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Is Someone Spying on Your Phone?

by on May 28, 2020
in Phones and Mobile, Cell Phones, Tips & How-Tos, Privacy :: 878 comments

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[Editor's note 5/28/2020: Since this article was written nine years ago, many new phone hacking methods have been developed and/or discovered. In addition, cell phone operating systems have evolved significantly. We've created a new article to cover those various hacks in our new story: How to Tell if Your Phone Has Been Hacked. Please go there for the latest information. We're keeping this story active for the issues and useful advice contained in the comments.]

You probably know there are plenty of apps you can install on your smartphone to track its location in case it gets lost or stolen. Apple's “Find My iPhone” is one good one and many security apps, such as AVG Mobilation, can track down a phone in seconds.

But what if someone else is tracking you? Is there any chance your boss or spouse could be spying on everything you do on your phone?

It’s easy to do. Spy apps are plentiful and can imperceptibly track text and e-mail messages, location, Web sites you visit, who you call and what photos and videos you shoot. The problem is these apps are difficult to detect and run invisibly in the background.

I decided to track my son and installed an app on his phone called Phone Control by Laucass (free on Google Play). Of course, secretly intercepting electronic communications without the person's knowledge and consent is illegal, so I told my son I was doing it and that I’d only use it if I had good reason.

Every day I receive emails that indicate my son’s location as he’s using his phone out in the world. I can click on those links in my email to see via Google Maps where he is (although I very rarely do). I could also set up the app to send me data about everything else he’s doing on his phone, but that’s not something I personally need—or want—to do.

Signs your phone may have been compromised

Someone borrowed or took your phone

I had to have my son’s phone in hand to install Android Phone Control. Once activated, however, there’s no icon in the application launcher. The app shows up with the name “Android System” in the applications manager so it doesn’t look suspicious. If you think someone could do something like this when you’re not paying attention or asleep, secure your phone with a passcode that isn’t easy to guess.

(Editor's Note 9/26/12: To confirm you have the spyware and not a standard Android app by the same name, follow these steps to open the spy app (dial the phone number.)

(Editor's Note 8/28/13: See our in-depth study of mobile security apps for more detail on 9 of the most common spyware programs and how to detect them.)

(Editor's Note 12/16/14 (Josh Kirschner): In some of my comments below, I noted the unlikelihood of spying on iPhones that were not jailbroken. However, since many of those comments were made, certain holes were identified in iOS that exploit the iPhone's connection to trusted networks and devices to allow someone with access to the network or device to download significant amounts of personal data. Jailbreaking the iPhone was not required. Fortunately, those holes have been patched in iOS 8. For more information, see: http://www.zdziarski.com/blog/?p=3820]

Your phone is acting weirdly

Taking forever to shut off, lighting up for no reason, suddenly getting much shorter battery life or running hot when you’re not using it may indicate hidden processes are running in the background.

Your data usage skyrockets for no reason

This could be because your phone is checking in with someone else, using GPS and sending them text messages or emails that communicate where you are and what you’re doing.

What to do if you suspect your phone's being monitored

The best thing to do is perform a factory reset, which you can find as an option in your phone’s settings. Know, however, that in doing so you will lose all data stored on your phone, so back it up first.

If you’re using Apple iCloud or Android 4.0, items like your contacts, photos and music are automatically synced and saved in the cloud. But if you have an older phone, you’ll want to make sure to export your contacts before doing a factory reset. There are various ways to do this depending on what phone you’re using and which operating system it’s running. If you’re not sure, get help from your cellular provider; they can make sure to retain your contacts and other important data during a factory reset.

You'll then want to use a strong passcode to prevent unauthorized access to your device. For Android devices, you can also install an app, like AppNotifier (free on Google Play), that will email you when programs are loaded onto your phone.

(Editor's Note 9/26/12: See our updated recommendations for Android antimalware solutions)

(Editor's Note 8/28/13: See our in-depth study of mobile security apps for our latest recommendations on how to protect yourself.)

You'll then have to tackle the issue of who's doing the monitoring. Keep in mind that if your device was issued by your company or is authorized to access your company's email and other data services, you may have given your consent as part of your employment contract or when access was data access was granted.


Discussion loading

I lost my cell phone.

From Sayed abu zafar on December 13, 2012 :: 2:54 pm

Hello i’m sayed abu zafar ,from Bangladesh ,Today i lost my cell phone .Her model number is (Sony Ericsson C-905 and her IME number is 0630.It really my very importunate cell phone.So please would like to help me,How can i find my cell phone???

Reply

phone control app

From manda on January 21, 2013 :: 4:47 pm

I just downloaded this app on 2 phones and it shows up in the app list… ???

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Question

From Jayla on February 12, 2013 :: 3:25 pm

Hello! My question is this: I have a friend who is convinced 100% that her boyfriend monitors her Samsung Galaxy phone. She is even convinced that he is able to listen to her in-person conversations through it, so she covers it up with a scarf or piece of clothing when we meet for coffee. Is it possible for him to actually -listen- to her in-person conversations with people through her phone? I’d really appreciate some light shed on this. I’m thinking it’s a little far-fetched for her to be believing that, but I’m just not tech-y enough to know for sure.

