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February 26, 2008 3:23 PM PST

Spy gadget recovers deleted text messages

by Leslie Katz

Thought you could get rid of those incriminating text messages with a simple Delete? Not so fast, Tex. Gadget blogs are all abuzz over a little device that purports to enable users to recover and view deleted data stored on almost any cell phone SIM card.

Cell Phone SIM Card Spy(Credit: BrickHouse Security)

"Have you ever wished you can spy on your wife, husband, teens, or colleague's phone to see what they are up to? Are they being suspicious when on their cell phone?" asks New York-based BrickHouse Security, which also sells marijuana identification kits and all manner of spy cameras. It says it has the answer to your worst fears in the form of the $149 Cell Phone Sim Card Spy.

Simply place a SIM card into the tiny USB reader, and instantly save the data, including last numbers dialed and deleted SMS messages, to your PC. Sure, the device is also good for more benign applications like backing up cell phone contacts. But really, why use it for such boring pursuits when you can hack into your unsuspecting loved ones' secrets?

Leslie Katz, senior editor of CNET's Crave, covers gadgets, games, and most other digital distractions. As a co-host of the CNET News Daily Podcast, she sometimes tries to channel Terry Gross. E-mail Leslie.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (7 Comments)
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by almek992 April 26, 2008 2:41 AM PDT
will the spy gadget work on iphones?
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by JohnP24 June 3, 2008 1:59 PM PDT
just got one, thing worked like a charm :) got it at www.ProofPronto.com for like 120. check it
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by JohnP24 June 3, 2008 2:02 PM PDT
just got one, thing worked like a charm :) got it at www.ProofPronto.com for like 120. check it
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by mediccheart July 16, 2008 6:57 AM PDT
tell me more
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by pammy1022 July 26, 2008 6:21 PM PDT
Is it possible to retrieve deleted info from a Motorola phone that does not use a sim card?
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by djokoa1 October 4, 2008 1:08 AM PDT
When is the last retrievable delete sms that you can locate? 1day, 1month, 1year?
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by anavz_82 November 5, 2008 8:17 PM PST
can you recover text even if the phone has a password or code
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