The advancements in location-tracking technologies have helped humans achieve various efficiencies in everyday life. With different tracking technologies analyzing daily functions has become easier than ever. It helps monitor usage, consumer thinking and habits, and retrieve information on lost personnel and assets.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) is a groundbreaking technology that determines the accurate location of an object. GPS devices have found applications not only in industries like aviation, military, fleet management, and logistics. It has also impacted our personal environment.
Today, GPS devices exist in our watches which we use for running, biking, and more to give users inputs on distance traveled, their speed, or where they are. For instance, Apple AirTags have become a popular and valuable section of our navigation gadgets due to their convenient applications for tracking luggage, whereabouts, and also your costly headphones and beloved pets.
Although GPS trackers have become conventional in our immediate surroundings, be they attached to vehicles or software snippets within our devices, the fear of being tracked constantly can cause an itch concerning privacy demands. Justifiably, a majority of us are hellbent on drowning unnecessary or excessive monitoring.
In the article, we will briefly understand how a GPS tracker works and explore methods of tricking a GPS device to circumvent constant surveillance.
How do GPS Trackers Work?
Similar to the razor-potent abilities of satellite television, GPS tracking devices utilize satellite signals to communicate with on-earth gadgets and decode their real-time positioning.
In layman’s terms, a GPS tracker receives signals from a network of GPS satellites orbiting around the Earth. Such high-accuracy satellites continuously transmit myriad signals that play a technological role in providing precise locations and timecodes of data transfer.
The device then fuels its utilities by running internal processors to interpret the received signals and use the information to calculate its precise location.
If you’re seeking the convenience of accurate GPS tracking, ensure there’s a clear line of sight between all elements in this location-tracking chain. Tall buildings, mountains, and dense forests can interfere with signal reception and reduce the precision of the GPS device.
Concerns to Safeguard Location Privacy
The increasing reliance on GPS tracking has raised enumerable privacy concerns for users in the digital age. Here are some worries that could threaten individuals and businesses on an immediate basis:
1. Location Data Misuse
There have been instances of unauthorized entities misusing or exploiting location data, and threats continue to exist. Such data privacy affairs force gadget and vehicle users to continually hunt tactics of mitigating a tracking device.
2. Work-Life Balance
Companies may not prohibit employees from using their vehicles for personal errands or random utilities during out-of-work schedules. Either way, deciding their whereabouts and plan is a purely personal choice, allowing employees to go off-grid during family time.
3. Avoiding Geo-Targeted Marketing
Precise location and demographic information could be framed as a direct use case for online targeted advertising. Since these ads can be a considerable distraction, customers prefer not to receive advertisements based on location tracking. Such negative influences lead them to consider methods to trick GPS tracking.
How do GPS Blockers and Jammers Work?
GPS signal jammers work on the principle of emitting radio signals with the intent to resonate with specific preset frequencies on the receiving GPS device. With the help of signal processing algorithms, these messages overpower those sent by GPS satellites and disrupt their tracking functionalities.
Imagine a collision between satellite signals and your GPS device. This induces interferences that disorient the GPS tracking device. Furthermore, this drains its ability to determine the real-time locations of vehicles and smartphones.
These jammers are known to disrupt all signal recognition and transmission pathways of GPS systems. Most importantly, they restrict navigation and tracking features, rendering them ineffective during the jamming process.
Typically compact in dimensions and offering almost effortless installation, GPS blockers require under a minute for breezy activation. Simultaneously, even laypersons occasionally face installation hassles as jammers can be discreetly placed or removed.
Though categorized as illegal under the code of federal law, these devices remain globally accessible at minimal costs. Remember, using a GPS tracker jammer can have severe consequences if executed for unlawful intentions. Don’t be surprised to become victim to hefty fines or imprisonment when caught in signal jamming attempts.
7 Ways to Trick a GPS Tracking Device
Firstly, focus on the principle functionings and backend technical know-how of tricking GPS devices. Luckily, this method is as uncomplicated as installing one. What’s best, there are undemanding solutions to trick GPS trackers through a multitude of jamming devices, DIY ploys, and scrambling gadgets.
Here are seven different ways to trick your GPS-tracking device:
1. Enhancing Privacy with Aluminum and Duct Tape
Amongst the most elementary methodologies of killing the accuracy scores of GPS tracking systems lies the application of a double sheet of aluminum foil.
Firstly, identify the location of the GPS antenna and receiver in the vehicle or tracking device. Progress by concealing the antenna and receiver with double sheets of aluminum foil and double down on confirming its intent by securing it using duct tape.
Considering its tried and tested metallic properties, the foil deflects any signals from the satellite. Moreover, it simultaneously dissolves all outgoing transmissions the GPS device releases in its constant endeavor to communicate with the network satellites.
Pro Tip: Applying 0.2 mm aluminum foil can yield the best results.