Thanks for your help!

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Possible, yes. Likely?

From Josh Kirschner on February 13, 2013 :: 7:05 pm

It is technically possible to do that. But that doesn’t mean her boyfriend actually did. The best thing to do is to download Lookout Security or one of our other recommended antimalware solutions we link to above and see if it finds anything (many are free, so it’s sort of a no-brainer). If nothing is found, she is probably fine in terms of spyware.

It is certainly possible her boyfriend is gaining access to her personal information by simply grabbing her phone when they’re together and she’s not spying attention. Does she have a lock code on her phone and is it something her boyfriend couldn’t guess?

Let us know what the antimalware finds.

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OneNote Spy??

From Inquisitive on January 28, 2015 :: 5:31 pm

How can you use OneNote to spy on people?

Example, a friend’s ex installed this on their child’s laptop.  The child carries the laptop to both homes. Once the child is at my friend’s house, the laptop automatically connects to the wifi and records each device connected to this laptop.  And OneNote appears to be tracking when the child is online and who knows what else.  Is this possible?  How?

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Cell phone tracking question

From Kathryn Davis on February 27, 2013 :: 2:19 pm

Hi, I’d like to know if my cell phone location can be tracked by anyone w/ my number?

I have an older Samsung, not a smart phone, no apps.

Thank you.

Reply

No

From Josh Kirschner on February 27, 2013 :: 2:42 pm

Hi Kathyrn,

No, your cell phone can’t be tracked by just anyone.  For non-smartphones, the only way to track it (barring someone going in and significantly modifying your phone) would be through your carrier.  Each of the major carriers offers family locator options that allow you to track GPS enabled phones or, in some cases, track phones based on cell tower triangulation. Those are services you would need to sign up for and provide approval before that device would be tracked.

Of course, law enforcement authorities could also track your device the same way, without your knowledge. But, the average person on the street? No.

Josh

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what if....

From concerned on September 13, 2014 :: 2:20 pm

I see in several of your post about “law enforcement” and their abilities to listen to your conversations when your phone is around…or track you when your GPS is off or your “find your phone” is off. I see you say that they are the only ones that can do this with just your phone number….SO WHAT IF, the ex tracking you IS in law enforcement? WHAT IF they have all the abilities of the authorities? WHAT IF all your texts can be read and your calls can be heard and your private talks with you phone in the same room can be heard and you can be pinpointed at all times. What is your suggestion then….and don’t say go to the authorities bc that is certainly not an option. the only access this person would have had is a phone number and at least a 30 sec call to the phone. Never been in the same room with the phone. im unsure but this very comment is probably being monitored. NOW WHAT ON EARTH WOULD YOU SUGGEST….PLEASE!

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Unlikely to happen

From Josh Kirschner on September 15, 2014 :: 11:53 am

For law enforcement to monitor your phone, they would need to work through your carrier, and that would require a warrant - not something an ex-spouse could easily obtain, and certainly not without raising suspicion.

Improper monitoring of communications is a federal crime. So if you have strong evidence to suggest this is happening, you may want to consult an attorney.

What year are you living in

From Kym on October 23, 2014 :: 5:22 pm

Josh. The cops I know DONT play by any rules. Yes there’s times when they will get their warrants but a lot of the time the uncover cops are as shady of not more shady as the people they watching.  And let’s be real too josh while we at it. If cips can have those gadgets , so can anyone else who can afford them.  And husbands spy on their wives all the time. So to the person asking the question about someone spying on her by just having her number. The answer is no. But if someone wanted to know where she is at and knew certain personal things and say she had an iPhone for example. With her apple ID and her password they could use the find my iPhone app and locate her at that very moment unless she had turned off her phone or turn off location In her privacy settling . A person can also open an email that has a program attached that would work in background giving the sender her location or show them her text messages and/or pictures.  If you have a cell phone with one of the major carriers just know that if you don’t go online to set up an account that is attached to the phone you have someone else very well could go in and do the same and then read your messages you send and receive. I know for fact my ex did this with two phones I had with verizon.  I caught wind of it and had to go in by password reset and then turn off that feature and I changed my account security questions to questions no would could possibly knowZ I also set alerts to let me know when I or someone else logs into any of my email, social & banking accounts.  We live in a world of anything made to help us in our day to be more productive can and usually will be abused by those who have their own motives.  So be overly cautious. Add additional passwords and change them often. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t really know.  Because friends on facebook can hack your accounts if they have the codes to do so. There’s pictures and personal info in these accounts that a criminal steal your identity.Happens everyday. Good luck and josh please join the rest of us in 2014 and realize it’s not 1989. :  )

I was responding to the specifics of her question

From Josh Kirschner on October 23, 2014 :: 6:28 pm

She asked about tracking when GPS and find my phone is off, as well as monitoring phone conversations and remotely activating the microphone. To do do that type of monitoring, you would either need spyware installed directly on the device or do it in conjunction with your carrier.

My point was that “all the abilities of law enforcement” still don’t provide that level of monitoring without a warrant.

