TikToker finds secret surveillance device in his second-hand van

I’d just returned from a routine valet when I heard about Ángel Gaitán’s latest discovery: a hidden tracker lurking in the dashboard of a recently sold van. As a fellow car enthusiast, it struck me how easy it can be to overlook privacy risks when you’re dazzled by a bargain. Here’s the story of how a Spanish mechanic and TikTok creator helped a customer dodge a serious privacy breach – and the lessons we can all learn when buying a second-hand vehicle.

Mechanic uncovers hidden surveillance kit in a client’s van

José Parada, a repeat customer from Seville, drove his newly purchased van straight into Gaitán’s workshop for a routine check. He’d spent weeks hunting online classifieds before settling on what looked like a steal from a reputable dealer. But when Gaitán lifted the hood, he found evidence of a major rear-end collision that had never been disclosed.

That should have been alarm enough. Yet the real shock arrived when, mid-inspection, the mechanic spotted a suspicious module tucked behind the dashboard. As Gaitán explained on his TikTok channel, the device wasn’t just a tracker for fleet management – it recorded live GPS data and allowed remote diagnostics, even wiping fault codes from the vehicle’s computer. In his words, “someone could see everywhere you go and know precisely when you park, refuel or head home.”

@angel_gaitan_oficial

Por segunda vez

♬ sonido original – Ángel Gaitan

Lesson learned: vigilance when buying a used van

This isn’t just clickbait. According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), installing a tracking device without consent can breach the Data Protection Act 2018. And the AA warns that up to one in five cars fail a basic pre-purchase inspection due to hidden damage or tampering.

To avoid ending up in José’s shoes, consider these steps before signing on the dotted line:

• Hire a trusted mechanic for a thorough check, ideally before you hand over any deposit.

• Review the vehicle’s MOT history through the DVLA; this will reveal undisclosed accidents or repeated repairs.

• Look out for unfamiliar wiring or electronic modules under the dash, and don’t hesitate to ask the seller for an explanation.

• Inspect the service book for gaps or handwriting that doesn’t match previous entries – it could signal a cover-up.

It took almost a year for the dealership to catch on, slapping up posters urging customers to “share positive feedback”. Meanwhile, Ángel’s TikTok exposé has clocked millions of views, reminding us that the most important inspection happens before you drive away.

Next time you’re tempted by a bargain on wheels, remember Ángel’s discovery and make sure your peace of mind isn’t the price you end up paying.

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Brandon Lee

Hi, I’m Brandon from the Decatur Metro team. I guide you through the trends and events reshaping our region.