question on those plug in extra phone jack thingies and tapping a phone

[Lisa L from MI]

Hi
It's a long story...that I will post soon...but I wondered if anyone has one of those plug in extra phone jacks that you just plug into a wall outlet and have an extra phone jack without having to install a new phone jack with wires etc.

Anyway, do you think it is possible for someone to set up a recording device on one of these to record phone conversations on the existing phone line??

As I said, it is a long story (not me personally...but someone close to me) and I would really like to find this out.

Thanks in advance if anyone knows.....or maybe what to look for if we are thinking he "tapped" the phones.

Lisa

 

[Belle1962]

Check with Radio Shack. Without going into my long story they have more gizmos and gadgets for phone tapping, recording, etc than I ever realized was avaiable to the general public. They'd know if this is possible and could probably sell you a device that can help detect if your phone is being tapped.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

BUMP

ANYONE???????????

 

[Lurieh]

I'm not nearly an expert on phone tapping, but I'll try to help a bit.

Yes, it is possible to record a conversation using a device that is connected directly to the phone line. However, keep in mind that since wire tapping for malicious purposes is a pretty severe crime, most available phone tapping equipment is designed to be hidden or covertly used. A large tape recorder connected to the wall by a long cord isn't very descreet.

This is a tape recorder type tap:

http://www.or-com.com/phone_recorder.htm

These types of devices automatically start to record either by voice activation or by detecting a current change in the existing phone line wiring(i.e. when you pick up the hand set).

This is an RF transmitter type tap:

http://www.or-com.com/sockettransmitter.htm

The transmitter emits a signal to a walkie-talkie or other device for a person to listen in. These devices can also work in conjuction with a tape recording device.

Hope this helps,

Lurieh

P.S. I neither participate in nor condone the use of wire tapping devices for malicious purposes. The links I have provided are for example only and were not intentionally provided to aid in any criminal act.

 

[Lurieh]

And here's the second part to your question:

Here are a few warning signs to look/hear for to determine if your phones may be tapped. Please note that any anomalies I mention may indeed be simple phone line interference.

Things to listen for:

voice drop off(volume cuts in and out)
static, popping, or scratchiness on the line
Radio reception fuzzier than normal

Things to watch for:

TV reception worse than normal
Small discolored holes along your walls(if a tap was made inside the wall instead of at the exterior of the plug)
Wall plates(phone or electrical) that seem out of alignment

Please be aware that each of these signs has a specific reasoning behind it. They may be signs of amateur or professional eavesdropping, or they may be nothing. The key is to not overreact. If you(or your friend) fear they are being "spied" upon, consult your local law enforcement for a definitive conclusion to the problem.

If you have specific questions regarding any of the things mentioned above, I can try to help with what little I know.

Lurieh

 

[GeorgeG]

Radio Shack does offer a simple little gadget to be used with a conventional cassette recorder. It can be used with a phone jack splitter like you described. It can be set to operate voice activated or manually. I think the total cost of the device, recorder, and splitter should be no more than about $50.

As the others have indicated, legal advice should be obtained before using this, no matter what the purpose. Depending on state and local law, the downside could range the tapes (and information) being inadmisable to criminal charges against you (or your friend). The upside would depend entirely on the legal application involved and the risks of stepping outside the law. I believe some states allow taping if even one of the parties is aware, again, depending on intent and use.

All of our phones (and radios) here at work are recorded and the old tell-tale beeping was discontinued a number of years ago.

In any case, get the straight scoop from a lawyer.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Thanks everyone.

Actually, we are trying to figure out if this person is bugging the phone of my friend. We are not planning to tap the phone...we want to see if it is tapped