Is it possible her cop has a friend on the “inside” at a carrier that is helping him do the tracking on an extra-judicial basis without a warrant? It’s possible, I guess, but would seem to be a pretty risky maneuver as I’m assuming that it’s not a simple process for a carrier to initiate monitoring of a device - it would likely require downloading special software to the phone. And both the cop and the carrier person would be risking termination and possibly prison time if caught.

I’ve never seen a program that can be sent by email that would allow someone to track a phone’s location or view messages/pictures stored on the phone. Can you provide a reference for that?

Still believe I have at least one foot in 2014…

Caller apps

From Eugenie nougnon on January 23, 2016 :: 7:07 am

Hi, i am having this situation. My boyfriend and i are on caller apps but whenever he calls me instead of his picture showing it someone else’s from his contact. Don’t understand.

I have the same issue my phone lights up when I talk or turn on another phone my WiFi lights blink t

From Misslife on May 10, 2018 :: 3:21 am

I feel you I love that life as well and I can’t get away from it it’s not possible and would love to prove what it is so i would file charges then but for now I’m not going to police and looking crazy my phone tracks and hears everything along with my WiFi and truck from husband

How can I find out if my phone is being tracked???!

From Tonir on November 14, 2016 :: 1:58 am

I sure hope u can help me . Cause I really don’t know to much about a computer. Is there an app I can get to stop someone from tracking me.

Reply

What's going on with my iPhone?

From Cheyenne on February 28, 2013 :: 12:36 pm

Josh,

I have concerns whether my boyfriend has been getting into my phone and my mom’s phone. A couple of weeks ago my mom called one of her friends off of her cell phone and my boyfriend’s name came up on their caller ID. We then decided to go to AT&T and they told us that it sounded like something called “spoofing.” Being shocked and concerned about what they said, I decided to go to the computer sciences department at my college. I talked to two professors and they both agreed that it sounded like “spoofing.” For the past few months I have also been experiencing things like my iPhone lighting up for no reason at all. Whenever I look up a website on my phone my boyfriend gives me hints about what I was looking up. I am really confused and concerned. Is this just a coincidence or is there really something going on. Is there any way my AT&T provider can detect changes in our account? Can I figure out if there is a spoofing app or a spyware program on our phones? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

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That's difficult to say without more details

From Josh Kirschner on February 28, 2013 :: 4:08 pm

Let’s start with your mom’s phone. Yes, it is possible to spoof your phone to show a caller name other than your own. Though, why would your boyfriend want to have his name show up when your mother calls people? It’s possible that his name showed up on your mom’s friend’s caller ID because at some point your mom’s friend had associated your mom’s number with your boyfriend’s name in her address book. It’s also easy to check whether spoofing is going on by having your mom call someone else’s phone. Whose name shows up on their caller ID?

For your phone, it is very difficult to install spyware on an iPhone without the user being aware of it. For instance, there are alternative browsers that you can install that will let someone monitor your browsing history, but you should notice if you’re not using Safari. To be sure, check all of the apps installed on your iPhone and uninstall any that don’t belong.

Your iPhone lighting up could be caused by one of your apps delivering notifications. Check your notification settings for mail, Facebook, Twitter and other apps. If that doesn’t resolve it, resetting your phone may work.

Hope that helps.

Reply

Yes it is possible on an iPhone

From Susan on May 09, 2018 :: 3:42 am

You can download an app called Teensafe if you know the person’s apple id and password you can retrieve all in bound and out bound text messages word for word with the paid version and you DO NOT HAVE TI HAVE ACCESS TO THE ITHER PHONE

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Scary Stuff

From J. Reasoner on February 28, 2013 :: 1:27 pm

I was trying to track down a possible scam call to my home phone, and I stumbled across this page. I’m pretty sure all the information is phony, but I sure hope they don’t have my profile on file.

http://www.xdd.org/ssn/385/90/0503/385-90-0503

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Seems to be fake

From Josh Kirschner on February 28, 2013 :: 4:10 pm

Based on a few checks I did, all the data there seems to be fake. I would be very careful about entering any real data in that site’s search function as it could be a phishing site attempting to collect real SSNs and other personal information.

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Kind of worried

From Ambar on February 11, 2014 :: 4:57 pm

I have an Iphone 5c and my husband has a galaxy s2 and for some reason he can see everyhthing that I google or look at on my phone how is this possible? I reset my phone and changed all passwords and he can still do it! HELP

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Probably has access to your Google account

From Josh Kirschner on February 13, 2014 :: 1:10 pm

Google allows you to save your search history and other web browsing data so you can see it accross multiple devices. If he has access to your Google account, he can see that, too.

You can learn more about Google History and how to turn it off here: https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/9016?hl=en. Of course, the wiser thing to do would be to chage your Google password so he can’t get into your account. Otherwise, he can also access your email, location and many other types of personal information.

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Same here!

From Mel on January 18, 2018 :: 2:17 am

I have an iPhone 7plus and now ex has a galaxy 8 plus and he is in my iCloud looking at my pictures that I don’t even have on my phone andd they aren’t even in my icloud anymore, I have no idea how he is doing it. Did you ever figure out how your husband was? Please let me know.

