Is there a way of recording a conversation on a cell phone or home phone without the other party knowing?

Answer 1

There are ways to do it, yes, from simply using your answering machine to a hand-held tape recorder. Whether it's legal is another question, and it depends entirely upon which state you live in. It actually isn't legal, but people do it in cases of threats from a former lover, etc. Just to tape someone for no reason is illegal, but most are never caught. It's call "invasion of privacy". In many court cases even the judge will have to rule on whether a taped conversation is admissible in court. If you are phoning a lawyer or business on a complicated matter and want to tape the conversation you should legally ask that person if you can tape the conversation or not. The police can tape calls (bug) someones phone should it be warranted. Many business' use a loop hole when taping a customer. Example: If you are phoning to complain to your telephone company for poor service you will get this message, "Please acknowledge that your conversation may be taped for training purposes." This is simply a legal loop hole. On most home phones there is "speaker phone." Just push the button before you answer and you don't have to lift up the receiver. Put your tape recorder near the speaker phone (put the TV or radio down as it's interference.) Cell phones are difficult to get a clear taping from. In the US, states establish laws pertaining to the secret recording of telephone conversations or conversations in general. Conversations can be legally recorded in most states as long as one party has knowledge. Federal law also allows the personal recording of telephone and electronic communications as long as one party is aware it is occurring. States that require all party consent to a conversation being taped whether an electronic communication system or a personal encounter are, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington state. The Supreme Court ruled that the recording of a conversation by an individual (not a government agency) is not illegal as the involved parties could not be guaranteed nor should expect privacy,meaning others could be listening on an extension and so forth. ANSWER Actually, it is really easy from a cell phone... while you are on the phone look at it, most often there is a more option, press it, and then hit record...that easy---and no one would even know.