How safe is phone talk?

[slims099]

I have several buddies who I talk to on a week to week basis, sometimes day to day basis usually over the phone. Sometimes the things we talk about are in lots of detail about a session, or a price. Is that safe? Should I/we chill out with that?

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks and happy holidays.

[AgoodMess]

I thought that was a taboo to talk about over the phone. Are you talking to providers, or other hobbyists? I dont see why this is unsafe, especially if you are using a hobby phone and know the person at the other end of the line. Happy hobbying, - aGM.

[CoHorn]

The government has set up listening posts all over the world. You can't hid from it!!!

Seriously, LE doesn't bug your phones because they have better things to do. The content of what you say isn't important unless your SO is listening. As far as that goes, get a hobby phone.

[slims099]

Makes sense. Thanks guys!

[yardape]

Believe it or not, the personal privacy/security of traditional landlines is still the MOST legally-protected of all telecom. Commercial mobile radio (cell) is also protected by the anti-wiretapping laws, but experimenters are constantly improving rogue reception devices to listen in on wireless calls.

[snarl]

I am NOT a lawyer, but it's safe.

Texas Code Of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 18, Article 20, Section 4 defines the offenses for which an electronic intercept may be authorized AS:
(1) a felony under Section 19.02, 19.03, or 43.26, Penal Code;
Texas Penal Code, Section 19.02 covers Murder, 19.03 covers Capital Murder
Texas Penal Code, Section 43.03 covers PROMOTION OF PROSTITUTION

(2) a felony under:
(A) Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, other than felony possession of marihuana;
(B) Section 485.033, Health and Safety Code; or
(C) Chapter 483, Health and Safety Code;
The listed sections of the Texas Health and Safety Code cover drugs and volitile chemicals used to create/process drugs

(3) an offense under Section 20.03 or 20.04, Penal Code;
Kidnapping and Aggravated Kidnapping

(4) an offense under Chapter 20A, Penal Code;
Human Trafficking

(5) an offense under Chapter 34, Penal Code, if the criminal activity giving rise to the proceeds involves the commission of an offense under Title 5, Penal Code, or an offense under federal law or the laws of another state containing elements that are substantially similar to the elements of an offense under Title 5; or
Money Laundering

(6) an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit an offense listed in this section.



SO, as long as you're not a murderer, a pimp, a drug dealer/cook, kidnapper, coyote (people smuggler), or money launderer? You're FINE.

But if you are unsure, CONSULT AN ATTORNEY!

Link To Texas Statutes

[Buck Fuddy]

unless you are a certain well known golfer who appears to have no concept of having a hobby phone.

[gatewayloco]

No worry if you trust who you are talking to. The person on the other line can record a phone conversation without telling you....its perfectly legal. A third party cannot wire tap on your line without a warrant. These warrants are very difficult to obtain.

[vnurse]

Quote by Hardrider: "unless you are a certain well known golfer who appears to have no concept of having a hobby phone."

THAT is FUNNY!

I wouldn't see any problems with a phone discussion about much of anything. The only times I have had problems is when I get calls from potential visitors who ask about rates and services and I am around other "civilians". I generally just excuse myself to have the conversation in a more private place.

My opinion is anyone should be careful about ANY conversation they are having where people in general could overhear it. I have heard things walking around the grocery store that I PROBABLY didn't need to hear...you know?

[pyramider]

Ask Tiger Woods about what talking on the phone is worth . . .


Be discrete, very discrete. Tiger's lack of discretion will cost him hundreds of millions.

[helix]

Originally Posted by CoHorn

The government has set up listening posts all over the world. You can't hid from it!!!

One thing that I recently became aware of is that the Feds started recording and saving every call (land and wireless) to a database sometime back in '04 or '05. They have a system that the telecom providers are required to route calls through that records basic info about the call and saves the recording. What this has allowed them to do is to get federal warrants to listen to the conversations after the fact.

This came up as part of a description about how they caught these insider trading guys recently (Raj Rajsomething). The guys who got busted used their equivilent of hobby phones to discuss details. The feds found out what one of the numbers was. Once they found one, they pulled its calls, which led to another, and so on. The contents of these calls will be used against these guys to demonstrate that they knew it was illegal.

Bottom line, they still need probable cause for (federal?) warrants, don't get on the feds list to watch, and be cognizant about what you say because "they" are always listening, even if nobody hears it right now.

[mayday]

it maybe illegal, but you might be recorded at any time. the person recording you simply wants to know things that you know or are planning. they know its illegal to record your conversations but they have no intent on using the recording in court. it may give them the information to out wit you in business, tract you on illegal activities, or compromise you in some way. you just never know.

[HoneyRose]

Prince Charles and Camilla had a private cell phone conversation which was accidently picked up by someone. She famously said she wished he were her tampon and he said he wanted to be reincarnated as her knickers.

So even if you aren't worried about the feds legally recording you or another person illegally recording you, think of the embarassment if someone accidently heard or recorded you and recognized your voice (or heard enough other details to figure out who you were).

I know I'm VERY risk-averse! The consequences for me outweigh the pleasure/ease of phone conversations.