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Rant

From Cynthia Donald on February 15, 2021 :: 6:38 pm

Hi. I have been just a typying and I am not sure that I submitted question. Please if anyone sees this and is willing to chat, let me know. TIA

Re: What's going on with my iPhone?

From Cheyenne on February 28, 2013 :: 7:01 pm

No, this was a regular house phone with caller ID and my mother’s friend does not know my boyfriend. My mom is perplexed about this and so was her friend. Also, at one point his name came up on my grandmother’s cell phone whenever my mom called her. It’s very strange. Are you able to turn on and off a spoofing app when needed? My mom doesn’t have my boyfriend’s name or number in her phone, nor has she called or text him. My mom is now concerned about my boyfriend because of this situation and she and I would like to understand what is going on. 

Thank you for helping!

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Some other thoughts

From Josh Kirschner on March 01, 2013 :: 11:12 am

The most well-known spoofing app is probably SpoofCard. But with that app you (i.e., your mom) would need to actively use the app to make a call and there is a charge for each spoofed call. Plus, you would have to jailbreak your iPhone to install the app. (BTW, you didn’t say what kind of phone your mom is using).

The only other way I could see this happening is if your boyfriend installed his own SIM in your mom’s phone (though this would be pretty obvious because her phone number would be different) or changed the name on her account to his name (which would also be obvious if she checked her account details or gets a bill).

My advice is to do a factory reset on both your phone and your mom’s, and then reinstall any apps you need (and not any that you don’t). That should clear up any issues if your boyfriend actually was able to somehow install this type of malware on your phones.

Your mom could also ask your boyfriend about it and see what his reaction is. Maybe he did do something and thought this was all a funny joke. Ha, ha. And then it would be time to look for a new boyfriend.

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I'd really like to know what the end results were with this

From Kym on October 23, 2014 :: 5:33 pm

I wish thst people writing in could contact others had they share their final results of how they resolved their issues.  I’d like to talk to This girl about her moms home phone and caller id thing. I too have had very strange things happening like it.  Question though, was there an alarm system attached to this home phone? Was it verizon?

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Iphone app

From Sherri Smith on March 04, 2013 :: 7:51 pm

What is the best app to use for an iphone to put on a phone that you wish to “spy” on??

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Carrier parental controls

From Josh Kirschner on March 04, 2013 :: 9:39 pm

Each of the carriers provides various parental control options that allow you to keep track of your kids and what they’re up to. Spying on someone without their knowledge is generally against the law.

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Identity stolen

From Kris on July 05, 2017 :: 9:19 pm

I have had the ultimate identity theft case you can imagine I have had this woman still everything about me through Google she now is in charge of all my emails my personal business account my bank account she has used 3 times now it three different months money off of my debit card totaling into the thousands I’ve called the police they’ve done nothing she mess it has text messaged me and told me that she’s doing these things she has also completely erased everything on my phone several times she’s changed my phone number several times every time I get a new phone she she figures it out and I don’t know what to do anymore

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Results

From Marian on December 17, 2018 :: 3:27 am

What was your solution to this. I am going through the same thing! I have changed SIM cards, phone numbers, phones and providers even going pay and and talk and every change I have made the same things happen. I even changed all my accounts and made new ones.

It happened to me

From Diane on January 07, 2019 :: 10:18 pm

The exact thing happened to Me!! For a moment while I was reading your post, I honestly no joke thought I must have came across one of my very own post. It was a never ending night and I have post dramatic stress now over the same thing happening to me.. went through 17 phones in two years. I would report it to the cops and they thought. I was crazy!! Then I was told to hire an attorney. I knew the girl because it was her and her husband who broke into my house and stole my tablet and my identity!! That’s when the nightmare begin. I even sold the house and moved over an hour away. Then moved again to another town. Now I think it’s happening all over again!! I but my attorney doesn’t want me to stop them why?? Because he plains on taking action… law suit, arrest… if a warrent has not been taken out to do so call hide and snoop on this phone… then we are pressing charges to the max!! So let them did their deep pit. My phone is messing up so bad as I’m posting this comment. How odd… lol…my phone is 6 months old. I’m not crazy so I’ll let My attorney take care of everything.  Well my phone is so bad I can’t even read it or see my screen. Go these apps that allow others to do these things to someone else’s phone with hidden apps… these people should be in prison

what do I do

From kenneth on March 06, 2013 :: 5:22 am

My girl took my phone on some spy thing and now she see my text, calls, e-mails, facebook, web page, etc. What can I do to solve this

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Folow the steps in our article.

From Josh Kirschner on March 08, 2013 :: 9:48 am

Reset your phone and download one of our recommended antimalware programs.

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Who can help me when someone is stalking me on phone?

From Deborah Fochler on March 06, 2013 :: 8:46 pm

First, I am not crazy. Someone has managed to set my phone so that when I get a call they are on with me. If I call a certain person, I have two open lines. When I log onto my computer, a lot of times this person who is doing this is online with me. They have managed to get my checking info and have used my debit card and 2 credit cards. The bank caught and reversed the charges but I had to have the cards reissued. But they were under $200 so the cops wont get involved. Everywhere I turn for help, I get nowhere. Why first thing I said - I am NOT CRAZY.  How my internet supplier acts, and my phone company is useless. My phone is a Droid and my computer is running on wireless Windows 8. Any help would be most appreciated.

