New Yorkers Could go to Jail for Spying on Mate
By Ruth Houston
New Yorkers who suspect their mates of infidelity may be tempted to use some of the latest technology to find out if he or she is really cheating.
Suspicious mates now have an endless array of surveillance equipment that will allow them to spy on the suspected cheaters in an effort to find out the truth.
Do-it-yourself spy equipment is now widely available, reasonably priced, and includes many variations of the following:
• Listening or recording devices to eavesdrop on the cheater’s conversations.
• Hidden cameras in all sizes and shapes, often disguised as common household items, to secretly view what the cheater is doing.
• GPS tracking devices to monitor where the cheater goes, or the location of the cheater’s car.
• Keyloggers and other software or gadgets to install on the cheater’s computer to monitor their e-mails, Instant Messages, chats, or other online activities.
What many people don’t realize is that by using certain types of surveillance equipment to spy on a cheating mate, they could be breaking the law.
How You Could End Up In Jail
New Yorkers who use devices to listen in on a suspected cheater’s phone conversations or monitor their internet activities, could end up behind bars.
It’s not illegal to buy such equipment, but there are strict laws regarding the use of surveillance equipment or electronic devices to monitor or intercept someone else’s communications without their knowledge or consent.
The laws apply to both telephone and computer communications and include phone calls, text messages, e-mails, instant messages and chat room logs.
In New York, hacking into someone’s computer account or tapping their phone conversations is a class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in jail. Laws vary from state to state, but other states have similar laws.
Both online and offline stores that sell surveillance or so called “spy” equipment post disclaimers stating that the products they sell or are not to be used illegally. But it’s your responsibility as a customer or end user to determine what constitutes legal use of this equipment in the state where you reside.
You Can Also Be Held Liable for This
You can even be held accountable if someone else illegally uses the equipment on your behalf.
Most New Yorkers will recall what happened three years ago, when Jeanine Pirro ran for the office of New York State attorney general. Pirro became the subject of a federal investigation because she was caught on tape trying to get former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik to bug the family boat to determine if her husband was having an affair. Both Pirro and Kerik came under the scrutiny of the law.
So if you hire a private investigator, or persuade a friend to illegally use the surveillance equipment on your behalf, you could be liable too.
In view of this, if you’re a New Yorker and you don’t want to risk going to jail, you need to find an alternate way to spy on your mate.
Fortunately, if you suspect infidelity, there are ways to spy on the suspected cheater without running afoul of the law. Knowing what to look for is the key.
How to Spy Without Breaking the Law
A good infidelity reference book can help you find out the truth. There are a number of good infidelity books on the market, but Is He Cheating on You? — 829 Telltale Signs is the only infidelity reference book which documents practically every known sign of infidelity, including the subtle signs people usually overlook. The signs are conveniently grouped into 21 major categories so you can easily find the signs that apply to your marriage, your relationship or your mate. Despite the title of this book, most of the signs in it apply to both cheating women and cheating men. The e-book version of Is He Cheating on You? — 829 Telltale Signs sold through Booklocker.com, has a special 10-page section for men with cheating wives or girlfriends entitled Is SHE Cheating?
Although this article was originally posted by Ruth Houston, we know the laws and are willing to help. If you are looking to hire a private investigator in regard to your cheating spouse, contact us today!
