Did you know...?

We are posting this only because we think others should know about "these types of things" available to the "average Joe" and likely "criminals" who use the info for the greater bad, not the greater good.

Did you know...?

·        Did you know that anyone off the street can purchase monitoring software that can monitor your every move via your cell, computer, car, etc.? (And they actually sell it through Private Investigator firms to online companies for use by business associates to spy on their competitors? Yes, really. And no, we aren't even talking about the black market or military stuff that is not normally available to the general public (that is much more advanced are far scarier); you probably don't want to know about that yet.)

·        Did you know that anyone, at any time, can attach a device to your vehicle without you knowing and follow your whereabouts to the exact location (if they haven't already hacked your vehicle's internal GPS or cell phone navigation system)?

·        Did you know that people can not only plant "monitoring" devices in your home, but also do so without ever entering your home? (Sounds like a spy movie, doesn’t it?)

·        Did you know that people are capable of monitoring a person's body image inside their home, such as with a software program that enables them to monitor that person to the point of knowing which room they are in at every moment of every day? 

·        Did you know that if you have an "unexplained" utility bills, such as electric (with an increase that is not due to taxes, new rate increases, new lighting or appliances, etc.) that it could quite possibly be due to "monitoring equipment" and sometimes up to $60 to $100 per month (or more) depending on how much equipment is being used?

·        Did you know that cell phones are not as private as people think (including text messages, phone calls, games, photos, etc.)?

·        Did you know that if your phone starts to go to sleep on its own (or wake up on its own); shut itself on or off; wake up and start the camera or video cam; or delete contacts or make phone calls, etc. that it very possibly could be the cause of not just a "software issue" or "virus" but due to a monitoring system installed onto your device? 

·        Did you know that when you receive a replacement phone that it is a refurbished phone, not a “new” device – and although under warranty, it it could have just been “wiped” and resent to you, with the same problems as the previous owner had if not taken care of properly at the Service Provider?

·        Did you know that anything and everything electronic is indeed hackable (such as a cell phone, computer, vehicle GPS, utilities, cable, Internet, "etc.") without you ever knowing? (Yes, someone could even remotely access your television and turn off your TV if they were upset with you (do a search on what to do with annoying neighbors; you’d be very surprised at what you’ll find – watch those pets and water bills).

·        Did you know that when you start to date that ANYONE is easily checked online, for free? Don't fall for those sites that make you pay incredibly high prices for info that is public knowledge; learn how to do a background check on someone before dating them or getting too involved. They could be the stalker/hacker/harasser from hell, very much like this poor woman has dealt with for almost 3 years now.

Well, we were shocked to discover that although illegal, indeed all of the above can and actually much of it has taken place or been done to this poor woman. We'd even say be cautious if leftover foods in your frig make you ill or taste "salty" or if "new" bottles of water start to appear opened way too frequently and even if your makeup has been tampered with (and you just can’t figure out “how) – be cautious; these are normal and things done by stalkers of ex’s.

No, we are not posting this to scare anyone or turn anyone into a paranoid tweak or to start acting like the tweak your stalker has become, we are posting this to inform those who may be in danger of crazy stalkers who think they are tracking people to know there whereabouts yet they are going above and beyond the usual stalking techniques these days and going too far. And most people (as this woman) are not privy to the signs that if you pay close attention to, your gut just may warn you of some of it. But, the unfortunate is, if your stalker is experienced, it can happen slowly over time and sometimes there is nothing you can do (although there is help out there if you know where to look). But the point we want to get across is that gut feelings are there for a reason, and they are there even if slight. It could be the flu; it could be an upset tummy from lunch; it could be the jitters, sure. But in reality, red flags way in the beginning, when you first meet a person that is "a little off" or that "doesn't seem quite right” will eat at your gut if not listened to. So please, pay attention to those red flags and do not let them fester or build until it’s too late to do something about it. You do not have to become Mr. Paranoid to the point of not having any friends or never leaving your home (or you may go as crazy as your stalker and then it's narrowing your chances of gathering valuable info), but do pay attention to those flags and start a journal (and keep it in a very safe place, even if that means moving it now and again to ensure its safety). 

