"Cheaters," a syndicated reality series that investigates cheating spouses and records the often-violent confrontations that ensue...now series creator Bobby Goldstein thinks he's found a better product for his corporate brand: A website that sells spy goods.
Meanwhile, Kevin D. Murray, who does eavesdropping audits and counterespionage consulting, says that the idea of doing your own investigation of a suspected cheat may sound appealing, but often causes more problems than it's worth. "Private electronic eavesdropping and stalking is illegal on both a federal and state level," he told HuffPost Weird News. "Conducting electronic surveillance oneself can create far more problems than it solves. A person with a legitimate concern should hire a licensed private investigator to collect the facts. Do-it-yourselfers lack the experience and emotional detachment to conduct successful investigations."
Murray also thinks that, even if the Cheaters Spy Shop offers its share of disclaimers on the use of the product, they could still be risking legal problems.
"When it hits the fan, guess who the lawyers come looking for? Big-pockets Radio Shack," he said. "There have also been similar cases where private investigators just dispense advice like this. They get prosecuted, and the spouse who actually did the bugging gets off due to 'matrimonial immunity.'"
Murray says modern electronic surveillance has been regulated by law since 1968, but due to benign neglect and more pressing crimes, enforcement is rare. However, he said that on a few occasions, when the marketplace has become a little too hot, there is enforcement.
"From what I see, the pot is about to boil over again. Look for laws about spyware on cell phones, and raids on 'spy shops' in 2012," he warned.
But while he thinks the Cheaters Spy Shop could be putting itself at risk, Murray doesn't seem that concerned. At the end of the interview, he hinted he may contact the shop about carrying his book.
"It's a yin-yang thing," he explained. (more)
