How can I copy/capture/hack my own fax machine?
March 8, 2009 5:27 AM Subscribe
How can I copy/capture/hack my own fax machine? I have a new HP multifunction/all-in-one printer, scanner, fax machine, copier at home that is used by another person for the occasional fax. I would like to know what those faxes are. Is there some software/firmware I can use to make the machine secretly record the image when it is being used so that I can download the image later to my computer?
After searching online, the only thing I can find are some crazy, complicated industrial fax data interception things that need to be installed on the fax line. It seems like it would be very easy to use the built in copy function of the machine to record what is faxed.
After searching online, the only thing I can find are some crazy, complicated industrial fax data interception things that need to be installed on the fax line. It seems like it would be very easy to use the built in copy function of the machine to record what is faxed.
This post was deleted for the following reason: Man, this seems like an exceedingly bad idea, and I'm not really comfortable with this as a use of askme. -- cortex
Response by poster: Yes, that has occurred to me. I have given it as much consideration as a spy or Private Investigator would I'm sure. We are overseas and it pertains to a divorce and we just want to know about certain things going on, nothing nefarious.
posted by It's Austin, TX! at 5:51 AM on March 8, 2009
posted by It's Austin, TX! at 5:51 AM on March 8, 2009
So you're trying to find out what the other side in a divorce case is doing by spying on their faxes?
Not cool. Not cool at all. I advise you not do this.
posted by dunkadunc at 6:20 AM on March 8, 2009
Not cool. Not cool at all. I advise you not do this.
posted by dunkadunc at 6:20 AM on March 8, 2009
Best answer: Depending on where you are, it also might be illegal. If you were here in the US, I'm pretty sure you'd be doing something illegal. A fax transmission here would fall under FCC jurisdiction, right?
That said, those all in one printers are usually software driven. If I were looking for a sent fax, I'd probably start by checking the hard drive as it may be saving the image file somewhere. An image file saved on your computer probably is probably legal for you to look at. Intercepting something sent over a phone line, not so much.
posted by COD at 6:40 AM on March 8, 2009
That said, those all in one printers are usually software driven. If I were looking for a sent fax, I'd probably start by checking the hard drive as it may be saving the image file somewhere. An image file saved on your computer probably is probably legal for you to look at. Intercepting something sent over a phone line, not so much.
posted by COD at 6:40 AM on March 8, 2009
Nah, the FCC has nothing to do with it. It's just plain old snooping, which is not now and has never been illegal, but may not be a fantastic idea anyway.
I don't know how to solve your fax image capture problem, Austin, but you may want to reconsider doing this. If you want to use the information you get from the fax machine in court, you might have a difficult time authenticating it if you've used shady techniques to swipe it from the machine's hard drive.
posted by meglo91 at 8:26 AM on March 8, 2009
I don't know how to solve your fax image capture problem, Austin, but you may want to reconsider doing this. If you want to use the information you get from the fax machine in court, you might have a difficult time authenticating it if you've used shady techniques to swipe it from the machine's hard drive.
posted by meglo91 at 8:26 AM on March 8, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by jon1270 at 5:47 AM on March 8, 2009