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Can you tell me more info?

From Josh Kirschner on March 07, 2013 :: 2:15 am

Hi Deborah,

It’s hard to help without knowing more information. How do you know someone else is on the line with you when you get a call? And how do you know someone is monitoring your Internet activity? What signs are you seeing?

Are you currently running any antimalware on your computer or cellphone?

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First, on my phone if

From Deborah Fochler on March 08, 2013 :: 4:30 am

First, on my phone if I try to call a friend who lives in another city - I get 2 open lines - her number and the girl who is pretty much stalking me. Which means that I cant talk to my friend without her on the line (like a conference call). If my friend calls me - it rings on her phone and on mine. On most other calls _ I can hear another person in the background. But only time the phone actually shows two open lines is for my friend who I just talked about. Verizon is useless. Have actually shown them what happens and they dont know what to do about or even how it happens.
On my computer, I have a program called “logmein” which lets my computer person log in and fix problems I may be having. However, daily this stupid person is logged into my computer - it shows her name and computer as logged in. Guess they didnt realize that it would do that. Her son works for the military on computers so I think he is the one who has done it. I recently got a large sum of money and they (assuming) managed to get my checking and credit card numbers and use them. but the bank caught it - three times in the last week.
Sorry, this is so long but hope you have some info that can help me. thanks

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I'm still not clear on

From Josh Kirschner on March 08, 2013 :: 9:46 am

I’m still not clear on what you are seeing on your phone and how you know there are “2 open lines”. What I would recommend you do is perform a factory reset on your phone, which should remove any malware if there is any on there. After the reset, download one of our recommended antimalware products for your phone (see link in the article above).

Since you know how someone is getting on your computer, you should remove logmein and find another way to get your tech support. Also download the free version of Malwarebytes from Malwarebytes.org and do a complete system scan of your PC for malware. And, if you don’t have an antimalware software on your PC, that is a must do. You can find our recommendations in our computer security buying guide>.

Let me know what the Malwarebytes scan finds and if the phone reset fixes the problem.

This happened to me too

From Kim Masterson-curci on May 26, 2015 :: 10:50 pm

She probably had V_____N F__S.  I don’t know if I’m allowed to put down the actual internet provider, but you can figure it out.  Hardwire your computer.  don’t go wireless.

never use debit cards to pay for anything.  Have the best security and anti spy anti virus program on your devices you can afford.

change your pin codes, passwords, and devices when you’ve been hacked and your personal info compromised.  don’t do banking on your pc. get statements sent to your home.  don’t go paperless billing.  And then pray no one steals your mail out of your mail box.  Actually never let mail sit over night in your mail box and that should reduce that possible breach of security.

I’d like to know what happened to Deborah in her situation.

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The very same thing has been happening to me.

From Matt on November 22, 2018 :: 5:17 pm

I have been going through everything you have described for the last year along with a good friend of mine that I communicate with over our Android phones. Both of us have tried EVERYTHING for almost a year now. New account passwords, new phones, new Google accounts. Countless factory resets. The first time I noticed was when my Android phone was iinstalling apps and opening and closing different tsettings and apps by itself, someone had remote control through my Google account and took over my win 10 laptop, ps3, ps4, Amazon firestick, iPad mini and smart TV with Roku built in. They would take control of every device when I would notice that someone was spying on me when I heard my camera faintly taking selfie pics of me without me touching it and finding recordings of of my conversations and snapshots Everytime I would enter a password. When I would try to kick them off all of my dvices, it’s like they just took over and locked me out. They’d still have control after a factory reset and password change. I’m at my wit’s end. I sometimes see that there are up to 8 people that this person who keeps gaining access to new phones, new accounts ...etc is sharing my mobile data and modem signal with, even when I would unplug my modem and unscrew the coax cable and take out my sim at the same time. They would still somehow be remotely controlling everything. So please… someone, ruddle me this!!!

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I, too, have had wireless hacked & all computers & phones compromised

