Medford, Ore. — The ability to record entire conversations, use real-time GPS tracking, and number blocking can all be done in secret and it’s all made possible by quickly advancing cell phone technology.
Police said they’re seeing a more sinister side to technology. People who hurt others are using cell phones and apps to their advantage.
“This kind of device can track somebody’s location and provide updated information in real time in a way that we’ve never seen before,” said Detective Sergeant Colin Fagan with the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force.
Fagan said he’s seeing more cases involving stalkers and abusers using cell phones to track their victims.
“The technology that exists in these phones is impressive,” said Fagan.
The technology, so impressive that it’s prompting concern not just over the phones themselves but the apps that can be installed in as little as 10 minutes.
“We do know that there are applications available… that could do everything from listen to your live calls, geo-locate you, read your emails, block incoming and outgoing numbers, monitor your Skype communications,” explained Fagan.
In many cases, this type of surveillance is illegal. However some of the apps are developed outside of the U.S. and don’t have to abide by our laws.
Oftentimes they’re advertised as a way for parents to keep tabs on their kids.
“They often have the disclaimer that you must notify the person that you’re intercepting their communications,” said Fagan.
However, as Fagan well knows that doesn’t always happen.
The more sinister side to technology is all too familiar to Dawn Burks who is the program manager at the Dunn House. The Dunn House is a shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault victims in the Rogue Valley.
“The truth of the matter is, we may not always be aware of just how much this is happening,” said Burks.
Burks said she warns every resident to be careful with their cell phone.
“We might recommend that they turn off their GPS locating type software on their phones,” Burks said.
“It’s extremely important that people protect their devices,” said Fagan.
Protection includes putting a passcode on your phone, regularly running anti-spyware scanning programs and being careful about who has access to both your codes and the phone itself.
“If your instincts tell you that someone knows too much about you, you’re probably right,” said Fagan.
NBC5 News specifically did not name or show the apps in our story in an attempt to keep people from misusing them.
The apps are designed to be invisible, but if someone is concerned about a potential tracking app on their phone, it can be taken to a business that deals with cell phones, or the police can be contacted.
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