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Cell Phone Hijackers Terrorize Family

 Admin Staff     Created: 6/22/2007 5:58:26 PM    Updated: 6/23/2007 11:48:12 AM
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By Mark Spain First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Millions of cell phones in the hands of millions of people are giving those with bad intentions millions of opportunities to dial up a dose of fear.

Graphic and violent threats were sent to a family in Seattle on their cell phones. They changed numbers and phones, but nothing has worked.

"They left a message on her boyfriend's cell phone in that raspy voice saying, we're going to rape your girlfriend," said Heather Kuykendall.

The family believes anonymous stalkers hijacked the family's cell phones and now follow them everywhere.

"They're listening to us and recording us. We know that because they will record us and play it back as voice mail," said Kuykendall.

"There are several different ways that somebody can hijack your cell phone," said Kelly Forman who runs Spooktech Spy & Security Center on the Southside.

"One of the most common uses of hijacking your phone is enabling the GPS feature. They can track you via several different third party sources like on the internet," Forman said.

They are computer programs known as "Snoopware." Illegal versions of the software can be used to hijack a cell phone and even gain remote control of its applications.

"They can dial into you phone. Your phone doesn't ring and it becomes an open mic. So anybody within ear shot distance can hear everything that's being said on the phone," said Forman.

Forman said there is a device called a "Cellular Jammer" that prevents hijackers from doing damage but the technology is only available to law enforcement and the military.

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