I am not new to the hobby and don't post but do read a lot.  I am a worrier I guess you could say.

Anyway I have recently gotten a new hobby phone actually just a few weeks ago.  Anyway being paranoid like I am I have been thinking LE is out to get.  I have been thinking LE has been monitoring my phone.  This phone is one of the pay as you go phones.

I have been txting with a provider I have seen before and all txt have been safe with no mention of money or actions.  Just some flirty text and always in code.

Anyway I have been thinking that LE has been seeing out in cyberworld these text and they are out to get me.  I usually keep this phone off unless I am expecting to have communication.

I actually went outside at work the other day to send a text and on my way back in the office a lady from our security department was walking outside and we stopped and talked for a few minutes and then they walked back inside with me.

I was thinking LE was in the parking lot and new the phone was in use inside the building and when I went outside they asked Security privately to come outside and identify me.

Am I just absolutely crazy for thinking of this. Am I just way over paranoid.

Plus this provider is in another state and I don't play in my local area only when I travel on business.

Thanks

Respectfully, you are asking an anonymous internet community whether or not LE is really following around your hobby phone, or if you are having delusional thoughts, which is a medical condition that afflicts many people by the way.  That is what you are asking.

That being said, a serious answer to that question can only come from a medical professional, so you might want to ask a psychiatrist or other medical doctor these questions instead.  That is what I'd do if I were you.    

So I guess pending the outcome of that kind of conversation, you are looking at two possible outcomes... Worst case scenario, yes LE is really following your phone around for some reason, although you can't prove it, which would be highly annoying.  Best case scenario, you are just being paranoid, in which case have the doctor prescribe something to help you to get the feeling of LE persecution off your shoulder, that way you can continue your whoremongering activities in peace.

That is about the long and short of it.  So good luck.  

LE largest priority is Child trafficking.  Also BP stings and reverse stings happen from time to time. Just perform your due diligence, do your homework, and use your common sense.  Recently Supreme Court Rulings favor all citizens as LE can not have access to our smart phones without a warrant!  Finally I am not an attorney, but I am hard pressed to believe that communications between friends, fwb, or even providers do not constitute a crime.

My thoughts from The Governors Mansion!

Thanks for the advice.

The only reason they would be following me would be possible contact with a provider and nothing else.  I keep saying why would they be choosing me.

Could LE get me for just making contact with providers without discussing anything

wearing a tin foil hat in the shape of a pyramid while using your phone to avoid being eavesdropped on, but this is the Newbie Board and such brash behavior is looked down upon, so I won't.

In truth, Maxwell's advice is the most sober and practical, so try that.

The hobby is not for everyone, and if the angst overpowers the enjoyment, then what's the point?

Silly me.

Do the tin foil pyramid hat thing after all.

He is really out there in lala land.

Oh wait, I think I just did, didn't I? lomao

END OF MESSAGE

“Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you”  

― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

If you getting caught would be front page, possibly reasonable to worry.  If not, what...?  There's too much low hanging fruit to do a lengthy investigation of one client.

END OF MESSAGE

unless you are a high value target or the money is not properly yours...  doubt LE would be after you & least of all on an anonymous hobby phone that's shut off when not in use.   You are letting your fears run away with you.  Step back & take a deep breath.  If you really can't shake this...  get help...  or quit the hobby & destroy the phone.

Suffice it to say, the OP must have a lot to lose. And his worries got the better of him. I understand paranoia, but a healthy dose of paranoia can sometimes be a good thing.

I vote for option number two. lol

A "healthy" dose of paranoia might be a good thing, but the OP's paranoia is to a healthy dose what six Big Macs and four orders of fries is to a healthy lunch.