Corporations, high-profile individuals and government agencies routinely inspect their vehicles (limos, aircraft and yachts) for bugs and GPS tracking devices. These bug sweeps for electronic surveillance devices are typically conducted by professional TSCM services, or in-house specialists. Professional TSCM inspections, though costly, are actually cheap insurance given the high stakes these groups face. (.pdf version)
The average person seeking privacy and security in their own vehicles often find hiring a competent TSCM service is out of their financial reach. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions.
The types of bug and vehicle tracking devices used for personal surveillance are inexpensive and commonly available. They are usually planted by amateurs who don’t have much in the way of spycraft abilities. This makes detecting these devices easier.
Over the years we have found most people are capable of handling the inspection process themselves. The following inspection suggestions will give you an excellent chance of discovering these surveillance devices… economically.
The DIY Bug & GPS Tracker Detection
Conducting your own inspection may not be as quick and effective as a professional sweep, but it is the cheapest way to begin.
Start by educating yourself. What type of device would be used to surveil you? What might this device look like? The most likely possibilities include…
- A GSM bug (or cell phone) hidden under the seat or dashboard for eavesdropping.
- A GPS tracking device possibly in the trunk under the rear window, or attached with magnets under the vehicle.
- A voice recorder hidden somewhere near the driver’s seat.
Conduct a quick internet search using these keyword phrases. Use the search engine’s “images” tab. This will help you identify the devices you are most likely to find.
Searching amazon.com and ebay.com will also show you what is currently being sold, the capabilities, and clues for how they may have been secreted in or on your vehicle.
Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, grab a flashlight and mirror, and start looking. Be methodical. Search small areas at a time.
GPS Tracker Detection Tip 1: 
One of the most popular GPS trackers being sold plugs into a vehicle’s OBD port. The port is usually located near the steering wheel under the dashboard. The most likely positions are numbered in order. Enter your vehicle information at carMD.com to find the exact OBD port location in your vehicle.
If you find something, don’t disturb it. Read “I found a bug! Now what should I do?”
If you didn’t find anything, or you think there is more than one device being used, you might want some additional help.
No one knows your car or truck better than your auto mechanic. Make an appointment.
Dealership Bug & GPS Tracker Detection
Contact the service manager at your dealership or service center. Explain your concerns. Ask to rent a bay and a mechanic for an hour. There are several benefits to enlisting the help of a mechanic…
- They have a lift and can inspect the undercarriage easily.
- They have the special tools and expertise to remove moldings, liners and other plastic parts when necessary.
- They have all the wiring diagrams.
- They may not know what a bug or GPS tracking device looks like, but they certainly know if something doesn’t belong there.
- Hiring them is much more cost-effective than hiring a professional sweep team, or purchasing your own detection gadgets.
GPS Tracker Detection Tip 2:
Avoid buying detection gadgets. Many are ineffective. Or, if used improperly, can provide a false sense of security, and a less full wallet.
Corporate Bug & GPS Tracker Detection
Occasionally we are asked by corporate security directors, “Can my executive protection limo drivers conduct impromptu inspections for vehicle bugs and GPS trackers when you are not available.”
Here is the quick overview we provide to get them started. Some of the tips here will help you, too…
Last-minute bug and GPS tracker inspections may be accomplished as long as the person doing the inspection is aware of:
- The most common electronic surveillance threats and how they are deployed.
- Proper physical inspection techniques.
- The effective use of a near-field radio receiver and some smartphone apps.
We can teach your employees all three.
General Surveillance Threats to Vehicles
1. GPS Trackers
There are several different GPS trackers of which the driver needs to be aware.
- Real-Time position reporting via a cellular connection. This type of device may also transmit audio and video. Installation is usually permanent, using the vehicle’s electrical system for power. Attachment may be almost anywhere on the vehicle.
- Position loggers. These may or may not transmit in real-time. They are usually attached externally using a magnet so they can be manually retrieved, or swapped out on a regular basis.
- Interrogated position loggers. Installation is usually permanent; using the vehicle’s electrical system for power. Attachment can be almost anywhere on the vehicle. Tracking information is retrieved via low-power radio interrogation from a nearby vehicle or a passing pedestrian.
2. Voice Recorders
Internally installed and battery operated. Manually retrieved, or swapped out on a regular basis.
3. Voice Transmitters
Transmission may be via a direct radio transmission, but more commonly via the cellular phone network (GSM bug). Less common is the audio store and burst transmission method. Installation is usually permanent, using the vehicle’s electrical system for power. The microphone will be in the vehicle. The transmitter may be located almost anywhere else.
Simple GPS Tracker & Bug Detection Aids
- Near-field Radio Receivers – Examples: REI ANDRE, JJN Electronics Ltd. PRO-SL8
- A flashlight and mirror, or 360º camera connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to a smartphone for easy viewing. These aid under the body and dashboard inspections.
- Smartphone Apps: A magnetometer app can detect the magnets used to attach GPS devices to the vehicle. A bluetooth detector app to discover short range voice transmitters.
GPS Tracker & Bug Prevention Tips:
- Keep the vehicle locked and in a secure parking area, preferably one with 24/7 CCTV.
- The vehicle should be equipped with a cell phone app-connected alarm system.
- Equip the vehicle with a front and rear dashcam which records when parked and motion is sensed. Some dashcams can be remotely viewed in real-time.
- Inspections in urban areas are more difficult than suburban inspections due to the abundance of extraneous radio-frequency transmissions. If in a city, inspecting in an underground parking facility can help mitigate this difficulty.
As mentioned before, a relationship with a dealership is also a good idea. Rent a bay and a technician for an hour. They have a lift, wiring manuals and tools to remove headliners, etc. The tech might not know what a bug looks like, but they sure know if something is not supposed to be there.
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Murray Associates is an independent security consulting firm, providing eavesdropping detection and counterespionage services to business, government and at-risk individuals.
Headquartered in the New York metropolitan area, a Murray Associates team can assist you quickly, anywhere in the United States, and internationally.
