Knowing anything at all about how the real world works, not surprised people were recording the call.
Everything is recorded now. Even a private one-on-one in-person conversation is likely being recorded. Did you check the other person's phone? Or ask them to leave it outside the room?
I record every conversation I have when talking to public officials.
In many states, this would be considered illegal without consent from both parties.
In Texas, only one of the parties needs to know about the recording.