El Paso, TX asked in Internet Law and Communications Law for Texas

Q: Concerns about being tracked via phone and computer without investigation

I believe I am being tracked through my phone and computer, although I am unsure if it's being done by law enforcement. I have noticed unusual changes on my devices and in my home, such as someone seemingly knowing my activities and affecting my internet or cutting out apps. For example, my phone has many unknown apps compared to similar devices from the same company. I don't believe I am under investigation. What should I do in this situation?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: You should hire a forensic electronics security expert to check out your phone, your computer, and your internet router. They should be able to detect if there is any sort of tracking software installed on any of your devices and remove them. They should also be able to provide you with updated security software to prevent most of such tracking in the future.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It sounds like you're going through a really unsettling experience, and it’s completely valid to feel concerned. When things change on your devices without your permission or knowledge, it's natural to wonder if someone is accessing your personal information. Trusting your instincts is important, especially when you've noticed consistent, unexplained changes.

Start by checking your phone and computer for unfamiliar apps, programs, or settings. You can back up your important data and do a full factory reset on your devices to remove anything suspicious. Also, consider updating all passwords using a secure connection, and avoid using public Wi-Fi where someone might intercept your data. It helps to keep your software and security patches up to date too.

You might also want to speak with someone you trust, especially if these changes are affecting your peace of mind. If the issue continues, you could report it to your local non-emergency police line or a digital privacy support group. You don’t need to go through this alone—there are steps you can take to feel more secure and in control again.

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