Bug Sweep / TSCM FAQ
Common questions about Bug Sweeps & Technical Surveillance Counter Measures
The M.I.S. Bug Sweep Team has provided hundreds of TSCM bug sweeps through the years. We understand you may have a few questions. While we answer many questions on this page, please feel free to contact us if you have further questions or concerns.
Where bugs are typically discovered:
Offices
& Conference rooms
To get an unfair advantage, unethical competitors will use multiple layers of intermediaries to plant bugs.
Cars
Audio devices
Cars are popular places to plant audio bugs because of cell phone calls the driver makes during commutes.
Bedrooms
Video cameras
The majority of hidden cameras we find are in bedrooms. Cases usually involves a jealous or separated spouse.
Telephones
Wiretapping.
Landlines are particularly susceptible to wiretapping at many points. Cell phones are more difficult (but still possible) to bug.
About the bug sweep service:
How long does it take?
The inspection is performed in 3 phases over 2 days.
What specifically is included in the service?
See our debugging services page for a list.
The three main bugs we look for:
When we enter your premises, we do a visual and electronic sweep. We are looking for 3 things: Monitoring devices powered by a phone line, monitoring devices powered by a battery, and cameras secreted in the bedroom.
Battery operated vs. Constant power devices
Battery operated devices are cheaper to get. But the criminal has to replace them every 6 weeks. Phone lines and outlets provide constant power, and because of this, they are often used to power listening devices and cameras.
What can be swept?
Just about anything. We can sweep any and all devices (cell phones, tablets, computers, etc.). With any home or office sweep, we also will sweep up to 2 cars if desired.
Up to date, modern equipment.
As technology changes, we change. We use only the most up-to-date, sophisticated, accurate, and current electronic surveillance equipment.
You get what you pay for.
Anyone can buy a device commonly known as a "magic wand" that will identify some of the eavesdropping and wireless camera devices available to consumers. But if you are looking for complete security and peace of mind, you need a team with the expertise and professional equipment to identify and disable every possible device that is jeopardizing your personal or business security.
The devices we find are installed illegally.
98% of the items we discover were illegally installed. You actually need a court order from the Department of Justice to plant and use a bug.
Even though it is a felony in every state of the union, there are people out there that will plant bugs - because the information gleaned from them can give unscrupulous people a huge advantage.
We find hidden devices in 16% of our sweeps. This actually very high.
We find devices in about 16% of our sweeps. This doesn't sound like much, but that's actually a very large number.
For some perspective: The find rate has quadrupled since the 1970's, when it was 4%. With the increased availability of inexpensive equipment, we expect this number will only get larger.
Read some bug sweep case studies:
100% money-back guarantee.
We offer a full, 100% guarantee on all bug sweep services. If there is a hidden device that we don't find, and you provide evidence that you discovered one with another service, we will refund your money 100%.
Former Federal Agents.
All services are performed by former Federal agents. Our investigators gather court-admissable evidence, and are considered experts in a court of law.
