Text messages can be used in court as evidence in civil (such as divorce) and criminal cases. Seeing the content of other people's messages can provide clarity, but it can also have a negative impact on the relationship, for example in the case of a cheating spouse or to monitor the use of a child's cell phone. Be aware that the police must have an official warrant if they want to access your phone because you have the right to privacy on the phone. If cell phone records are to be presented in court, lawyers may only retrieve them by formal subpoena.
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Method 1 of 7: Finding Out Firsthand
Step 1. First consider alternatives to eavesdropping or snooping
Don't accuse and judge your partner based solely on what he or she has done in the past. Monitor the contents of the device only if the following methods fail and your suspicions are not based on jealousy alone, but on logical grounds. The best way is to ask directly and ask to see the cell phone. Likewise, if you want to know who your child is texting. Before choosing to eavesdrop, talk about your trust issues, suspicions, doubts or concerns. Respect and respect the privacy of others.
- Invite children to talk about how to use a cell phone properly. Don't be afraid to set limits on when he can use his phone. Monitor his activities on the internet, also what the message is and to whom he sends messages. For parents, there is nothing wrong with knowing their children's activities on mobile phones and the internet.
- Find time to talk to your partner without distractions. Set aside a few hours just for the two of you. Discuss your concerns, doubts or doubts. If you want, you can also write a letter in advance and arrange a meeting at a neutral location. Never conclude or accuse without evidence. It will only drive him away. If immediately accused, he will not see the issue as a concern for you (which can be resolved), but will see your attacks and accusations as evidence that you don't trust him.
- Say how you feel and what actions make you feel that way. If your partner has nothing to hide, he will understand your concern. He would definitely be willing to explain. Information can indeed be erased and humans can lie. However, you should always try to talk things over with your partner.
Step 2. Unlock his phone when he is busy or doing other things
In is the simplest way to peek at people's phones. Wait until he leaves the phone in a hurry. When he has to leave the room, you can read text messages and check call history or web browsing, as well as check social media if you have time. Usually, if someone is hiding something, he or she will delete messages/phone calls that can be used as evidence. If you've had the chance to check his phone while he's busy, doing something else, or not being alert, he hasn't had time to delete the evidence. So, act quickly, smartly. If you find something, take a screenshot of it, send it to your own phone, then save it in a private folder or print it and keep it in a locked box. Make sure to delete screenshots and messages you sent to your own phone.
Method 2 of 7: Accessing Via Password and Key
Step 1. Ask for the password
Many phones are password protected and pin or code protected so that no one else can access them. In relationships, suspicion tends to arise when a partner sets a password you don't know. Just ask for the password just in case you have to use the phone in an emergency or when your phone is inaccessible, such as turned off or there is no signal. If he had nothing to hide, he would pass the cipher without burden. If he objected, look for evidence in other ways, do not immediately accuse.
- If you get a chance to unlock the phone, don't delete texts, call logs or other data. That not only proves that you were spying, but can also be considered theft and even grounds for prosecution. Try not to leave any traces at all. It's hard, but don't forget to mark messages you've read as unread and close any tabs you've opened (that haven't been opened).
- First of all, view web history, texts and all calls at a glance. If something is of interest, just remember it or take a screenshot. Send the screenshot to your phone, but delete the screenshot and the phone from the phone. Never leave a trace in the form of writing. Even if you're going to throw it away, there's still the risk of being accused of violating privacy. The screenshot method sent to you is much safer and harder to track, as long as it's been deleted.
Step 2. Ask to borrow the phone
Again, if he was hiding something, he would have deleted evidence like texts or phone calls. So try to leave your phone at home or say that your phone is dead or not working. It's the perfect opportunity to borrow his cell phone to text or call. He won't have time to destroy the evidence. He may appear restless and reluctant. You can walk away with excuses to call, go to the bathroom, or check your balance. First of all, open the internet tab that interests you and don't close it. This is to reassure him that you will indeed be using his phone, not checking its contents. Realize that if you get caught, the risks will be negative both personally and legally.
- If he's acting weird and nervous, feel free to be suspicious. If he says he has to do something with his phone "just for a moment," pay attention. He might erase the evidence.
- If he refuses, it's strange and it seems that there is indeed something to be hidden. If this is the case, skip ahead to Method 3. We shouldn't refuse to give our partner a cell phone. All the signs say it's not good, and the reasons are hard to believe.
Step 3. Check his phone while he sleeps
While it's possible that all of the evidence has been deleted, it's worth checking it out, especially if you're really curious. Do it only if there are no more options. Realize that if you get caught, it will not be good for your personal or legal relationship.
- If caught, be honest about your reasons, unless you're afraid he'll respond with verbal or physical abuse. Text messages are usually sent without a second thought and sometimes the impression is different from what it really meant. You can say that you are “looking at the clock” or that your own phone is off, or that you can't sleep and want to browse the web for a while. Prepare an excuse, first open the link you usually like so that he will believe that you are just browsing the internet.
- If you find something incriminating, ask him to explain to clear up any misunderstandings. If you still don't believe it, try method 3. If you find evidence of infidelity, consider next steps, such as contacting a lawyer.
Step 4. Ask a friend you trust to see or borrow their phone
If you know someone who can access their phone, ask them to check their usage history. It is your responsibility to disclose all personal or legal risks before this friend agrees. This technique is risky because you invite the other person and there is a risk of him divulging your intentions.
Method 3 of 7: Tap Phone
Step 1. Know the risks and the laws
Before proceeding to the spy app method, read this section carefully. Remember, you should look for legal provisions regarding cell phone tapping.
