How to Detect and Avoid Surveillance

Being aware of surveillance and knowing how to spot it is an important skill for personal security. Here are practical tips to help you recognize if you are being followed and what you can do about it.

Recognizing a “Tail”

Stay alert and learn to notice if someone is observing you. If you suspect you have a “tail,” do not let on that you’ve noticed. “Bad guys” rarely look like movie detectives in trench coats. Your tail could be someone you’d least expect, such as a woman or an elderly person. Try to identify people you see repeatedly in your vicinity.

How Surveillance Teams Operate

• Surveillance is usually done in shifts, so don’t expect to see the same person following you all the time.
• Teams may follow you using parallel routes, on the opposite side of the street, or even on a parallel street.
• They may use cars, radios, or walkie-talkies to coordinate.

Identifying Surveillance Attributes

A tail might carry a bag full of wigs, glasses, easily changeable ties, and reversible jackets. Focus on features that are hard to change quickly, like height, facial features, pants, shoes, or personal items such as rings or jewelry.

Common Vehicle Surveillance Techniques

• Leapfrogging: A surveillance car may overtake you and stop ahead so you catch up, especially in heavy traffic.
• Headlight Tricks: Some teams use headlight switches to make their car look like a motorcycle or a different vehicle at night, trying to throw you off.
• Taillight Tricks: Check your car’s taillights for small holes. A bright white spot instead of red or amber could mean someone is watching you. Sometimes, a bright bulb is placed in one taillight and a dimmer one in the other, or a bulb is removed altogether.
• Tracking Devices: Professionals may attach reflective tape, miniature tracking devices, or radio compasses to your car. Inspect your vehicle regularly for anything unusual.

Testing for a Tail

• First, speed up, then slow down. An inexperienced tail may brake suddenly or act confused, revealing themselves. This works on foot as well.
• Step aside and observe. Note the features of people and cars behind you. Try to memorize license plates of vehicles following you. Repeat this process to identify persistent followers.
• Change your route frequently to spot multiple tails. Get closer to them to observe distinguishing features. This may force them to switch teams if they realize you’ve noticed them.
• Stop at store windows. If you’re on foot, use the reflection to spot anyone following you.
• Enter a building and stop abruptly. A tail may bump into you if they’re not careful.
• Drop something on the ground. A tail will often stop to pick it up.
• Board a subway or bus at the last minute. This classic trick can help you lose a tail.
• If you’re with someone, have them stop or turn back to see if anyone follows.

Additional Tips

• Scan amateur radio frequencies and other channels. You might overhear conversations about yourself.
• Change your appearance quickly by buying a hat or jacket in a store, then blend into the crowd as you leave.
• Use elevators in tall buildings. Exit on any floor, then take the next elevator back down to the lobby. Change your coat, put on glasses, or otherwise alter your appearance to confuse your tail.

If you manage to lose your tail, remember they may try to find you again—at your home, work, or by calling you. Be prepared for calls from strangers pretending to have dialed the wrong number.

Practice Makes Perfect

It takes regular practice to outsmart an experienced follower. Stay vigilant and keep honing your skills.