How do you get a burner phone that is not connected to you.

[waynward]

So I am thinking about getting a burner phone just for hobbying. Just to be on the safe side.

However I never gotton one of these and don't know where. How do you get one that isn't "tied" to you? Ie. like when you sign up for a cell phone plan you give them your name and mailing address. And ultimately some sort of payment information.

So how do you get one that can be traced back to you (Or minimally) and where?

 

[fuji]

Walk into 7-11, pay cash. You buy prepaid vouchers in convenience stores to keep them "charged" with funds. Again, pay cash.

Previously I used an app on my phone that gave me a second phone line over data, but with enough work that could in theory be traced to my mobile IP and then to me. Unlikely, and the app had the convenience of not requiring a second device. Idea was to conceal it from a wife add opposed to the police, so, was a different purpose.

The cash paid phone from 7/11 is pretty untraceable. Turn it off when not in use so it doesn't even geolocate if are extra paranoid (and just to stop it from getting hard to explain texts and calls when you are not on the prowl).

 

[waynward]

Thanks Fuji!

And how do you keep it topped up with phone minutes or text messages?

Or do you just get a new one each time the minutes run out?

Walk into 7-11, pay cash.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

http://www.speakout7eleven.ca/

 

[fuji]

Oop I edited my post to add how you top it up, after you replied. Just read up!

 

[waynward]

Cheers mate!

http://www.speakout7eleven.ca/

 

[fuji]

http://www.speakout7eleven.ca/

Just don't do the online top up from a real credit card... Either use an anonymous prepaid credit card (cash bought at 711) or just use the cash bought prepaid vouchers.

 

[waynward]

Thanks for the advice man.

Always feels good to have a brotherhood here to help each other out with advice.

Walk into 7-11, pay cash. You buy prepaid vouchers in convenience stores to keep them "charged" with funds. Again, pay cash.

Previously I used an app on my phone that gave me a second phone line over data, but with enough work that could in theory be traced to my mobile IP and then to me. Unlikely, and the app had the convenience of not requiring a second device. Idea was to conceal it from a wife add opposed to the police, so, was a different purpose.

The cash paid phone from 7/11 is pretty untraceable. Turn it off when not in use so it doesn't even geolocate if are extra paranoid (and just to stop it from getting hard to explain texts and calls when you are not on the prowl).

 

[spme]

Get callcentic or other SIP provider, it integrates nicely with Android, you will need to pick which "line" to use before dialing...

 

[legmann]

Walk into 7-11, pay cash. You buy prepaid vouchers in convenience stores to keep them "charged" with funds. Again, pay cash.

Previously I used an app on my phone that gave me a second phone line over data, but with enough work that could in theory be traced to my mobile IP and then to me. Unlikely, and the app had the convenience of not requiring a second device.

The cash paid phone from 7/11 is pretty untraceable. Turn it off when not in use so it doesn't even geolocate if are extra paranoid

I just purchased the same. All cash, and completely anonymous. As an extra precaution, you can activate the phone online via a WiFi hotspot (i.e. Starbucks) rather than through your own home IP.

My only complaint, as above, is that I don't believe there is any way to disable GPS-tracking, but the additional 'risk' involved should be minimal.


Finally: keep that phone for discrete hobby use only; never use it to dial your own primary number and vice-versa.

 

[GPIDEAL]

This has been mentioned on the Challenges thread about communications (or elsewhere). I have a question though. If I use an app as Fuji mentioned, is there a charge for that app? I think a burner phone will work best. Do you rent the cell phone from 7-11?

 

[legmann]

If I use an app as Fuji mentioned, is there a charge for that app? I think a burner phone will work best. Do you rent the cell phone from 7-11?

The phone itself is purchased outright from 7-11 ('SpeakOut'). You purchase top-up airtime vouchers as needed from 7-11 (again, cash only).

As to burner apps, the app downloads are generally free (e.g. 'Burner' app on Google Play), but 'credits' must be purchased in some form or another in order to use and have new phone numbers generated. (Some here have commented favourably; reviews on Google have cited problems with inconsistent performance and bugs.)

 

[wangbang]

Any Rogers phone will work on 7-11 since they use the Rogers network. If you are really concerned then go on Kijji and buy an old Rogers or unlocked phone that doesn't have GPS.

 

[legmann]

If you are really concerned then go on Kijji and buy an old Rogers or unlocked phone that doesn't have GPS.

Yes, likely pre-2011, I'm guessing.

 

[Celticman]

If you buy spare SIM cards, will they have different numbers? If so, do you just need a separate top up card? Any issues?

 

[Hard Idle]

You can always get an old school phone with no GPS for $35 or less. Kijiiji & craigslist are full of them. Also cell kiosks in places like Pacific mall, Bridlewood mall, Centrepoint & Shops On Steeles have multiple places selling used phones (although they typically double the price).

Network tracking usually isn't pinpoint. I believe it triangulates a general location relative to the three closest towers emitting the frequencies your device uses. it could estimate you a couple of hundred yards form where you actually are.

 

[GPIDEAL]

The phone itself is purchased outright from 7-11 ('SpeakOut'). You purchase top-up airtime vouchers as needed from 7-11 (again, cash only).

As to burner apps, the app downloads are generally free (e.g. 'Burner' app on Google Play), but 'credits' must be purchased in some form or another in order to use and have new phone numbers generated. (Some here have commented favourably; reviews on Google have cited problems with inconsistent performance and bugs.)

Ahhh, so additional credits require credit card purchases online which can leave a record associated with the burner app, or no association? I think it would be easier and more convenient to use a burner app from time to time, but I'd hate to permit a digital paper trail for time extensions purchased, or do these apps use dynamic phone #s that can't be traced later?

HOw long does a temporary burner app # last?

If you get a phone from 7-11, will it's number change or always stay the same?

 

[GPIDEAL]

You can always get an old school phone with no GPS for $35 or less. Kijiiji & craigslist are full of them. Also cell kiosks in places like Pacific mall, Bridlewood mall, Centrepoint & Shops On Steeles have multiple places selling used phones (although they typically double the price).

Network tracking usually isn't pinpoint. I believe it triangulates a general location relative to the three closest towers emitting the frequencies your device uses. it could estimate you a couple of hundred yards form where you actually are.

Like someone else said, can't the location tracking or GPSing issue be turned off?

 

[GPIDEAL]

If you buy spare SIM cards, will they have different numbers? If so, do you just need a separate top up card? Any issues?

Is it possible to keep your same smartphone but use a temporary SIM card which has a different number (like a burner phone sim card)?

 

[wangbang]

Ahhh, so additional credits require credit card purchases online

No. You can buy time at a 7-11 for cash. They can be added via the phone or via the website. Obviously, minutes attach to the SIM card not the phone.

If you get a phone from 7-11, will it's number change or always stay the same?

Your SIM is assigned one number.

FWIW, as soon as the girl gives me the room # I delete the messages and remove the battery. My phone sits in the car with the battery out. Have always done that not just now. I wouldn't play the two SIM in a smart phone but that is just me.