Mobile phones particularly burner phones provide anonymity and are temporary communication gadgets for many reasons. However, can these phones can actually prevent tracking, and are there tools that can be used in tracking the phones? This guide outlines what burner phones are, how they are often utilized and if the devices can be tracked in the modern world.
What’s a Burner Phone?
Burner phone is simply an inexpensive disposable prepaid mobile instrument for a specific purpose. People buy these phones without contracts which means they do not have to give their identification details and the common mode of payment is cash. Because they are not linked to an accurate account with an individual’s data, burner phones are ideal to people who need a number of privacy or an ID phone number for specific, short-lived tasks.
What is a Burner Phone Used For?
Burner phones are often used in cases where anonymity and temporary connection are desirable. They are ideal for online business sales or short term business transactions where people do not wish to reveal their phone numbers. Burner numbers are useful for the traveller because they avoid roaming charges on the primary numbers.
People may also use them for purposes of privacy in certain situations such as dating, or one-time transactions. Further, Journalists, investigators, or persons exposed to risky situations use burner phones just to avoid having their permanent phone numbers exposed or to communicate safely.
Can a Burner Phone Be Traced?
While burner phones are designed to be anonymous, they are not entirely untraceable. These phones can be traced, especially if they interact with cell towers, Wi-Fi, or GPS services. Modern technology allows law enforcement to identify a burner phone’s location by triangulating signals between cell towers. Additionally, when a burner phone connects to Wi-Fi, it may leave digital traces that can be tracked by skilled investigators.
How traceable a burner phone is depends on how it’s used. Actions like staying off Wi-Fi, avoiding frequent calls from the same location, and discarding the device regularly make it harder to trace.
How to Track a Burner Phone
Tracking a burner phone is challenging but not impossible. Here are three methods to track burner phone numbers.
LocatePhone
LocatePhone is a reverse phone lookup service that can uncover details about any phone number, including burner phones. It relies on public databases to track down the owner, location, and additional identifying information related to a phone number. To track a burner phone number using LocatePhone, you don’t have to download any application here or worry about compatibility issues.
Steps to Use LocatePhone:
- Visit the LocatePhone website and enter the burner phone’s number in the search bar.
- Click the search button and wait for the service to pull relevant information from public records.
- Review the details provided, such as the name, address, or other identifying information associated with the burner phone number.
Contact Cell Phone Carrier
While it’s unlikely that carriers will provide tracking information without a legal reason, phone carriers can track phones connected to their network. A legal warrant can compel carriers like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile to disclose location data or call records, even for prepaid or burner phones.
Steps to Contact a Cell Phone Carrier:
- Verify the phone’s carrier by calling or searching online if you have the burner phone number.
- If you have a legal reason, such as a warrant, contact the carrier’s legal department to request access.
- Work with law enforcement to obtain the necessary data about the phone’s location or user.
Contact Internet Service Provider
When a burner phone uses Wi-Fi, it may leave a traceable digital footprint. Some internet providers can track Wi-Fi-enabled devices if they connect to their network. Law enforcement often works with ISPs to track devices in specific locations using IP addresses.
Steps to Contact an ISP:
- Identify the internet provider if the burner phone connects to Wi-Fi.
- Contact the ISP with a valid legal reason and provide the IP address if known.
- The ISP may offer location data or other digital identifiers to aid in tracking the phone’s movements.
Burner Phone Disadvantages
While burner phones offer anonymity, they come with several limitations that can impact usability and security, especially in today’s digitally connected world:
- Limited Features
Most burner phones are basic devices without advanced capabilities like app stores, GPS, or high-resolution cameras. This means they can’t support popular apps or internet-based services, which can limit their functionality for everyday needs beyond simple calls and texts. For users accustomed to smartphones, this can feel like a significant downgrade.
- Temporary Service
Burner phones typically operate on prepaid plans that expire quickly, often within a few weeks or months. This requires users to frequently recharge or purchase new minutes to keep the device active, which can become inconvenient and add up in costs, especially if used over extended periods.
Although these give burner phones an initial attraction for keeping users unseen, these disadvantages hinder their usability in a world of growing digital security and enhancing features.
Alternatives to Burner Phone Numbers
If you’re seeking privacy but want more convenience, consider these alternatives to a burner phone:
- Google Voice
Then, there is Google Voice which provides you with another phone number associated with your Google account and allows you to call, text, and receive voice mails. Indeed, it is a perfect choice for a person in need of a temporary or second number for commercial or everyday usage. Moreover, being interconnected with the account, you can use it on different devices without having to create a new phone.
- Skype
In addition to international calls, Skype also offers its callers a Skype number where calls and voicemail can be received. Such a service is invaluable for businesses, frequent travelers or anyone who would need a second telephone for business purposes abroad. Skype has always been associated with privacy and the use of VoIP technology assures a safe passage.
- TextNow
TextNow offers a free secondary phone number through an app that works on Wi-Fi or data. You can make calls and send messages just as with a regular number, making it ideal for those who need an additional phone number without committing to a separate device or phone plan. It’s simple to set up and use, providing convenience and privacy on one platform.
🔎Read Also: How to Track a TextNow Number 2024 [8 Ways]
FAQs
How to Tell if Someone Has a Burner Phone?
Identifying a burner phone can be quite a daunting task. Burner phones are generally not fashionable, have few features, and may be disposed of after a day or a few weeks. They will be found making regular changes on their phone number or they tend to be very secretive about their phone numbers. If you are unable to reach them at designated times or notice they’re not responding consistently, then they might be using a burner phone.
Can the Police Trace a Spoof Number?
Assigning spoof numbers that hide the true number is difficult when it comes to tracking. But with improved tracing tools, and the assistance of telecom carriers, police can sometimes track back those spoof numbers to their source. With spoofing, the process becomes more complex, but still not unidentifiable when it has legal support and advanced tools.
Can a Burner Phone Be Traced to You?
Even if you buy a burner phone and use it sparingly, there is a way your number can be traced back to you. This indicates that anything that can connect your phone to who you are – including using personal details or connecting to recognizable networks – will make it easier to trace. But if it is used solely for temporary purposes without entering individual data into the logs, tracing is problematic.
Conclusion
Burner phones offer a degree of privacy and temporary convenience, but they’re not entirely untraceable. With the right methods, such as using LocatePhone or contacting a cell phone carrier, there are ways to track these devices. If you’re considering a burner phone for privacy, remember its limitations and consider alternatives like Google Voice or Skype for a more secure experience. Always prioritize lawful and ethical methods when attempting to trace a device.
