Always think before you hit Send!

Did you know that your SMSs, WhatsApp or social network inbox messages can be used as evidence against you in a court of law? Well, for those who are possibly heading towards a divorce or breakup need to be extra careful about sending messages!

Because of all the advancements in the area of digital forensics, including social media investigations and cellular forensics, there has been a massive spike in cases that use evidence found on digital devices such as smartphones and computers.

Many people send messages without even thinking twice, this is known as “spontaneous venting”, however it can come back to hurt you, so always rethink what you’re saying before you hit send…

When it comes to evidence in a divorce, usually a nasty one, things such as SMSs, WhatsApp messages and other direct messages are most commonly used as well as emails, phone numbers, GPS locations and search history.

Most divorce lawyers will tell their clients to stay off social media platforms and avoid sending nasty messages and posting unnecessary statuses, the sad thing is that most of these clients choose not to follow this vital advice.

Anything that is in writing, you have to assume that someday a judge is going to see it. So, if it is not something that you don’t want a judge to see – don’t hit the send button!

You can always erase your messages, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever…

With the latest tools and forensic software, the digital forensics investigators at the TCG Forensics Division as well as OSINT are able to assist investigators and attorneys in Cape Town, Pretoria and nationally. For more information about the digital forensics services on offer please call 021 110 0422 or email contact@tcgforensics.co.za