Thursday, August 24, 2006

Private Investigator's Q&A

If you have questions relating to private investigations, you can post them here anonymously and I will try to answer them on this forum. They could relate to personal problems that an investigator might help you with, or a general question.

We get many emails and calls a day at our office, but with caller I.D. and email IP addresses revealed it's difficult to remain anonymous. Now you can.

So, whatever your question, post it here, and I'll try to answer it in this column.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where can I get cell phone records?

Anonymous said...

How can I tell if my phone is bugged?

Skipp Porteous said...

Where can I get cell phone records?

First, I'd advise you not to try to get them. There are still some information brokers who offer them for sale, but the law, and the cell phone companies, are cracking down on them. Some are operating from outside the country, but if you use their services you could ultimately be connected to them.

How can I tell if my phone is bugged?

Most phone taps are easy to find. Trace every existing phone wire to the junction box outside the house. If you're in an apartment building, do the same, but if the tap is in the basement you'll need professional help to even find your line.
When visually tracing the phone lines, look for anything that shouldn't be there, such as a little black box connected to the wires along with a microcassette player.
If your phone is tapped from the phone company's Central Office (this is where law enforcement does it), you'll never know.
Keep in mind that you may need professional help.

Anonymous said...

Can you take pictures inside someones apartment through the window with an open blind, and are you allowed to take it while the people are there or not?

Skipp Porteous said...

If someone is strutting their stuff in front of a window that can be seen from a public place, such as a sidewalk, you look, and even photograph them if you wish.

Using binoculars, a ladder, or other extraordinary means would invade their privacy.