Eavesdropping on wireless phones implies intercepting the radio signal to listen to the call. Intercepting radio waves is easy, converting them back into sound requires the proper equipment.
The type of phone you use, and the importance of your calls, as perceived by: nosy neighbors, spouses, business competitors, law enforcement, etc. all contribute to the likelihood of your call being overheard.
Note - Eavesdropping on any telephone call by private individuals is illegal in the United States. Even law enforcement agencies must follow strict guidelines.
Analog cordless phones...
Eavesdropping is a genuine problem for analog phone users. The FM radio signals these phones transmit are easily monitored using readily available radio receivers, commonly called scanners.
The manufacture and sale of scanning radio receivers was prohibited by U.S. law several years ago. However, receivers made before the law went into effect are still being used, and new scanners are offered for sale - mail order - by stores in other countries.
Digital cellular and cordless phones...
These phones are dramatically less vulnerable to eavesdropping. You may also hear digital transmission referred to as:
• TDMA
• CDMA
• GSM
• Spread Spectrum
• DECT
The average person using one of these digital systems can feel quite sure that the radio portion of their call is not being intercepted and overheard.
"Will just switching to a digital phone protect me?"
Not entirely, but it is a very good first step.
What you say may be intercepted elsewhere along the route your call takes. Consider these interception points...
• At your end of the call...
- Is anyone around who can simply overhear what you say?
- Is it possible that the room you are in has a listening device in it?
• Once your call reaches the phone company...
it is available to some of their employees - and law enforcement - under very strict guidelines. It is extremely unlikely that the average person would be eavesdropped on during this portion of their call.
• At the other end of the call...
- Will the person you are talking to keep the details of your conversation confidential?
- Are they using any type of analog phone which might be intercepted?
- Is it possible there is a wiretap on their end of the line?
- Is it possible the area they are in is bugged?
- Did someone else near them overhear the conversation?
Recommendations...
• Switch to a digital cordless phone, or digital cordless headset.
• Avoid wireless phones if practical.
• Be discreet.
• Test for leaks. Occasionally release a bit of information that - if overheard - would cause an eavesdropper to do something to reveal themselves.
• If your calls to the same locations are very sensitive add encryption to your phone for end to end privacy.
Exceptions...
If your calls involve business or governmental information, the rules change dramatically and you need to engage the services of a specialist. Please acquaint yourself with who we are and what we can do to solve your concerns. Visit the rest of our site.
If you are worried about a law enforcement investigation, we can't help you. You might want to read this.
Cell communications are a major privacy issue... but not the only one. Visit our entire site for additional privacy protection information.
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