The cards have unique access codes, but I don't know if they have unique bar codes. There may just be one bar code that is slapped on all the 60 minute cards, just like two boxes of plastic forks have the same bar code. Your credit card may be linked to the purchase of a card, but if the bar code isn't unique they can't tell which access code was on the card you bought. If they can't do that, I doubt they could use the fact that you bought a card as evidence in court.
Originally Posted by blenderhead
I'm pretty sure that all the info is recorded. There are electronic records that say that credit card 5104 1234 5678 9012 purchased airtime card 1234 ABC56 at 12:34 PM on January 2, 2010 at the Target store on 1234 Main street at register 12. Then there's a record that airtime card 1234ABC56 was added to cell phone 512-555-1234.
I don't know how easy it is to put all the info together, but I bet it's not hard.
The airtime cards are worthless until they are activated by paying for them at the cash register. If you steal one of them off the rack, it won't do anything. When you buy one, you'll notice that the clerk has to swipe the card's mag strip through their register. They don't just scan it with the barcode scanner. To me, this implies that the purchase is linked to that unique card and access code, not just the generic UPC for that kind of card.
I believe the strip contains the access code. The cell phone's companies computers keep track of info that airtime card 1234ABC56 has $25 balance and holds on to that until you put that money on a cell phone account. Some of them even link the card to your phone where you can then add money to the card later and it will instantly add time to your phone without you having to do anything.
As to using the evidence in court, I don't see any problem. I'd think they'd be able to say Joe Hobby's credit card was used to purchase an airtime card at this time and place. That card was used on this certain cell phone. That cell phone was used to make a certain phone call. Maybe even "Here's the store camera footage of Joe standing at the register or leaving the store."
Then, of course, even if they can't use the info in court, it can be used to track you down, and then they can come up with evidence that can be used in court.
And remember that the standard to get a search warrant or other investigative legal procedures is often much lower than the standard to introduce the evidence in court.