From Cierra on April 16, 2013 :: 4:20 pm

I first noticed some odd things happening in my computer, I had just got a new all-in-one desktop sold but gateway but manufactered but Acer (Acer Black?) For gateway. My system was hacked through my wireless provided but my internet. In the beginning it was just a little annoying things, not realizing I had been hacked. But them when it started getting worse & as I begin deleting files & shorcuts he left the more be downloaded & changed until be eventually changed ownership & administrator to himself, set permissions stopping me from accessing my C:\ drive. There little icons that look like shields on certain settings & commands that lock the current settings and can’t be changed but me (I.e. I cannot take back to factory settings, can’t delete anything, disable or change. I can no longer access my internet, not sure exactly why but be has moved some files & command options to a “top level domain” where be is also rumning a network. In the system root is twhere be has set up files restricting me & has a lower level you can see water more.) To much to name but I eventually had my internet shut off. I had two IT persons access remotely to clean it up but be was right back with all files within 10 minutes each time. A microsoft tech was going to look at it but but then be set up something restricting remote access to only himself. It originally started on my husband’s computer but when I went to set up the been one, be preferred it. We have a total of 5 computers in this house & not one we can use. So after shutting off my internet & wifi, be accessed my phone (Pantech Breakout G4) for wireless. My data use is crazy, our shared plan minutes that in 4 years we have never come close to using but a little over half in a month was almost all used in the first 6 days of our cycle. My internet provider after 3-4 complaints a month for over 4 months, never once sent out a tech about the wireless hijacking and when I finally proved there were files or viruses planted in the modem all they did was mail out a new modem but no extra security on their wireless. My cell phone provider has tried to assure me that items on my phone are just how it works, settings changed, pictures in my gallery I never took, apps I never downloaded, wifi turned on, I turn off, instantly back on & the struggle continues until I pull my battery. All sound turned off, I turn on, gets turned right back off & the list goes on. They say this normal activity for this phone & OS. They continue to tell me it is virtually impossible to back my phones wireless! So they do nothing, contacted & reported to FCC & received a copy of their letter stating I just don’t know how to use it properly. Filed a complaint the FBI with no response! What can I do? I am on disability, fixed income, out of money & no longer can I access my main connection with outside wotld. HELP!! Thank you

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You're describing a lot of

From Josh Kirschner on April 17, 2013 :: 12:43 am

You’re describing a lot of issues that are difficult to diagnose without access to your devices. However, a few points.

If your PCs are infected with malware, it is highly unlikely that it happened by someone hacking your wireless or modem. Much more likely is that the malware was installed when you visited an infected website or opened a file in your email that contained the malware program. Or else someone with direct access to your PCs installed it manually. Once one PC was infected, it is possible to infect other PCs on the network, depending on your setup. Did you have an anti-malware program? And, if so, which one? Also, in the future, you need to disable java in your browser - this is a very common attack vector for malware.

Since your issue is rather complex, I suggest you take your computer to your local Best Buy and explain the problem to the Geek Squad. They should be able to get administrator access back and clean out your PC if they know what they’re doing. Alternatively, if there is a Microsoft store in your area, that may be a better place to get support.

For your phone, your carrier is correct. Hacking via WiFi is extremely unlikely. If your phone is infected, then it happened either when you downloaded a bad app or someone with physical access to your device loaded malware. However, without a clearer picture of the issues you’re seeing, it’s impossible to tell whether the phone is hacked or not. When in doubt, do a factory reset on the phone and that will remove any issues.

Hope that helps.

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your both right

From Hacked on April 22, 2017 :: 11:02 am

The woman is right her computers and telephones can both be hacked.  Someone has to have access to one of them briefly especially the computer or like the gentleman said open malware etc.  I was hacked through my Microsoft account by my x and he I took it and linked itv to my Google account and then linked them to his email. He made my account like it was a company so has administrative orivledges and i was locked out of both my computers and I’m on phone number 7 in a ye as r and a half.  I have face book imbedded in my phone.  When I instant message its recorded. My accounts on my computers were migrated what ever that means and any computer or phone I get on I’m hacked. He is no longer here I’m on phone number   8 .  Had to destroy my computers because he changed the operating systems then remotely hacked me with his x box.  Im getting a new computer then I havevto call microsoft and theyvsre going to try to help me get unhacked. He came by on easter firv5 minutes to pick up something and the next day phone 8 was hacked. My new google account thstvi put on this artiv le is now a samsung account and im locked out and the operating system of this Samsung galaxy 3 is changed and the phone will be useless like the 7 before. All my contacts are gone and can’t get to Google or the play store. All contacts wiped out and operating system changed thriugh him beaming my phone. He never touched it.  He active physophrenia and thinks everyone is out to get him. I don’t believevill ever be unpacked. I’m hacked through micro soft outlook. Google facebook yahoo Samsung, messenger, computers, phones,  you name it. I snuck and tried to do my income taxes on my sisters laptop and one drive was installed on it the next day. I made a new account and didn’t even use my name in it so it had to be through my phone number. I have fought this tooth and nail for 2 years with him denying it the whole time. I have pictures of where my account was taken over and then migrated. Who do I report this to. H oink w doin ever get unpacked with all these email accounts out here that I can’t get into. Ma’am your not crazy if you think your phone is hacked I bet the house it is. People acted like visas crazy at first. Then I started showing them proof like a brand new LG phone that in the drive said the date was 1975. Or got a new phone new number and new SIM in April and there was a saved message on it from February. How could that be possible?

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I am going thru the Hackery He'll as above.

