SR Only
09-12-25, 16:23
Title: Don't Cross a USA Border Without a "Perfect Burner Phone".
Author: Carla Sinclair.
Date: September 4, 2025.
Source: It Is Happening Substack.
Summary of Key Advice from ACLU Experts:
Buy Your Burner Phone Anonymously.
Use cash or a gift card bought with cash.
Avoid credit / debit cards.
Consider wearing a mask if you're concerned about being physically identified.
Don't Share Personal Info When Activating.
Avoid giving your email or any identifying info.
Stay anonymous throughout the setup process.
Use Public Wi-Fi for Setup.
Avoid setting up the phone at home.
If you need to call for help, use a random or masked number.
Turn Off Tracking.
Disable location services and other tracking features.
Even flip phones may have tracking settings.
Avoid Attaching Your Identity.
Don't log into personal accounts (e. G. , Instagram, email).
Don't text close contacts or take identifiable photos.
Swap SIMs Regularly.
Physical SIM swapping can help obscure your identity.
Android users can use services like Pretty Good Phone Privacy to rotate IMSIs.
Extra Privacy Tips.
Keep OS and apps updated.
Use a strong PIN (not biometrics).
Disable cloud backups.
Use Signal for messaging.
Restrict app permissions.
Turn off radios (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) when not needed.
Store minimal sensitive data.
Android-Specific Tips:
Disable Google Location History and ad personalization.
Use Firefox or Brave instead of Chrome.
Consider F-Droid, GrapheneOS, or CalyxOS.
IPhone-Specific Tips:
Enable "Ask App Not to Track. ".
Restrict Siri and Apple Intelligence.
Use Lockdown Mode (iOS 16+).
Enable auto-erase after 10 failed passcode attempts.
Author: Carla Sinclair.
Date: September 4, 2025.
Source: It Is Happening Substack.
Summary of Key Advice from ACLU Experts:
Buy Your Burner Phone Anonymously.
Use cash or a gift card bought with cash.
Avoid credit / debit cards.
Consider wearing a mask if you're concerned about being physically identified.
Don't Share Personal Info When Activating.
Avoid giving your email or any identifying info.
Stay anonymous throughout the setup process.
Use Public Wi-Fi for Setup.
Avoid setting up the phone at home.
If you need to call for help, use a random or masked number.
Turn Off Tracking.
Disable location services and other tracking features.
Even flip phones may have tracking settings.
Avoid Attaching Your Identity.
Don't log into personal accounts (e. G. , Instagram, email).
Don't text close contacts or take identifiable photos.
Swap SIMs Regularly.
Physical SIM swapping can help obscure your identity.
Android users can use services like Pretty Good Phone Privacy to rotate IMSIs.
Extra Privacy Tips.
Keep OS and apps updated.
Use a strong PIN (not biometrics).
Disable cloud backups.
Use Signal for messaging.
Restrict app permissions.
Turn off radios (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) when not needed.
Store minimal sensitive data.
Android-Specific Tips:
Disable Google Location History and ad personalization.
Use Firefox or Brave instead of Chrome.
Consider F-Droid, GrapheneOS, or CalyxOS.
IPhone-Specific Tips:
Enable "Ask App Not to Track. ".
Restrict Siri and Apple Intelligence.
Use Lockdown Mode (iOS 16+).
Enable auto-erase after 10 failed passcode attempts.