How to stop someone from tracking my car

How to stop someone from tracking my car

GPS tracking devices can help family members better stay connected and aware of one another’s locations and needs. However, these trackers are not always used with the right intentions in mind. It is unfortunate but realistic that GPS tracking devices could be used against you in a way that makes you concerned for your safety. Should you ever find yourself in a position where you believe you are being followed using a GPS tracking device, there are products available to help you.

A handful of GPS bug detectors have been designed with the technology to detect a wide variety of personal tracking devices. While in use, these different detectors pick up frequencies, wireless transmitters, camera lenses, phone taps, or cellular bugs to successfully locate GPS tracking devices.

How do I know if someone is using a GPS tracker on me?

How to stop someone from tracking my car

Tracking devices are often small and can inconspicuously be placed without a person’s knowledge. They are in wheel wells of cars, under the dashboard, or the front or rear bumpers. Unfortunately, there’s no way to suspect if your vehicle is being tracked without ever seeing the device. However, if you suspect you’re being tracked, immediately search your vehicle for the GPS tracking device. Oftentimes, it is small – about the size of a matchbox – and black or grey. Most commonly placed in one of the mentioned places.

Unlike cars, a small handful of signs might present themselves if your cell phone is being tracked. First, the battery drains more quickly than usual, even when all of your applications have been closed out. Secondly, your device becomes hot even when it has not been in use. Additionally, if your phone has a bug, you might hear extra noise while on phone calls, or your phone may light up when not in use.

Luckily, with the GPS detectors on the market today, if you suspect you’re being tracked,one of these many devices can help to confirm.

How do I disable a GPS tracker being used against me?

How to stop someone from tracking my car

Once a GPS tracking device is located, it can be disabled. Beyond simply removing the battery, it is possible to stop the GPS signal. It’s important to remove the device completely and dispose of it so it does not continue transmitting your location.

A handful of options are available to remove GPS tracking from a cellphone. First, you should always be familiar with all of the applications on your device. If you see something unusual or that you did not install, delete it right away. Secondly, install anti-malware software and scan your phone frequently. If possible threats are detected, this software will delete them immediately. If these options are not successful, a factory reset will wipe your phone clean and reset it back to default settings. Once reset, only reinstall applications that you’re 100% familiar with and can completely trust.

The thought of being followed is scary, but realistically, GPS devices may not be used how they were intended. Should you ever find yourself in a situation where you believe your vehicle or cell phone is being tracked, the use of a counter surveillance GPS detection device and tips should help to successfully locate and disable the unwanted tracking device.

Updated July 21, 2022

A GPS tracker is a device used to track the location of a vehicle. There are two types of trackers available to the public: a logger tracking system and a real-time tracking system. A logger tracking system remembers all the locations a vehicle has been and stores them on a hard drive. The tracker then must be connected to a computer to retrieve the information. A real-time tracker sends signals to a GPS receiving system every 5 to 10 minutes. This will track a vehicle's real-time movements. If you believe you are being tracked, you can buy a product to block the signal.

Step 1

Shop around and find a GPS blocker. The blocker can cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000. It will stop most GPS tracking devices from sending signals to a GPS receiver. The more expensive ones will block signals up to hundreds of feet away, while the cheaper ones will block signals only up to a few meters.

Step 2

Plug the GPS blocker into your car's cigarette lighter. Plugging it in will activate the blocker, and you will essentially be invisible to any GPS monitoring systems.

Step 3

Deactivate your GPS blocker when you don't need to use it. Do this by simply unplugging it.

References

Tips

  • You don't have to buy a car GPS blocker. If you buy a handheld, portable blocker, you must manually activate it with the flip of a switch or the press of a button.

Things You'll Need

  • GPS blocker

Warnings

  • It's illegal to block or tamper with any GPS tracking device that has been placed in a vehicle for law enforcement reasons. If you're not sure about a tracking device attached to your car, consult your local law enforcement.
  • GPS blockers are illegal in some areas; check your local laws before buying and using one.

Writer Bio

Michael Jones reported campus news stories for The University of Southern California's student newspaper, "The Daily Trojan," for four years before graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in journalism. He has since gone on to write for several publications both in America and abroad and has an idiosyncratic knack for translating the most intricate tasks into layman speak.

What can block a tracking device?

The easiest method of disabling a GPS monitoring device is to place it in a metal container. Any electrically conducting metal will reflect and absorb inbound and outgoing signals. It will stop working as a result of this. Tinfoil may be used to cover a GPS tracker, but copper and even silver can also be used.

How can you tell if someone put a tracker on your car?

You should grab a flashlight so you can see into the dark crevices of your wheel wells and undercarriage–both common places for a GPS tracker to be hidden. After looking around outside the vehicle, check the interior. Pay special attention to: The data port underneath the dashboard and steering wheel.

Can my car be tracked without me knowing?

GPS trackers are popular among fleet and taxi companies and individual car owners as they help with theft recovery and vehicle monitoring. Most of the trackers are added by the owner, but any person can equip a vehicle with such a device without the knowledge or consent of the owner.

Can I disable the tracker in my car?

Once a GPS tracking device is located, it can be disabled. Beyond simply removing the battery, it is possible to stop the GPS signal. It's important to remove the device completely and dispose of it so it does not continue transmitting your location.