GPS Detectors

Brian F.
GPS Detectors

WHAT IS A GPS DETECTOR?

A GPS detector, also known as a signal detector, anti-spy detector, or bug detector, lets you see if a hidden GPS tracker is placed on you, be it in your home, your car, or even your person.

Many people use bug detector devices, usually by investigators, law enforcement, high-influence business people, or people of other importance. So why should you get a GPS detector if you're an ordinary citizen? We'll explain why.

USE A GPS DETECTOR TO LOCATE GPS TRACKING DEVICES

For high-ranking individuals, a GPS detector lets them ensure that their most sensitive secrets are safe from any GPS tracking devices. However, ordinary citizens may want them as well. For example, many spouses or parents use hidden GPS tracking devices to track someone who they think is up to no good. In addition, the government could use a GPS if they believe you're worth monitoring.

Also, a detector can find other unwanted surveillance equipment. One example is a hidden wireless camera. If you're staying at an Airbnb, there is a chance the owner may have installed WIFI hidden cameras in private areas of the house, like restrooms and bedrooms. It's scary and disturbing, but it has happened.

GPS can be a fantastic technology, but many people misuse it as an illegal surveillance device. Here's how you can stop it.

FIND A HIDDEN GPS TRACKER IN YOUR CAR

If someone bugged you, your car is the most likely place. Here's how you can find it.

TOOLS YOU NEED

You can search for any GPS or listening devices by grabbing a flashlight, mechanic's mirror, an extendable pole, a mat, and a bug detector.

BASIC STEPS

The most likely place someone may put unwanted surveillance equipment in your car is underneath it. GPS trackers are placed in a magnetic case that can attach to the vehicle's frame or anywhere with metal. Use the mirror and flashlight to look underneath the car. In particular, the bumpers, wheel wells, and the vehicle's frame.

The most common place to put a GPS tracker is in the car's rear, as it's easier to access and the vehicle's frame is more exposed, making it a prime spot to attach a GPS tracker. Use the mat so you can go underneath with ease. When searching for any GPS device, be mindful that it can be small and most of them are black to help them blend in under a dirty car or truck. Also, when investigating the bumpers of cars and trucks, use the pole with the mirror to look inside them, and you may be able to detect an illegal tracker.

Next, try the trunk if you have one. This is not an ideal place for a tracker as it may impede on the device's ability to communicate with the satellites, but it's best to check everywhere. However, larger SUVs and hatchbacks have a fair amount of windows around the trunk, which can still allow the tracker to perform.

Many people keep the device hidden in some part of the trunk, as it's small and the trunk is dark. Afterward, move inside the car and search the ODB data ports, glove compartments, and seat sleeves between seats and under them. Also, check up under the steering wheel column and any spots accessible under the dashboard to slip a tracking device in.

WHERE TO LOOK: EXTERIOR

  • Look inside the wheel wells

  • Search your vehicles frame

  • Look inside the bumpers

  • Underneath the hood; it may be in your engine compartment

WHERE TO LOOK: INTERIOR

  • Underneath seats

  • Behind the dashboard

  • Check ODB ports

  • Center console

  • Seat pockets

  • Glove compartment

  • Between your seat

  • Behind your sun visor

  • Around under and behind the dash

  • Take apart the liner of your trunk

PERFORMING A VEHICLE SWEEP

Some may have hidden a device deep in your car. Therefore, GPS detection devices can help you identify a potential hidden bug.

Use a GPS tracking detector and search around your car. Do it slowly, and don't forget to explore every nook and cranny. If the bug detector sees something or finds something, it should signal you. The best outcome would be that you find nothing and can drive with peace of mind, but if you detect a signal, you will be motivated to continue a thorough search or get help.

However, most GPS detectors aren't perfect. For example, more advanced GPS tracking devices only transmit in a moving vehicle, and a sensor may not work on a moving car. An easy solution is to drive the car for about 10 minutes, pull into your garage, turn off the vehicle, close the garage door, and begin sweeping the car. You close the door to reduce outside wireless signals from impending on your sweep.

Also, ensure any wireless signals in the house are powered down. You don't want to pick up your home's WIFI in the middle of your search. Most trackers will still transmit signals for up to 5 minutes once the car has stopped moving. Don't have a garage; use a parking garage or an open field away from homes and businesses.

If you do not find anything, likely, there are no GPS trackers in your car. However, to make sure, you can also contact a professional who can confirm if a GPS tracker was placed on your vehicle.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIND HIDDEN GPS TRACKERS

GPS trackers tend to be obvious when you see them. They are usually held with magnets or connected through a car's data port. You can remove these GPS tracking devices and go from there.

However, more innovative people may use hard-wired GPS devices, so if you cut out the GPS tracker on your own, you may damage your vehicle wiring or other expensive devices.

A professional mechanic can remove these GPS trackers while leaving your car safe. Should you find a GPS tracker, contact a pro. They can help remove hard-wired GPS tracking devices.

THE BEST PROFESSIONAL GPS DETECTOR

Professional GPS Detector

SpyCentre Security carries the Professional GPS Tracking Detector because we love the combined features of signal AND magnet detecting. This location tracker detector scans all the frequencies commonly used to transmit location information to an outside source, even if the information is being sent in tiny blips.

As for magnetic field detection, since the bulk of tracking devices are secured to cars with magnetic cases, this can aid you in finding the actual device, not just determining that it is there. Our video review of the Professional GPS tracking device detector shows you some of the features and explains how to use this detector:

If you suspect that anyone in your life is tracking you, or if you have already found that someone has used a bug or hidden camera to spy on some other area of your life, it's a good idea to spend some time and energy making sure that your vehicle and you're regular daily route are protected from that person, and not transmitting your every move.

HOW DOES THE PROFESSIONAL GPS DETECTOR WORK?

This battery-powered, handheld tool accurately scans the area for both magnetic fields and signal transmitting patterns.

If a visual search fails, and you've gone over your car hunting for magnetic fields, you can switch tactics and search for signal output. It's a good idea to take your car to an empty field, parking lot, or garage for this search, as other wireless devices in the surrounding area make it very difficult to know what devices you pick up.

If you get consistent signals, you can search the car more thoroughly with the magnet detector to try and isolate exactly where the tracking device may be placed o your vehicle.

WHY CHOOSE THE PROFESSIONAL GPS DETECTOR?

In addition to its robust frequency detection, magnet detection is a fail-safe if a predator in your life uses a passive tracker that stores the information until it is removed from your car and uploaded to a computer that allows them to see your daily routes.

Without a signal to transmit, it can be challenging to search every crevice of a vehicle for a tiny device. Passive trackers are most likely to have a built-in magnetic on the device so that they can be quickly placed and removed without effort or time.

The magnet detector uses the led lights pattern to play "hot or cold" with you, lighting up on the side that detects a magnetic field so that you know which direction to move as you continue your search. Its high sensitivity can accurately detect magnetic fields if it's as near as 12 inches.