Finding Hidden Assets
Starting a Search for Assets
The first step to searching for assets is to do your research on the person. Do this before searching public documents. You should obtain the person’s full name and usually their primary home address as well. A social security number can be used to ensure that the person is who they say they are. You will want to know as much as you can about the person including his/her employer, birthdate, and whom he/she is closest with. This may come in handy later as many people try to hide assets by putting them under a relative’s or close friend’s name. If a large property is changed to someone else’s name, there should be documentation of this action in your county’s deed transfer files.
Once the debtor has been examined for any red flags, it is important to continue your search in public documents. Any sign of an attempt to hide certain assets will usually be reflected by some form of paperwork.
More red flags in the search for hidden assets is the forming of a shell company, the purchasing of large quantities of portable valuable commodities, and hoarding cash. However, it is important to use discretion when giving weight to these red flags, as this depends on the circumstances and facts surrounding each specific case. Recognizing red flags when faced with a search for hidden assets in debt collection is a valuable skill to any debt collection professional.
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