How to Legally Obtain Cell Phone Records

Phone companies keep old records.

Criminals use different methods to obtain cell phone records illegally, from setting up fake phone accounts to pretending to be the account holder over the phone with customer service representatives. Some private investigators and online services also allow people to pay for cell phone bills of others with minimal personal information. However, if you want to get cell phone bills within the boundaries of the law, there are a few ways to go about it.

Things You'll Need

• Account number
• Personal information of the account holder

Instructions

1. Get a legal order that requires a phone company to turn over the cell phone bills. Check with the individual wireless carrier for the policy on giving cell phone records to non-account holders or their representatives. Legal orders are usually only granted during criminal investigations.

2. Create an online billing account with your own cell phone company, or log on to your account if you already have one at the wireless company's website. Input information about the account such as its number and other personal information.

3. Select the account option to download previous bills. Choose the date range for the bills you want to see. Save the file to your desktop, or print the bill(s) directly.

4. Call the cell phone provider if you do not want to set up on online account, or if you do not have one. Provide the customer service agent with security information about your account so that he can ensure you can legally access the account information.

5. Ask the representative to email you a copy of the records. If you want a paper copy mailed to you via regular mail, you may have to pay a fee for the service.

Resources

• "Washington Post": Cell Phone Records for Sale