The ubiquitous cell phone now allows for a new Google feature (available in Windows and Mac platforms) that bodes the obsolescence of a current "must-have" device - the GPS unit - at least in its ordinary sense of getting us from x to y in our daily lives. (GPS will still be the location determination standard in law enforcement, military and other complex-needs organizations). But, in yet another example of the growing capabilities of our mobile lifeline, our cell phone can now tell us where we are or how to get to where we need (and sometimes, want) to go.
Unlike GPS (global positioning system), which relies on Earth orbiting-satellites to transmit microwave signals to determine location, speed, direction and time, Google's "My Location" function operates by triangulating these factors using your cell phone's tower transmissions.
With My Location, you can:
view real time traffic
obtain detailed directions (whether you are walking or driving...)
integrate local information (businesses and contacts in the area) and
This week we cover ground and electronic tracking.
Ground tracking may involve placing a tracking device - either tonal or GPS system - on a vehicle or object and monitoring its movement in real time. Our guest video this week explains the differences between tonal and GPS tracking. Good information to store on a back burner should you encounter a client matter requiring such services. The info contained in the video helps one determine which type of tracking is the most viable and cost-effective for a specific situation.
How To Tell If You Are Being Ground Tracked:
1. Check your tires for chalk marks. (Easy, inexpensive and foolproof method for someone to check if you are moving your vehicle.)
2. Check under the middle areas of both sides of the vehicle. Tracking devices are generally placed under the middle pillar of a car - not on the rear of the Ferrari as seen in every Magnum P.I. episode.
3. If you think you are being followed, first consider your safety. If you believe you are in danger, call 911 or stop at a local police station. If it's for fun and giggles, stop at an offbeat place - like a monument store next to a cemetery. See who stops too. Wave.
For electronic tracking - Aliases, serious background checks, locating the unlocatable..., we go to our good friends at www.geopointdata.com . Not your daddy's information service. GeoPoint's records are not available to the general public, the nosy media or bored former classmate seekers. (In fact, you can't even get in to see the meat of what they do unless you have been approved.) If you are looking to fill a family reunion venue - head to USSearch. If you have a wrongful death with disappearing witnesses; see the guys at GeoPointData. Everyone leaves a byte trail.
How To Tell If You Are Being Electronically Tracked:
1. Check your credit report. (Everyone is entitled to a free annual credit report. There are three main consumer credit reporting agencies. You can get a free report then every four months.) Check the very bottom of the report. All inquirants must be posted by name and phone number.
2. Note unusual junk mail. Especially free offers that require simply returning a mailer, postage paid.
3. Be wary of "utility" or "directory company" calls requesting contact info updates. The real companies will send ground mail requests.
4. Online. Information requests from your friends at PayPal addressed from (e.g.) paypal@neopost.com is neither from a friend or Paypal. PayPal, Ebay, Lexis... require on-site updates and will send mail to you on their sites.
5. Banking. Check for small deposits to your account. The teller may have been asked for an account balance on the deposit receipt. Most tellers will provide that info to anyone making a deposit into an account. Have your accounts specifically tagged for information release authorization. The bank can also require the depositor's I.D. Be interesting to check bank video if someone tries to deposit into your account and refuses to do so after an I.D. has been requested. (In general, banks allow deposits to be made by anyone. They can, however, be held accountable for releasing information other than to authorized account signatories.)
A popular term heard lately in reference to cell phone tracking is pinging. Cell Phone Tracking or Pinging as it is commonly referred to is the technology which is used to track the current position of a cell phone. It is helpful technology when trying to locate criminals or missing persons.
Your cell's position is determined by the cell phone tower which is nearest to your phone's signals location. Some phones with built in GPS receivers have a higher accuracy rate. Many newer phones do not even need to be powered on in order to receive the signal. Also, newer phones have a second battery source so if the primary battery is damaged or removed, the cell can still be tracked.
Now I am sure you are thinking, between the GPS equipment, the feed cost, monthly plan.... you may just want to stay under the radar. But, you can't remain hidden regardless as the above CNN clip clearly shows and, think of the fun you will be denying yourself by knowing where your teenager really went Friday night or keeping an eye on the employee who thinks she has unlimited use/mileage of the company vehicle. Well, we dug a bit deeper and found a free tracking solution for you from our friends at www.mologogo.com.
If you need to locate a subject or client for real, however, visit our sister site: www.beaconinfopro.com.
