Former CIA: If You Have to Disappear, NEVER Call Your Family

Published on March 11, 2026
Duration: 2:55

This video, presented by former CIA officer Jason Hanson, details critical techniques for disappearing without a trace. Hanson, an expert in intelligence operative methods, emphasizes the paramount importance of avoiding all technology, especially phones, when evading threats. He warns against contacting family, as their communications are monitored, and advises on the proper use of burner phones if absolutely necessary, stressing that activation should be done by a trusted third party. The core message is that complete technological abstinence is key to successful evasion.

Quick Summary

Former CIA officer Jason Hanson advises that the biggest mistake when disappearing is contacting family, as their communications are monitored. He stresses complete technological abstinence, including burner phones, for serious threats, as technology is the primary way individuals are caught.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Never call family when vanishing
  2. 00:09Speaker's background and expertise
  3. 00:29Risks of calling loved ones
  4. 00:38Burner phones and activation
  5. 00:54Government surveillance on family
  6. 01:24Compromising your location
  7. 01:40Beyond government: other threats
  8. 01:54No technology for vanishing
  9. 02:16How to truly vanish
  10. 02:35Final warning: avoid family contact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most critical mistake to avoid when trying to disappear?

The most critical mistake is contacting family members. Even if you use a burner phone, their communications are monitored, and any call will reveal your location to authorities or other threats.

Can using a burner phone help you disappear without a trace?

While a burner phone might seem like a solution, it's still technology that can be tracked. For serious threats, the advice is to avoid all technology, including burner phones, and have a trusted third party activate any device if absolutely necessary.

Who is Jason Hanson and what is his expertise?

Jason Hanson is a former CIA officer who trains people on how to disappear without a trace. He teaches intelligence operative techniques and has written a book on the subject, offering actionable advice based on his experience.

Why is contacting family dangerous when disappearing?

Government agencies and other entities with the right tools monitor phone calls. If you call your family, they will be listening to every family member's calls, thus revealing your location and compromising your disappearance.

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