Maine Residents and Businesses Should Take Precautions to Protect Their Privacy
What you do in the privacy of your home or the specific processes you ensure the success of your business should remain private. Is it? If you think that someone is using an audio bug, hidden camera, or GPS device to keep tabs on you, call Spy Catchers LLC now at 1-800-373-8726 to schedule your professional audio bug sweep.
Maine Is a One-Party Consent State for Recording Audio
There are two types of consent laws in the United States: two-party consent and one-party consent. Maine is a one-party consent state. This means that although it is illegal for a third-party to a conversation to record what’s being said, it is perfectly legal for any involved party to record what’s being said without the permission of anyone else. This means that if you are involved in a conversation with someone, they have the legal right to record it without your knowledge.
Divorce and Child Custody in the 21st Century in Maine
“Hidden” cameras, audio devices, and GPS devices are often used in Maine during divorces, child custody disputes, and corporate espionage. In Maine, “hidden” cameras may be placed by parents who want to know what’s going on their home provided that the cameras are not placed in areas where someone may have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a bedroom or a bathroom. If they live in the home or have a legal right to the home because a court order has not been issued, video can be used.
What about audio devices and GPS devices in divorce or child custody disputes? Maine is a one-party consent state. This means that someone involved in the conversation can record it without the permission of anyone else. And GPS devices? Legal.
This puts former spouses and lovers at odds and at risk for stalking and harassment. And there is not much that a family lawyer can do about it unless the victim can prove that the alleged perpetrator recorded conversations they weren’t part of or hid cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, or other areas where the court may believe there is a right to privacy.
Audio Devices, Hidden Cameras, and Corporate Espionage
Maine business owners, you must understand that your success is on the line. Disgruntled former employees, current employees tempted to sell your business secrets, and dishonest competitors could be using spy devices to record your business secrets. And it does not just stop with hidden traditional audio devices, cameras, or GPS devices. Did you know that the technology exists to monitor everything you type, every website you visit, and everything you say in a web conference or phone conference?
While it is important for you to have both a confidentiality agreement and a non-disclosure agreement signed by your employees, it’s also important for you to recognize that you are the first and last line of defense for the success of your business. Regardless of the size of your business, calling Spy Catchers LLC at 1-800-373-8726 should be a priority. Don’t leave your business on the line.
GPS: Factory Installed or an Intrusive Device?
Newer vehicles often come with factory-installed GPS device. It could be used by a company to provide help if an emergency occurs or it could even be used by the financier to know where their collateral is located. There are several news stories that highlight just how useful factory-installed GPS can be when it comes to locating stolen vehicles.
So, how can you tell the difference between a factory installed unit and one being used to monitor where you go? When a GPS is installed by a professional, it’s usually located somewhere under the hood. It usually runs off of the battery installed in your car. It also uses brackets as well as either screws or bolts to ensure that the device remains in one spot. In short, you can tell that someone took a little bit of time to properly install the device. When a GPS is being used to by someone else to monitor your whereabouts, it was placed within minutes. It’s likely only attached using one or two strong magnets. It may be located underneath your car near one of the tires, under your front bumper, or under your back bumper. It can also be hidden somewhere inside of your vehicle. Common places include in the middle console, inside of the glove box, or under the dashboard. Even old cell phones can be modified into a GPS device. If it is mounted inside of your car, it may even have wiring that allows the battery of your car to keep it powered.
If You Think You’re a Victim, Don’t Panic
If you believe that someone may be spying on you in your home or business, do not panic. Call Spy Catchers LLC at 1-800-373-8726. Additionally, use these tips:
- Do not tell anyone that you think someone is recording your conversations watching you, or tracking you with a GPS. Even if you believe that you can implicitly trust someone, you have no way of knowing with total certainty that they aren’t involved. You also don’t know just how many bugs are being used. You do not want to tip off the perpetrator that you know about the device. They may remove it before it can be found. If they do that, they can try to plan the device at a later time.
- Do not change your schedule or your routine. Too many changes can alert the perpetrator that you know the device is present. While there aren’t a lot of state laws, there are some that may still protect you. Additionally, if you’re involved in a lawsuit or if you believe you’re being stalked, proof of the device may be useful in court to prove that the other party could be dangerous or invading your privacy.
- If you find an audio device, hidden camera, or GPS device, don’t try to remove it on your own. These devices can be extremely sensitive and improper removal can damage them. You may not be able to recover the data or know beyond a reasonable doubt who planted the device. Maintaining the integrity of the device can be important if you plan to seek legal advice.
If you live in or own a business in Maine, it is up to you to protect your privacy and ensure your safety. Let Spy Catchers LLC help you regain your peace of mind. Call us now to schedule a professional bug sweep of your home or business: 1-800-373-8726.