Hey folks, I've been in the phone and device repair game for about 15-16 years now, and there's this recurring issue I keep running into: customers coming in saying their spouse or someone else is tracking their phone and can control it in real time. It's usually the case with people who seem a bit out there, but I also get some clients who seem pretty put together. They often say their ex or a friend's ex is a 'phone technician' and are somehow still tracking their phone even after a factory reset, creating a new account, or getting a new device. I'm guessing these are just issues with paranoia or possibly adware, but I'm looking for any guidelines or troubleshooting tips for these scenarios. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
Sometimes, email accounts can expose location tracking. Make sure they verify their SIM isn’t compromised. Once I had a customer safeguard his phone by basically redoing everything but still feel 'watched'.
If someone keeps getting tracked after a factory reset, it could mean they've rooted their phone for a tracking app. This set-up is quite complex. Alternatively, check if there’s an issue with their iCloud or Google account. Most of the time, it’s just a case of paranoia, though.
Definitely, I've had clients set up new accounts, and they still claim to be hacked. It’s frustrating when you can’t help them any further.
Yeah, unfortunately, paranoia seems to play a big role here.
For the most part, if someone is truly hacked, they won't lose access to everything with just a factory reset. If it's a vengeful ex with prior info, they could still find a way in. It’s vital to systematically regain access to all accounts. We should guide them to reset all security questions and implement two-factor authentication wherever needed.
Totally agree, 2FA can help a lot! But it’s frustrating when they keep coming back with new devices, claiming they're still compromised.
The main risk post-reset is if their accounts are linked to the tracking party. If the recovery options are connected to the person's account, they might reset their access without the victim knowing. If they’re still unsure, help them create a checklist of important accounts to protect. Reset everything and add 2FA like you've mentioned.
Great point. Getting them to write everything down can make a big difference. But dealing with folks who think you might be in on it is just a nightmare.
I've dealt with phones for a while, and your instincts are right. Many times, the problems stem from someone thinking they're being tracked due to an ad or a notification popping up rather than actual hacking. A good way to assist your clients is by asking them questions to understand what exactly they’re experiencing. It’s common to see paranoia in these situations.
Thanks for the tip! These conversations can be really delicate because people get defensive. It can be tough to explain when you think it's just their imagination.
Yeah, it seems no matter what they try, they still claim to feel tracked. It's perplexing!