AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Someone going through a divorce or breakup may have an unsettling suspicion: their former partner seems to know where they have been, who they have contacted or what they have been doing on their phone.
That does not necessarily mean the ex is an expert hacker.
In many cases, the explanation may be an old password, shared account, connected device or location-sharing permission that was never removed when the relationship ended.
Actual spyware, sometimes called stalkerware, is also possible. Some monitoring apps can secretly collect a phoneโs location, messages, photos, call information and other activity.
Before searching the phone or changing any settings, however, there is an important safety warning.
Before removing anything, consider your personal safety
If you believe a current or former partner is monitoring your phone, do not immediately begin deleting apps, removing devices or changing every password.
Cutting off access may alert the person doing the monitoring. In an abusive relationship, that person could escalate their behavior. Deleting an app or resetting the phone could also destroy evidence that might be useful to police, an attorney or the courts.
The Safety Net Project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence recommends considering personal safety and evidence collection before attempting to remove suspected stalkerware.
Whenever possible, use a different phone, computer or tablet that the other person has never been able to access. From that safer device, contact someone you trust, a domestic-violence advocate, an attorney or law enforcement.
Take screenshots or photographs of suspicious devices, account activity, apps, permissions, messages and alerts before changing anything.
Signs that someone may be monitoring your phone
There is no single warning sign that proves a phone has been compromised. However, possible clues include:
- A former partner knows your location when you did not tell them.
- Someone knows details from…