How to Record Cell Phone Calls

I often record cell phone calls and conversations related to my business. These are typically witness interviews dealing with an insurance loss. Both parties are aware of the recording. I have found phone voice recordings to be much more useful than a written statement.

There are any number of reasons why a person may need to record a cell phone call.

+ You may be a reporter and need to keep an accurate record of the conversation.

+ If you are having an issue with a threatening caller, the police may ask you to record the phone conversations.

+ Cell phone calls involving financial transactions can be preserved and recorded so there are no disputes in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Olympus TP7 Telephone Recording Device
• Tape Recorder
• Cassette Tapes

Instructions

1. 

   If you plan to record a cell phone call without the knowledge of the other party, please make sure you understand the law in your state. Every State has different laws regarding the recording of phone conversations.

   You may be surprised to learn that in 40 of our 50 states, only one party is required to know the call is being recorded. Please refer to the link at the bottom of this page for a summary of the State Laws.

   Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and suggest you make sure you understand the law in your state.

2. 

   You will need a device to record the cell phone calls. The Olympus TP7 Telephone Recording Device has been getting good reviews at various websites.

   The device works by inserting the earpiece into your ear prior to beginning the call. You then plug the male adapter into your tape recorder. Hit record. Then proceed to use your cell phone as you normally would. The microphone in the earpiece picks up the audio from the other parties voice as well as your own voice.

   You could also start to record in the middle of a cell phone call if needed.

3. If you are going to record a cell phone call that could be used in any future business, legal, or financial transaction it is best to verbally label the recording prior to beginning or ending the conversation.

   When recording a cell phone call, I typically begin the conversation by stating the date, time, and person I am speaking with. If the other party is aware of the recording, it is best to get their verbal permission to record the call.

   Example:
   "This is John Doe on March 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. I am speaking by cell phone with Mark Smith of Acme Mortgage Company concerning the terms of my mortgage. Mr. Smith, do I have permission to record this call?"

   Obviously, if the other party is not aware of the recording, this would not be advisable. I suggest you wait until the other party hangs up. Keep the recorder running. Then state the date, time, parties involved, and the nature of the call.

Tips & Warnings

• The Olympus TP7 Telephone Recording Device will also work with your land line phone.

• Know the Law if you plan to record a cell phone call without the other persons knowledge.

Resources

• Can We Tape? - Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press