Do Google searches on your date or that "new" person you have an "off" feeling about (or if it is a "bad" feeling, just steer clear altogether if you can). The whole point about first encounters is to ask questions (and by the end of a first date, for instance, you would know a full name, whereabouts they live, where they are from, what they do for a living, "if" they work and where, etc.) ...enough to do a general background check. Thus the "first date" 20 questions as some people call it. And then take your time. Sometimes it may take a few dates, but take that "get to know" someone period and get to know that person. You can be modern and traditional at the same time; in fact, it's the new "in" thing. The way someone interacts with you, with others, with an incorrect order or bill, etc. will be someone that will not be able to hide who they "really are" for very long. Hot tempers, attitudes (even those with sadness, depression, inability to cope with much of anything, etc.) it all comes out eventually. Even listening to a person's opinion about something can be a sign about who they are as a person (do they have good character, do they have morals and ethics, etc. ...and not just "say" they do. Remember, actions always speak louder than words.) And remember, gut feelings are generally never wrong, although sometimes they are red flags for a reason; not to be a STOP but merely a precaution or to take caution or to wake up and smell the coffee, pay attention, slow down, take your time...you get the idea. Besides, if it's a good thing and the real thing, baby... it will still be there tomorrow, next week, next month, etc. Good things do last when they are solid, valid and have substance.

This woman's "everything" has not only gone missing, but her every personal file in her home (unfortunately she was "one of those" who kept all records sacred; so let this be a lesson now, save ONLY what you must for legal purposes and shred or burn the rest); but she was missing everything from medical to personal hand-written notes and poetry to her taxes to her books to her insurance and bank information (including a copy of her birth certificates and credit statements) to "old" attorney paperwork to businesses to "you name it." She wasn't kidding when she said everything had been rifled through or gone missing. Some of the missing paperwork has been returned, some showing up "in the trash." Some, she’s certain, never to be seen again. 

Point being, take every precaution you can; do searches and if you notice your computer being "controlled" by another (such as incomplete info shows up, or info you know is there but you can't find), go to the library and use a safe computer to do the search if "nothing" comes up or if you notice your phone acting up "way too often" or way too many times for the normal phone allotment (and we all know what that is); and get a new phone if need be. Be sure to try different search engines, but we like Google thus far as it seems to be the most reliable. And remember, most cell phones are under warranty or come with a certain time frame to get a free replacement. This woman is on her 8th or 9th (we are losing count, honestly). As for computers, learn how to use it and learn how to check for remote users; pay attention to your desktop; and pay attention to scans and how to check if the firewall is working. This guy learned the 7-step hack (that's what she calls it) where he could get through the anti-virus, firewall and into her settings and become a remote user in 7 easy steps (while she watched). She almost became fascinated. 

If you don't know how or refuse to learn, find a "good" computer guru (at least one that you trust) and have him maintain your computer. On the other side of that comes the ultimate "incompetency" we sometimes speak of where computers can act up if they are not properly updated (such as when not properly maintained or updated) or when bogus information or being steered in the wrong direction by someone in customer service who thinks they know it all. We are not claiming to know it all, we are only speaking from experience and don’t claim to be the guru of anything. We only hope to help others from a huge headache, and who knows – maybe even save a life. We all know that the bottom line comes to the fact that customer service just isn't what it used to be so not only do we have to have patience, but victims these days should keep a log to rule out those "incompetencies" and to compare the "real" with the plausible with the actual and factual and even those theories because when dealing with authorities, they really do just want the facts – but your notes are invaluable when it comes time to file that restraining order or deal with an agency that can help. You can’t be expected to remember everything, and having a timeline can be very helpful in any case (plus it keeps you from going absolutely insane – which is their ultimate goal. Do not ever forget that).

More later... but for now, the woman is alive and well. Her sense of humor very much intact, thank goodness. So, for now, have a blessed day and by the way, have you had your smile today?