Step 2. Find information about wiretapping by referring to the Law on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE)
- Basically, anyone who intentionally and unlawfully conducts wiretapping of information on another person's computer or electronic device can be subject to sanctions in the form of imprisonment.
- The information stored on the phone is private property and may not be accessed by others without the owner's permission.
- One way to get around this is to replace the name on the target device with your own name.
Step 3. Tell your partner that you want to install an advanced security and monitoring program on their phone (as well as on yours) for extra protection
This is not a lie and may persuade him to let you install the program. Next, you can move on to the next monitoring method.
Method 4 of 7: Using the Phone App
Step 1. Download the mobile-spy app (the easiest way to monitor mobile devices)
This is a secret program that uploads, copies or forwards all your phone history to a secure server that can be accessed by your personal computer/mobile. This program allows the interception of incoming and outgoing calls, texts, URLs, images, and sometimes email service data and applications. Some apps also offer tracking options that use geolocation data to send updates to a person's location or if they move out of a defined area.
- You can monitor your phone's position with a GPS signal at certain intervals (as long as the GPS on the device is turned on).
- There are some apps that are hidden, but there are also those that have to be downloaded on the target phone as well as the monitoring phone.
- While these cell phone spyware programs are legal, you actually need to get permission from the person whose cell phone you want to monitor, or the phone (and number) must be in your name. This can be tricked by saying that you are going to install a security monitoring program, just like you installed on your phone. Usually, the couple will agree. You didn't lie or do anything illegal (because he agreed). Also, if possible, you can go to your carrier's website (or access the app on your phone) and add your name to your account or completely rename your account. If you are not comfortable, you can pay for the service with your credit/debit card. That way, you are listed as the person who paid for the account so it doesn't feel like there is anything wrong if you take this step.
- The program automatically saves all texts, phone calls, and images. So, even if it has been deleted, all data will still be stored on an online server that can be viewed at any time.
- This type of spyware can only be used on smartphones that require internet access via data or WiFi.
- Some of these programs are completely free, most offer free trials and sometimes charge a monthly subscription fee.
Method 5 of 7: React if Found a Problem
Step 1. Give him a chance to be honest
Bring up the problem, say that you gave him a chance to explain. Tell him that you deserve to hear the truth and that you are hurt. If he's still lying, then you have very few options. Present the evidence calmly, making sure he knows that you know. Say that you can't take it. “You hurt me, you lied and toyed with me. We just got here.” If you followed a legitimate way to obtain that information, you shouldn't have to worry about lawsuits.
You can also choose not to provide evidence, simply saying that you already know. You can quote the wording of the evidence (by making sure he knows you know). Tell him that you don't want to have anything to do with him anymore. You deserve to be happy
Step 2. If you are married, provide the attorney with printed evidence, which may mean proof of infidelity
Again, if the information was obtained in a lawful way, you don't have to worry about being sued.
Method 6 of 7: Protecting Yourself
Step 1. Protect your phone from other people's monitoring
If you suspect spyware is installed on your phone, there are several things you can do to check, and if necessary remove any spyware or eavesdropping programs.
Step 2. Look for signs of spy apps
For example, the battery drains faster than usual, turns off or on on its own frequently, uses more data or charges higher cell phones, or receives nonsense texts containing numbers and symbols (very rare).
You can rest easy because on the Android operating system, you will receive notifications and warnings that certain applications may be used to intercept information. You will be notified what the application is, which can then be removed
Step 3. Perform a factory reset if you are unable to remove the program
First of all, back up all data such as contact numbers, photos, music, and purchased apps to an external SD card or cloud storage.
Reinstalling the operating system (OS) will also remove the spyware without having to delete other applications and data
Step 4. Make sure your phone is protected with a password or with a security app
However, if a spy program is installed, the password will not stop the eavesdropping.
Method 7 of 7: Getting Phone Records
Step 1. Ask a lawyer to request on your behalf or order a cell phone record to be retrieved if you suspect your spouse is having an affair
Even if you don't plan on filing for divorce yet, talk to a lawyer about legal ways to gather evidence such as text messages, emails, and phone calls that will support your case.
Be aware that while information obtained from illegal monitoring is very useful, it cannot be used as evidence in court
Step 2. Monitor the phones owned by the company
If you're a business owner and give your company cell phone to employees, download a tracking app or spyware before handing it to them.
- Regardless of state regulations, you should still honestly tell employees that you are monitoring their use and activity on their phones. State your reasons for collecting the information.
- In California, for example, it is against the law to record or tap a cell phone intentionally without the consent of all parties involved.
Step 3. Check the monthly bill
Bills usually contain detailed records such as incoming and outgoing calls, texts sent and received, and data usage. Search and check for unfamiliar numbers or changes in messaging activity or data usage.
- Some telecommunications carriers charge a fee, but provide access to cell phone records including the name and address associated with that phone number, as well as incoming and outgoing calls.
- If you share a data plan with the target phone, contact the carrier or log into your account to find the target phone's records.
Tips
- Consider being honest about your fears or doubts. Discuss why you don't trust him, instead of eavesdropping.
- Show trust by always leaving your phone (and its text, images, videos, etc.) open for someone close to you to see.
- Be prepared for consequences, such as losing your job, ending your relationship, or being punished for seeking information about other people.
- Check the ITE Law to determine the legality of your actions, and whether the evidence obtained can be used as evidence in court.
Warning
- Don't steal your phone or delete/change phone numbers or other data. Theft is illegal and can lead to criminal prosecution.
- Most people consider cell phone monitoring a violation of privacy. So, be careful.
- Tapping and peeking at the contents of the cellphone should only be taken as a last resort. Only do so when all other options have been tried and have not worked (for example, talking about the problem face-to-face). If found out, the relationship will be destroyed.
