Mystery Audio Recorder

[sacrednines]

This happened to me tonight... but regardless of whether or not I'm believed - say someone were to have his happen to them, you perhaps, what detective course of action would you take (if any)? What questions would you ask and answer first?
I'll try to be detailed but brief...
(and this did indeed happen to me tonight)

Situation...
While driving tonight I reached under the back seat of my car to grab an item, which while feeling around for - discovered a battery powered audio tape recorder, which was uncertainly recording. This was a new car with no junk, and the tape recorder was not mine. There was a message which spoke only "hi" in the memory of the device. I'm doubtful that the dealership cleaned the entire car and missed this - not suggesting it being left over from a previous owner. The only people I've known to be in my new car are the girl I've just started seeing - who seems quite normal and whom I don't have any reason to suspect. A girl I gave a ride home too a week ago - also whom I have no reason to suspect. And my "new" friend whom I gave a ride too yesterday - though he was in my attention the duration of the ride. So, I really have no leads.

Details...
I was leaving a friend's house from my first visit there, in a car I bought three weeks ago, from a dealership that was hasty in there delivery of the car, which had two anonymous-previous owners. I have been seeing this girl often whom I've only known for a month, who seems on the level. I bought some less-than-legal substances (nothing remotely hardcore) tonight from my new friend, though I made the decision to only hours prior and told no one else. I'm not really someone I would consider suspicious, nor am I a real threat to any institutions, and nor do I have any secrets - at least not ones of any interest.

Recently...
I've taken pictures of the recorder - with my identification visible, I've called two trusted friends immediately who would testify gladly, I've researched the company, battery type, and specifications of the device. I've recorded the sound byte from the device to a device of my own... and then I dropped it in a drain pipe in the road far away. I'm not sure why, I guess I was influenced by paranoia. Regardless, I thought if someone was trying to blackmail me (though again I don't really have any interesting secrets), I would have at least some evidence and testimonial for a counter measure.

It’s a very disconcerting feeling to know or think you're being spied on... much more so if there is strong evidence suggesting which. Thoughts? Advice?

[Vallen]

its possible if it was far back under the seat that they missed it.
Did you hit play and it said "hi" or did you have to rewind it? If it was the later most likely someone bought it, tested it, and forgot about it. i really doubt someone is spying on you.

[Paranoid Ecstasy]

Maybe it was left there by the previous owner as a joke.
Even if someone was spying on you they'd have to come back in the car and retrieve it.
Try driving around everyone you drove before and see if they reach for where the tape recorder would be.
How bad will you feel if your girl tells you it was hers and she lost it.

[Bankraped]

I say you shoulda kept it. Removed the battery, kept it in a shoebox or something.

[sacrednines]

Originally Posted by Paranoid Ecstasy

How bad will you feel if your girl tells you it was hers and she lost it.

Not too bad, i've only known her for a few weeks and the device is pretty cheap I suspect... (I looked up the model and company)

I've slept on it, and I don't think someone is spying on me either... simply for the lack of interesting material. I've got no real secrets, and nor am I a real threat to anyone.

So... I suppose if anyone wants to discuss if this were to happen to them (concerning their habits and interests) then your more than welcome... I have nothing more to add at this time.