Exactly. Any time you have to fill out paperwork, they've got you. Any time you use your credit card, they know what you're buying. Anytime you log onto your computer, they know what you're up to. I used to laugh at people who were afraid of Big Brother but not anymore. That said, having a couple longer range radios is good to learn about events further away but I'd rather use the little cheap 5-10 mile radios (and rechargable batteries) for family use as those won't be overheard so much.
“as those won’t be overheard so much. “
Get real, they can be heard from miles away. The military and intelligence agencies maintains vehicles for intercepting VHF/UHF transmissions, and aircraft, and drones, and satellites, and listening stations. Hell, you can’t trigger the mic without at least multiple devices being able to hear you.
As I said, you can try to hide anything and everything about yourself but that, alone, can tell “them” much about you. The viewpoint is this, unless “they” can prove you are not a threat then you are a threat. If you fit a basic profile, male/age/etc, then you are a threat unless proven otherwise. Hide? Not a chance. You had better be prepared to confront any attackers head on and not hope you can hide under the bed screaming “But I didn’t use a credit card! dammit!”