2. Easy Privacy Upgrade: Attach a Plug-in GPS Blocker
GPS blockers plugged into your car or the particular location you wish to keep secluded are another way to avoid GPS tracking. Remember, a location-blocking device generates an interference signal that breaks down the communication channels between the network satellites and the GPS tracker. Such an application kills any room for being tracked.
Plug the device into your car’s power outlet to make it undetectable to GPS tracking systems while driving. Not to forget, if you turn off the vehicle or remove the device, the blocking feature will be disabled. Thus, try attaching the device in a manner that doesn’t require repeatedly relying on the vehicle’s power.
Before making a purchase, always review the range of the blocking device to achieve guaranteed results.
3. Portable Privacy: Use a Handheld GPS Blocker
A handheld GPS blocker is designed to broadcast a preset frequency range that interferes with GPS receivers and transmitters, causing irreparable fluctuations in their functionality.
Such handheld GPS blockers usually tend to have a widespread range, readying them to obstruct the GPS trackers of those around too.
All in all, the manual switch-on button makes this gadget ideal for a person with no experience in GPS devices.
4. Discreet and Direct: Switch Off the GPS Tracker
Remove the gadget’s batteries and disconnect it from the vehicle or area in case it’s located in your setting. Such practices are proven as the least-technical means to kill any tracking prospects.
Dispose of the battery and the GPS tracking unit properly to prevent further transmission.
Ideally, enlist the help of a professional technician when removing a hardwired live GPS from your transportation gear.
5. Shielding with Metal: Place Your GPS Tracker in a Box
An alternative approach is to place the GPS tracker inside a metal box. This technique operates similarly to the aluminum foil method, except that it directly impacts the GPS device’s in-built components.
Ensure the GPS tracker is detachable from the vehicle or wall. In case it’s cabled, cut the connection for better anti-tracking outputs.
Essentially, the metal surface will reflect and absorb the incoming and outgoing signals, preventing it from accurate tracking. Such dependence on metal boxes employs a straightforward and low-cost gateway for GPS jamming.
6. Opt for Privacy Mode: Safeguarding Your Location
Switching to private mode on GPS devices can conceal a vehicle’s movement parameters like location and speed. However, the data is retrievable for legitimate uses in case of accidents or inquiries.
Since fleet management companies use hardwire GPS trackers that provide real-time tracking 24/7, double-check the exact specifications.
Drivers may trick a GPS tracker as employees want to safeguard their privacy and not go on record for transportation data during personal tasks. To counter this, privacy mode offers drivers and dispatchers an option to hide their movements while on the move.
Unlike GPS jamming, which is illegal, this method provides a legally secure option to safeguard privacy concerns while using company vehicles.
7. Deceptive Defense: Enabling a GPS Spoofing Device
Let’s picture a hypothetical situation to understand the workings of a spoofing device.
Imagine a neighboring transmitter is sending out frequencies similar to your favorite radio channels. However, it does so with altered content.
Similarly, a GPS spoofing device sends out false tracking signals that are hardly legitimate. Instead of completely blocking the signals, the GPS spoofing gadget manipulates the transmitted data and relieves you of location tracking.
Although convenient to implement spoofing devices when tricking a GPS tracker, detecting them has been a challenge. Consider it similar to identifying the source of a deceptive Airdrop transmission.
FAQ’s
Blocking a GPS signal requires a mighty magnet to spoilt a device’s internal components and nullify its signaling potential. Unluckily, using potent magnets in your immediate surroundings can affect your bodily wellness.
A GPS bug detector is an accessible device to scan a car for GPS tracking gadgets. It’s convenient to detect hidden trackers with this radio signal-emitting handheld device. Move the detector around common hiding spots like under the seats, bumpers, wheel wells, or front boot. This helps capture suspicious signals, alerting you of surveillance traps.
Tricking a GPS device by deploying phone jammers or GPS blockers that disrupt authorized radio transmission is strictly against federal law. However, applications of such devices in a classroom, residence, or vehicle are fine. Even local law enforcement agencies lack the authority to utilize GPS jamming gadgets. Don’t forget advertising, selling, or promoting jamming devices to consumers in the United States is illegal.
Conclusion
Among the marvels of hyperconnectivity, GPS systems are providers of convenience and safety in navigation and tracking. Besides aiding emergency responders, such location-tracking gadgets improve on-road safety. Yet, factor in the possible downsides of its overuse.
Use jammers and blocking devices responsibly and be aware of their legal implications. We must act mindfully on the risks of tricking a GPS device to guarantee no unlawful interactions with public safety communications.
Carson Harris is a highly qualified author and expert in GPS tracking technology. With a background in electrical engineering and machine learning, he has established himself as a trusted source of information. Carson’s work experience at Garmin and Panasonic has further enhanced his expertise. He possesses creative skills in website design and AI applications. Known for his clear and concise communication, Carson’s articles on Trax Family’s website provide valuable insights on GPS trackers.