Advice on hobby phone

[DestinyInKC]

I have had both boost and cricket for many years. Neither one asked for any information about me, not even my first name. Also payed cash for both.

[bartipero]

Originally Posted by DestinyInKC

I have had both boost and cricket for many years. Neither one asked for any information about me, not even my first name. Also payed cash for both.

You look like Jane Doe to me.

[shortel]

So we should use burner phones. Guess I need to read up before playing in the hobby anymore.

[Guest013121]

You can keep everything anonymous if you purchase a prepaid phone (with cash) at Dollar General. And they will even set it up with only a zip code, took them about 10 minutes.... They require no identifying information and the refill minutes are also sold there. I would suggest using it only for a hobby phone though hun.

[JRLawrence]

Originally Posted by gotovirgo

When I searched this topic, the most consistent theme was "use cash." I certainly intend to do just that to preserve my anonymity. For my own curiosity sake though, would LE really go to the trouble of tracing the number to a store and then subpoenaing credit card purchase records? Is there some other risk with credit cards besides an SO questioning the bill?

YES! Do you hear us? Once again; do not use a credit card.

JR

[Bomb Pop]

"Registered" (couldnt get it to go with just card for some reason) my tracfone on a resturant's public wifi, using a movie characters name and the address of the white house. Then ended up dumping that phone for a new one and just bumped the number. Maybe the NaSA can track me, but then my last name doesn't have 23 vowels in it. So I think Im safe.

[BigMikeinKC]

Try a burner app. No extra phone to carry or be caught with. And with one little touch, you burn the phone # and all calls, texts and number dialed.

[firststick]

I use google voice and I have an ap that let's me set the location my GPS reports.

[LNK]

Originally Posted by BigMikeinKC

Try a burner app. No extra phone to carry or be caught with. And with one little touch, you burn the phone # and all calls, texts and number dialed.

I considered this, but there are too many possible ways to screw it up.

Leaving it activated, getting compromising texts/calls.
Developer screws up. < This is the one that really worries me.
SO wanting to know "What's this app for?" or, if they know what it's for, "Why do you need it?"
Storing names/numbers on IRL phone.
Using your IRL phone for the hobby, period.

I think having a separate phone, paid for with cash, and registered anonymously is much safer.

If it's found, you "found it in the parking lot, was going to see if it rings, try to figure out who it belongs to", and forgot about it. If necessary, go "turn it in" it to the store where you "found" it. Since you have prudently activated the screen lock feature, nobody can get into it. YOU certainly have no idea what the password might be. (And you can probably go claim it later, if you can't bear to lose it.)

And then you re-assess your hiding technique.

[ElumEno]

Originally Posted by firststick

I use google voice and I have an ap that let's me set the location my GPS reports.

You do know that app can not actually hide your true GPS location, don't you?
I also hope that everyone knows that you can not really turn GPS off.

Unless of course your cell phone was made prier to 2004. (could be off on the year)

[jframe2]

[QUOTE=.....
I also hope that everyone knows that you can not really turn GPS off......)[/QUOTE]

This is NOT accurate. Your phone GPS can be turned off and even a Forensic Exam will not give you GPS data. Each phone is different on where this Setting is located. And I am talking at the Settings level, not turning it off at the App level.

Just saying.

[GiveMeLibertyOrGiveMeHead]

Originally Posted by swarmyone

Probably not 99.9999% of the time. For a simple prostitution charge...no. Unless someone ends up dead at the end of a session.....well that would be a little more complicated.

Why take any risks at all. Use cash. No trail.

I agree that the chances of phone or Internet records being traced are very unlikely unless you have serious charges like murder or seeing under aged girls, but I also agree that there is no point taking a risk if it is easily avoided. For me it is mostly to avoid unnecessary suspicion and stupid questions from the SO. I am not too worried about leo since I don't do anything illegal...never have...never will.

Personally I have a burner phone and a ton of different Google Voice accounts for different area codes all tied to different Gmail accounts. The reason for that is because I used to travel all over the US and have had issues with women not seeing me because of the area code tied to the phone. Now whenever I travel I just have to change the phone association with the Google Talk account for that area code and I am good to go.

[ElumEno]

Originally Posted by jframe2

This is NOT accurate. Your phone GPS can be turned off and even a Forensic Exam will not give you GPS data. Each phone is different on where this Setting is located. And I am talking at the Settings level, not turning it off at the App level.

Just saying.

Any phone sold in the USA can not have the tracking turned completely off do to the FCC E911 laws...
and Homeland Security can turn ALL tracking on remotely with a warrant to do so.
Here is another little fact... If you already have all the tracking turn on... Homeland Security does NOT need a warrant to track you.

BTW... the E911 laws predate 9/11.

[LNK]

Originally Posted by ElumEno

Any phone sold in the USA can not have the tracking turned completely off do to the FCC E911 laws...

Don't take this the wrong way, but go get a tinfoil hat.

No, really. Wrap that fucker in tinfoil, and the signal won't reach the satellites. Or vice versa.

No, not your head, the phone.

and Homeland Security can turn ALL tracking on remotely with a warrant to do so.

So don't do anything to attract the attention of DHS. No problem.

Here is another little fact... If you already have all the tracking turn on... Homeland Security does NOT need a warrant to track you.

I find it unlikely to the nth degree that DHS is interested in any hobby activities.

Unless hobbyists or providers are smuggling explosives in their nether regions onto planes.

And now we're all fucked, Carnivore will be sure to be watching this thread since I've mentioned explosives and planes in the same post.

See you in Guantanamo!

BTW... the E911 laws predate 9/11.

Do you believe they're connected?

[ElumEno]

I know what I know... and that is all I can say about that.

And you are right... DHS don't give a shit about your hobby activities.
My statement was to someone that falsely believed that a app could turn off all tracking on a cell phone.

No I don't believe that they are connected... but all the 3 letter offices have enjoyed the unintended benefits of it afterwards.