debtor\’s bank account number.
If your debtor is employed by a retail store purchase something from the debtor and pay by check. This is a great technique that you can use to find out account information by looking at your own bank statement; the bank account information will allow you to determine the debtors account number.
Interactions with a previous landlord of the debtor has the capacity to be very fruitful. Ask his formal landlord. You can subpoena the old land lord for a copy of the rental application to see where the defendant banked. Because old habits die hard, it is likely that the debtor still uses the same bank account.
It may be wise to consider serving a Business Record Subpoena on the debtor\’s employer so that you can acquire a copy of a payroll check the debtor has cashed in. The check should have the defendant\’s account number and possibly the name of the bank on the bank.
There are additional \”colorful\” ways to get information about a debtor\’s bank account. Conduct a trash search. This is an easy way to acquire bank information and a it is also a way to get to know more than you ever wanted about this debtor.
One very elaborate scheme to get the information on your debtor\’s bank account is what I like to call \”the fake block party.\” Mail post cards to everyone who lives on your debtor\’s block, and put up signs directing traffic towards his house. The debtor may get block party fever and open his garage. Scope out his items and take inventory. He may even start to sell things. At this point, buy something and give them a check.
Viola! All of these plots are legal, but my advice would be to root through a debtor\’s trash and stage a block party last, because that seems kind of crazy.
Mallory McGuinness is employed by a debt collection agency. She also writes stories on business, finance, consumer spending, and debt collection. You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.
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