From Denise on June 30, 2017 :: 3:38 pm

Not even remotely crazy here!! I was called that too. I’m on my 14th phone in one year. 4 brand new tablets are inoperable, as well as my old laptop and brand new laptop. I have been to every metro on a 25 mile radios for help, they all know me by name ( crazy) I know more about the phones now than they do!!! What I did find out is your Bluetooth can now connect to web pages, I have 100 plus overlays on my apps. The buttons you think your clicking is actually something to further hack your shit. 500 factory resets later and it’s still in my phone. N.f.c.beam sync and now this Wi-Fi web calls all turn on when I do the useless hard resets. 16 emails are gone, I constantly have to re-enter my password do the Loonie in control of the phone always has the passwords. Now when I did my re-sets I started looking in the system files, as well as feedback, you can look at your system logs. I NEED somebody that can write code, script, in Linux. I found out when I factory re-set, some sneaky loser put a pre-load called packing box/cm_android_device_lenovo_Stuttgart. It is located where all the web developing hackers create and test their latest Hackery on github.com. I also have some java Lang in my web browser that redirects me to fake and scripted sites. Google play services,  Google play instant services, chrome the weather, gidget are not as they appear to be. The photo gallery, calculator, calender and my messages app are also being used for something other than they are supposed to. I ended up losing a very good job I loved because I went to them and told them I had some asshat in my phone only to be targeted by my mangers and told to go to their counseling services. I have contacted the sheriff, FBI, Fcc, channel 13 news only to be told there is nothing we can do, more like nobody has a clue or resources to help. I don’t talk about it to anyone now. I don’t talk, text, email and I haven’t been on fb in months. I am helpless in finding a new job as my email accounts get deleted or i don’t get emails. My contacts are gone, phone records, takes pictures ohh and best of all when I do go somewhere I have 20 GPS satellites following me!! It is in my cars computer system which scares me to death because who knows if the brakes or steering can be controlled as well. There is soo much more, however I’M AM MY WITS END AS WELL AS FEELING EXTREMELY ISOLATED AND VERY DEPRESSED. IF SOMEONE KNOWS HOW TO REVERSE THE SCRIPT OR CODE THAT MY FRIEND WOULD BE MUSIC TO MY EARS AS WELL AS GIVE ME BACK MY MUCH ENTITLED PRIVACY BACK. NOW, THE IDIOTS THAT PUT THIS ON THE PHONES SHOULD HAVE IT PUT ON THEIRS TO SEE HOW HELPLESS IT MAKES YOU FEEL. THANKS!!
I HOPE THIS POST HELPS SOMEONE ELSE!!

Help me

From Angie on April 09, 2018 :: 5:18 am

How did you catch him my man has done the same to me i even have people following me and my children for 12 years now

Me too

From Cee.Ess on November 21, 2017 :: 11:12 pm

This exact same thing has/is happening to me.

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Programs

From Chris on March 10, 2017 :: 2:33 am

Try this app called spell check. It also has a grammar check as well. It helps when english is your second language. I really enjoyed it.

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This sounds like Gangstalking

From Ryan on July 28, 2017 :: 9:24 am

I’m a professional Network Security Analyst/ At a fortune 500 company. I secure Financial data for banks.

After talking about the wrong things on the internet, such as 11:11, awakenings, and healing. I’m being targeted by organized stalkers. Life feels like its coming to an end after 7 yrs of this. It’s gotten worse all of a sudden.

Anyway. Despite my profession, I can’t secure my personal computers, networks, and phones from these people. They monitor everything in real time.

This is our tax dollars at work. People need look up Gangstalking.  People like me are just the test subjects. There are so many victims now that everyone probably knows one.We just dont talk about it because its designed to make you look crazy if you do.

But understand people. This is going to be rolled out globally. Everyone will be dealing with this.  So far it’s like 80% affective in killing the targets over time. How does it kill them? Suicide….

It’s a sick world. Wish I were BS’ing about this.

I’m not

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Please consider other options

From Josh Kirschner on July 28, 2017 :: 11:20 am

I doubt my advice will do much good, but if you believe there are gangs of people (organized by the government or otherwise) stalking you and your technology everywhere you go, I strongly suggest you at least consider talking to a psychiatrist about it. Even if you 100% believe what you’re saying to be true, just talk to a psychiatrist to get an opinion.

There have been a number of articles on Gangstalking, such as this one from the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/11/health/gang-stalking-targeted-individuals.html) which support approaching psychiatric care. I know this may be interpreted as the New York Times (and, I guess, me by extension) as being in on this massive conspiracy, but hoping those who believe they are being Gangstalked may consider the alternative possibility that is a mental health issue that can be treated.

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As I said. Gangstalking is designed to mimick Mental Ilness

From Ryan on July 28, 2017 :: 4:16 pm

I understand why you would reply to my post thinking I should seek professional help. I had a friend that was dealing with this for years, and I knew for sure he was a paranoid Schizo,or that he had to be experiencing psychosis from some drug he was using and not telling anyone. At some point I wrote him off. I couldnt believe such a respectable guy could go so far down hill, and out of his mind like that.

Well now he’s no longer with us, and I wish more than anything I could apologize, and tell him that I know now.

Anyone that talks about this to a shrink will be put in for a hold, and placed on medication. Strong medication. And everyone who has made this mistake has taken the meds, and then been switched to all kinds of other meds. But they never stopped hearing and seeing the things that they originally saw the shrink for, However, as I said. I fully understand anyone not dealing with this believing the victim is crazy. It is a crazy situation.

Lets try to keep in mind the fact that Schizophrenia always sets in in the late teens, early 20’s if a person is going to develop it.

Yet suddenly all of these people in their late 30’s early 40’s are suddenly hearing voices, being placed on psych meds, and then going on shooting rampages, and then taking their own lives. The one thing every one of these people that have done these mass shootings had in common, across the board. They were all on psyche meds, or had been shortly before the crime.

