Text messages are increasingly used in court as evidence in civil (divorce) and criminal cases. If you suspect a partner is cheating on you or want to monitor your child's cell phone usage, spying on text messages can be enlightening, but negatively impact relationships. Consider the privacy rights on your mobile; police must obtain a warrant before searching cell phones and call logs must be formally requested by a lawyer to be admitted to court.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Spying in person
Step 1. Consider an alternative to spying
It is usually best to be direct and ask to see your partner's or child's phone. Talk about any doubts, insecurities, or worries you have before resorting to spying.
- Talk to your child about proper cell phone use. Don't be afraid to set limits on when he can use the phone and periodically check his behavior.
- Find a time to sit down and talk to your partner without any other distractions. Spend no more than two hours discussing fears and concerns, or write her a letter in advance and arrange a meeting in a neutral location.
Step 2. Search her phone when she is busy or distracted
This is the simplest way to spy on a person's phone. Wait for him to put down the phone and leave the room or go running an errand, then quickly read his text messages and phone call history.
- Many smartphones are protected by passwords or codes and you will not be able to access them if you know them.
- Do not delete messages, calls or other data. This would not only prove your spying, but can be considered theft and lead to criminal charges.
- Browse the history of phone calls and messages with your eyes. Do not write anything, so as not to create paper evidence. Even if you intend to throw away your notes, you run the risk of getting involved in an invasion of privacy.
Step 3. Ask your partner if she can lend you the phone
Leave your phone at home on purpose or say it's low battery and ask to borrow hers to make a call or text. Feel free to step back a bit for more privacy if you pretend to make a phone call. Keep in mind that if you get caught, you risk personal and legal problems.
Step 4. Check his phone while he sleeps
Keep in mind that if you get caught, you risk personal and legal problems.
- If you are found out, unless you are afraid that the other person may become violent, physically or verbally, honestly explain why you were looking for their messages. People often send messages without thinking and it is possible to interpret them differently from their original meaning.
- Let the other person clear up any misunderstandings. If you still don't trust them, consider contacting a lawyer if you are married, or ask a close friend if they know or suspect the person's activities.
Step 5. Ask a trusted friend to look at or borrow the other person's phone
If you know someone you trust, who can easily access the phone of the person you want to spy on, ask them to look at their call history. It is your responsibility to inform him of all legal and personal risks before asking for his help.
Method 2 of 3: Remote spy
Step 1. Research state and regional cell phone monitoring laws
In most states, the registration of electronic communications and telephone calls requires the consent of the data subject.
- Research the internet to find out more about electronic surveillance laws.
- Materials saved on mobile phones are considered private property and cannot be accessed in most situations without the consent of both parties.
Step 2. Use a USB SIM card reader to read or retrieve information saved on a phone
Subscriber identity memory (SIM) cards are used in cell phones to store data such as user identities, network authentications, personal security information, text messages, phone numbers and email addresses. You can transfer this information to your computer by removing the SIM card and inserting it into a special USB reader. You can transfer data from phone to computer without deleting anything or notifying the owner of the card removal.
- Turn off your phone before removing the SIM card, which is often found on the back behind the battery. You may find it helpful to know the make and model of your phone first and then do an internet search for "how to remove SIM card" plus the model name.
- In order to read a blocked SIM card (like most iPhones) you will need to call your mobile service provider to get the PIN associated with the card. Unblocking a SIM card can void your phone's warranty.
Step 3. Download a mobile spying application
These are hidden programs that copy or forward all of your phone history to a secure website or to your phone. This includes calls, messages and emails. Examples include smspeeper, FelxiSpy, and MobileSpy. Some applications also offer tracking options that use geolocation data to send updates on the person's location or warn if they leave a designated area.
- Some applications are hidden, while others (such as Trick or Tracker) must be downloaded to both sides' phones.
- Although cell phone spyware programs are legal, you must get permission from the person whose phone you want to spy on, or the phone must be in your name.
- These programs automatically save all text messages, phone calls and photos, so even if something is deleted from the phone it will be saved online.
- This type of spyware only works on smartphones, because it requires internet access through the cellular data network or WiFi, and they are not free programs.
Step 4. Protect your phone from scanning programs
If you suspect that spyware has been installed on your phone, you can do a few things to check and, if necessary, remove the spyware or tracking programs.
- Notice if the battery drains faster than normal, if your phone starts up or shuts down, if your phone consumes more data or your bills are more expensive, or if you get "nonsense" messages that contain numbers and symbols.
- Perform a factory reset. First backup your data like contacts, photos, music and applications.
- Even reinstalling your phone's operating system will remove all spyware without deleting apps and data.
- Make sure your phone is password protected or install a security application like Lookout Mobile Security.
Method 3 of 3: Obtain Call Records
Step 1. Ask a lawyer to step in on your behalf to request cell phone logs if you suspect your wife is cheating on you
Even if you don't want to start a divorce lawsuit right away, consult a doctor about how to gather legal evidence such as text messages, emails, and phone calls supporting your case.
Remember that while information obtained through illegal monitoring of a wife or employee's phone may be illuminating, it cannot be presented as evidence in court
Step 2. Monitor a cell phone owned by a company
If you own a business and distribute company phones to your employees, download mobile spyware or tracking applications before delivering them.
While in many states only a party needs to be informed, you should clearly tell your employees that you are monitoring their cell phones. Explain why you are collecting the information
Step 3. Check your monthly bill
Bills often contain a log of incoming and outgoing calls, messages sent and received, and data traffic. Look for and check for numbers you don't recognize or for changes in the use of messages and data.
- Some companies charge a fee, but offer access to a cell phone's records, including name and address associated with a phone number or a complete log of incoming and outgoing calls.
- If you share a cellular data rate plan, you can call your carrier or log into your account to search for phone logs.
Advice
- Consider being honest about your fears or wrongdoing. Discuss why you can't trust the person instead of snooping directly.
- Show your trust in others by not being afraid to show your phone's content.
- Be prepared to face the consequences, such as losing your job, ruining a relationship, or being punished as a result of your spying.
- Check electronic surveillance laws to determine the legality of your actions and whether the evidence you have obtained can be used in court.
Warnings
- Spying on someone really has to be a last resort. Getting caught can ruin a relationship which isn't worth it unless you are sure what you will find.
- Don't steal your phone or delete numbers. Theft is a crime and you could be reported and convicted.
