How can identity thieves steal information from me when I am using a public or pay phone?

How can identity thieves steal information from me when I am using a public or pay phone?

Robert Siciliano (Identity Theft Expert and CEO) gives expert video advice on: What are the most common phone scams used by identity thieves?; What should I do if I receive a phone call asking me for personal information? and more...

Really the best way for them to steal information at a public phone or a pay phone, is to simply eavesdrop on you. There actually is technology out there that allows them, from a distance as far as 5 feet away, where they can actually hone in on the audio signals and they can listen in on what you're doing. In addition to that, they can also install any type of audio sensing device, a remote wireless audio sensing device at that payphone. Generally, whenever you're at a public payphone, it's best to scan the area around the perimeter of your body, look for any hardware that might be attached to the phone or in the area of the booth itself, look for anyone in the area who might be paying any unwanted attention to you.