The control unit and rf head of the SHE model 330X rf SQUID system are shown to be sensitive to ambient ac magnetic fields below 1 Hz, which cause the appearance of false signals corresponding to a magnetometer signal of 10−6&fgr;0per gauss of field applied. The control unit shows a sensitivity that is linear with frequency, suggesting that the signal is generated by Faraday induction. In contrast, the rf head response is independent of frequency and shows a strong second‐harmonic conversion. This response may be due to the magnetic field sensitivity of the ferrite core inductor in the tuned amplifier of the rf head. These signals induced by ambient fields are a potential source of error in Stanford’s Relativity Gyroscope experiment, which uses SQUID’s on board a rolling satellite as part of the gyroscope readout system. The extent of the magnetic field sensitivity in these components necessitates the use of additional magnetic shielding aboard the satellite.