I can tell you for sure someone close to you is dealing with this right now, and not telling anyone. Wanna test that? Next time youre at a get together, or family gathering. Just kinda jokingly say that you’ve heard about a new tech bulletin that was talking about V2K technology, and the ability to project voices into people skull. Ask if anyone has ever experienced it. I guarantee you that someone in the group has. Even if they dont say immediately. They will come to you in private.

Its not mental illness. Its a system of control, and a human garbage disposal. I have an IQ in the top 2% of the world, I’ve done amazing things in my career. I’m always the first person to befriend the underdog, or outcast. Put my hand out to help someone that everyone else is stepping over, or passing by. Put all those traits together, and I’m considered human garbage. (Who knew)  This started in my mid 30’s.

They are targeting people for specific reasons. If you show a strong sense of empathy. You can become a target. If you’re a single mom. You can become a target. If you’ve collected unemployment to the end, more than once. You could be a target. If you’re on dating, or hookup sites. You can be a target.

When your phones and PC’s are being hacked like this. It may not be someone you know. It could be that they are considering you as a potential target. And they are collecting all your data, and monitoring your life in order to find anything that could represent what they feel is immoral behavior. They will typically give you a warning, then bait you into doing the same thing again. Then you’re a target. Forever.

Dont let them convince you that you did something to deserve what’s happening. They will stand on a moral high ground against anything they can make you feel guilty about. But these people are occultist, and thugs, and drecks, that have been contracted to stalk you. There are intelligence community members overseeing it all. Understand these people have no morals whatsoever. Never believe they do. These are the same folks responsible for all those missing person posters you see. They worship the worst of the worst, and that’s what they are.

Okay time to go take my Zhanhoffs. They work. I no longer see the leprechaun on that stump. Or the magical closet of mystery lol I’m kidding folks.

But everything before that last paragraph is absolutely true.

While youre getting all your stuff hacked, you’re probably getting tons of spam calls on your phone, and landline right? Never really trying to sell anything though huh? Also, the worlds rudest people have moved into your area, and not only are they rude but they drive horribly aggressively. Always on your rear bumper, or slow in front of you, etc. And people seem to talk about things that are going on in your life at the grocery store, or anywhere in public…..   

I’m wrong for a lot of you I’m sure. But there are plenty that are experiencing exactly this. Please reply and confirm folks.

Last point. Aren’t we past the point of listening to MSM outlets like the New York Times. They would never cover up for something Purely Evil. Right?  Need I say Hillary?  .....

Also targeted by organized stalkers

From Shante on March 06, 2018 :: 11:07 pm

After on YouTube I threw psychoanalysis on Trumps behavior, everything on my Wi-Fi went freaking nuts within few days. All spotify accounts were not how we left them. When used, it was randomly switched, paused, changed etc in front of our faces. I’ve been logged out of my bank accounts every few days, WUMW app showed mysterious users from Thailand,Morocco etc, I lost internet connection or slowed data constantly. Lately my neighbor was taking pictures and videos with my phone that I was at least 3 meters away from (and without voice command settings on). I believe he did it through Bluetooth right after I answered “f!ck off” when again he was knocking on my door for a favor while not being able to even introduce himself. I always have Bluetooth on for activity tracker so it was basically my fault, but still… And no Josh, for many spoofing/phishing etc softwares it is not possible to erase with factory reset because they bind themselves with operating system (common knowledge since at least 2009).

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Spam calls? Kill me now...

From Shante on March 06, 2018 :: 11:38 pm

At the beginning of Wi-Fi attacks I started getting my countries language specified (mostly) Facebook invites from “fake prostitutes” then (week after Wi-Fi attack) after I factory reset my phone, I was getting up to 8 spam calls a day, now (month after) it’s just 1-3 every day or every other day. Two days ago some Hassin was calling my mobile Skype whom I immediately blocked (who the hell unknown calling anyone on Skype). But yeah… Even without any hacking you are hacked by your own permission these days - I talked (vocally, not in writing) with my boyfriend about getting a loan - I’m suddenly getting specified banking offers on my phone constantly for a week. I’m talking about menstrual cramps -within minutes all my usual tool and tech commercials turned into specified lady product offers, etc etc… It’s exhausting but the world is addicted to this comfort of mobile devices, so “the 1%” can do with us whatever they want because we are ready to click any “I Agree with the rules and conditions…” just to get “instant” anything, shortening our memory and focus spans so “we” are more manageable. Just out of topic being a total douche I’ll also throw in my points of ability to observe, analyze etc (IQ) which is at 133 so I believe I catch some things a little more than an average “sheep”.
(Sorry, English my 3rd language wink )

If you only new

From Nick on August 03, 2019 :: 11:22 am

They get in through dark empire and face devil. You’re phone comes with apps that give them permission to add apps. Guess what they can add spymyfone remotley and hide it from you. There are people of all levels involved from the top to the bottom. Every Android is hacked.

Your right

From Samyaza grigori on May 09, 2018 :: 3:55 am

Very true i wrote about the game on bluelight.nu Years ago

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