California has a two-party consent phone recording law in which phone calls cannot be recorded without the knowledge and consent of all parties involved in the conversation. This is why whenever you make a phone call to a customer service line, you’re usually informed that the call may be recorded. However, even under the protection of this law, some Californians fall victim to their private phone calls being recorded without their consent or knowledge. If you’re unsure whether someone tapped calls, look out for these signs to see if your next call is being listened into illegally.

Strange Crackling or Clicks: While some states require a recurring beep to sound during a call to inform the caller that their call is being recorded, don’t confuse these beeps with crackling or clicks. Static-like noises such as these may indicate that a third party is on the line and listening in to the conversation. The noises occur when the third party is shifting, breathing, or attempting to connect to the call.

Phone Active When Not in Use: Smartphone can fall victim to spyware which can further be used to steal your private information including phone calls. If your phone lights up or reboots suddenly without your doing, the phone may be being used remotely by another user. Watch your phone for strange activity to avoid sharing your private information.

Decrease in Battery Life: Some of us use up our battery pretty quickly, but if you’ve noticed a dramatic decrease, that may mean your phone has been compromised. Spyware programs and apps use your phone’s battery to send information and can drain it pretty quickly. Monitor your personal battery use in order to differentiate between normal and unusual use. Another potential sign may be the battery temperature. A hot battery on a phone not in use may mean the phone is running programs without your doing.

The California lawyers at CounselOne have been working hard to help victims of illegally recorded phone calls and conversations. If you’re not sure whether your phone calls have been recorded without your consent, make a free consultation appointment with us so we can review your case.