Cell phones. Convenience or ultimate information gathering tool?

In this day and age a cell phone is a tool few of us leave the house without. But what other abilities does this technological marvel harbor? Just like a multitude of other inventions derived with the best of intentions our phones abilities can be perverted. Let us discuss a few of these intrusive, if not illegal options.

Your text messages can be read. Your conversations recorded. Records of the calls you have made or received can be accessed. Your contacts can be viewed. Your private pictures open for all with the desire to see. And this works on ALL phones, or so it is advertised. It does not depend upon country or network. It will work anywhere in the world. As long as the battery is installed software can be utilized to listen and track you. Your phone, if set as a target, will notify the intruder whenever you make or receive a call.

It becomes worse. This includes: any cell phone, laptop or Bluetooth enabled devices. Some software has the ability to change what you see on your caller ID display when you receive a phone call. Not only the number can be changed but also whatever name the number is associated with. It just gets better. The deviant can have the ability to choose to change their voice to a male or female.

Unfortunately, this software is difficult or impossible to trace. This is not a discussion of the legalities. Regarding the U.S., for more information search computer crime laws and the Federal Electronics Communication Law. These laws can vary from state to state. Some states have passed laws that make it illegal to spoof caller ID for certain purposes, such as "to mislead, defraud or deceive the recipient of a telephone call".

Whatever the reason, if someone chooses to spy on you, they can. What is listed above are only some of the options available. Contact the proper authorities should you believe you are being stalked using your personal communication devices. In closing, be careful, realize that others may have these abilities. Be safe.