Who Is Listening in on your Cell Phone?

Most people seem to believe that the public broadcasting of an illegally intercepted cell phone conversation would be illegal.  However, the US Supreme Court has found that the First Amendment allows an illegally intercepted cell phone conversation to be shared with others when the conversation involves matters of significant public interest.  While your conversation may not be of significant public interest, it reminds us that people may be listening and taking our private information at any time. 

The Wall Street Journal has recently published allegations of the FBI being capable of remotely activating Android microphones.  While this can only be done under court orders, the capability is there and we should be aware.

All U.S. cell phone carriers are required, under Federal Communications Commission orders, to make it possible for police to locate cell phones calling 911.  This is because people with cell phones generally always carry their phone with them.  Something we forget is that the FCC regulations give the thriving market for selling personal information the exact locations at all times of more than 140 million people.  Knowing someone's location at all times adds a significant new twist to tracking information about people. 

"There are some things you don't mind other people knowing, but your location isn't one of them," said Gary Laden, a privacy program director for BBB Online, a Better Business Bureau subsidiary.

Services providers (like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile) collect data, but are not forthcoming in detailing exactly what they collect, the reasons they collect it, and their data retention policies.

Did you know that cellular phones use radio frequencies, which can be easily intercepted?  Eavesdroppers use simple devices to intercept the analog radio waves that carry wireless calls.  They can then listen to your private conversations, steal your credit card information and can even find out when you'll be on vacation to plan their evil deeds.

What is one of the greatest advantages of retaining a landline phone number?  The answer is: the security of your personal conversations. So, if you want to keep your cell phone private, choose to keep your landline.  Also, if you want to keep the cost of your landline down contact National Access Long Distance and save money on your long distance services.

Keep Your Cell Phone Private

            Many people do not realize that the same radio frequencies that are responsible for making cellular phone communications easy are the same elements which allow outsiders to invade their privacy.  Radio frequencies can be intercepted, private information can be swiped through a cellular phone Wi-Fi connection, smart phones, like a computer, can be hacked. 

These techniques are used by stores and retailers to track customers’ whereabouts and purchases.  Individuals can also hack onto phones in an attempt for identity theft.  Even the government uses your signal to collect incriminating or personal data without your knowledge.      

            There are, of course, some prevention techniques that a person can utilize to protect themselves.  First and foremost, one should never give out information to anyone who calls you or notifies you of needing your personal information such as a credit card or similar sensitive information, especially over a cellular phone.  Sometimes though it can be necessary to update payment information for a bill or order a new service, then a land line should be used to handle this type of business.  In fact, there are huge benefits gained from the use of a land line in respect to maintaining privacy.  In a world where one's phone number is requested by businesses on a regular basis, it is better to provide a land line number and keep one's cellular phone for personal calls, thereby reducing interruptions and reserving cellular phone use for people you actually want to speak with.  In other words, if you want to keep your cellular phone number private, choose to keep your land line.  If you want to save money on your land line, contact National Access Long Distance.