How to Tell If Your Phone Is Being Recorded?

Cell phones and home phones are both vulnerable to electronic eavesdropping.

If someone is recording your phone conversations, they can use your information to steal from you, stalk you or ruin your reputation. Cell phones and home phones are vulnerable to security breaches. If you're aware of the signs of phone recorders, you can guard yourself against eavesdroppers.

Instructions

If You're Using a Cell Phone

1. Listen for signs of phone tapping such as changes in ring tones or tones of voice, noises such as static, popping and hissing, lighting up when not in use or having to charge your phone more often than normal.

2. Disable your phone's Internet connectivity, if applicable, because it allows eavesdroppers to download spying software onto your phone. Take out the battery and keep an eye on your phone when you suspect it's being tapped. (See Reference 1)

3. Call a technical service counter measure, or "TSCM," firm to schedule a consultation. Call from a phone that you don't suspect of being recorded. (See Reference 2)

If You're Using a Land Line

1. Listen for signs of phone tapping such as changes in ring tones or tones of voice, and noises such as static, popping and hissing. (See Reference 1)

2. Thoroughly inspect your phone wires, looking for coil taps or induction coils, and check inside the underside of your phone receiver. Use a magnifying glass to check for smaller phone taps. (See Reference 3)

3. Remove any listening devices you find.

4. Call a technical service counter measure, or "TSCM," firm to schedule a consultation, if you can't find any listening devices yourself. Call from a phone that you don't suspect is being recorded. (See Reference 2)

References

• Channel 13 Eyewitness News: Tapping Your Cell Phone
• Granite Island Group: Types of Wiretaps, Bugs and Methods
• Espykit: Best Methods to Check for Phone Taps