Stalking and Technological Control: Trackers, Cameras and Spyware Used to Watch You
Quick answer
When someone always knows where you are, who you've spoken to or what you've written, they may be using technology to control you: trackers in your car or bag, location sharing switched on behind your back, shared iCloud or Google accounts, cameras or microphones at home and spy apps (stalkerware). In Portugal, this may amount to stalking or domestic violence. The priority is your safety: don't confront the person, seek support (112 in immediate danger, APAV 116 006, the domestic violence victim helpline 800 202 148, free and 24 hours) and only then deal with detecting the devices, discreetly.
When surveillance is a form of control
Not all surveillance is corporate espionage or a one-off suspicion. In many cases we handle, technology is used to control a person: knowing where they are at every moment, who they see, what they say, and using that information to pressure, intimidate or isolate them. This is known as cyberstalking or coercive control.
It happens mostly in intimate relationships, during or after a separation, but also between relatives, colleagues or people who met only recently.
Warning signs
The person turns up where you are without you having told anyone.
They comment on conversations, messages or photos you never shared.
They know what time you left and where you went or how long you stayed somewhere.
You receive insistent messages or calls right after changing your routine.
Your phone has apps, profiles or permissions you don't recognise.
You have received an alert saying "AirTag Found Moving With You" or about an unknown tracker.
The person recently gave you a phone, a watch, a charger or an object for your home or car.
You still share accounts (Apple ID, Google, Netflix, mobile operator) or the person knows your passwords.
A single sign may have an explanation. Several at once deserve attention.
First, your safety
Before looking for devices, think about what may happen when you find or disable them. Someone who controls another person through technology may react badly when they lose that control.
In immediate danger, call 112.
Seek specialist support: APAV, line 116 006 (weekdays); domestic violence victim helpline, 800 202 148 (free, 24 hours) or SMS 3060.
Use a safe device to ask for help or search: the phone of someone you trust, a work computer or a library computer.
Don't confront the person and don't abruptly change your digital routines (deleting apps, changing all your passwords at once) without a plan.
Keep evidence: screenshots, messages, dates and times of incidents. Store them outside the phone that may be compromised.
Talk to the police or a lawyer about protective measures. Stalking (art. 154-A of the Criminal Code) and domestic violence (art. 152) are crimes; domestic violence is a public crime (prosecuted without the need for a complaint). We explain the legal framework in Wiretaps, recordings and trackers: what is a crime in Portugal.
The most common methods and how to check them
Location sharing and shared accounts
This is the simplest method and therefore the most common. It requires nothing to be installed.
iPhone: Settings › [your name] › Find My › Share My Location; also check the Find My app › People.
Google: Google Maps › profile picture › Location sharing; and Google Account › Security › Your devices.
Safety Check on iPhone: Settings › Privacy & Security › Safety Check. This Apple tool was designed precisely for people who want to review and cut off an ex-partner's access.
Trackers in your car, bag or coat
AirTags and Bluetooth trackers trigger alerts on your phone; GPS trackers with a SIM card don't. See where to look in AirTag or hidden tracker: how to tell and in How to detect a GPS tracker on your car.
Stalkerware on your phone
These are apps sold for "parental control" or "monitoring" which, installed in secret, make it possible to read messages, listen to calls, see photos and follow someone's location. The signs and how to check are in How to tell if your phone is being spied on. For WhatsApp, see WhatsApp spied on: how to tell and how to protect your account.
Caution: uninstalling stalkerware often alerts the person who installed it. If this is your situation, plan that step with specialist support and, if possible, preserve the evidence first.
Cameras and microphones at home
Wi-Fi cameras, smart doorbells, voice-assistant speakers and devices given to you by the person can be used to see and hear what happens at home, especially if they still have access to the apps. Change the passwords of your router and camera apps, review who has access and see How to detect cameras and bugs at home.
How we can help, discreetly
We carry out technical sweeps of your home, car, personal belongings and phone to identify trackers, cameras, microphones and spy software. In stalking cases, we work with extra care:
we agree safe times and places for the work;
we can document the devices without removing them, if that is better for your safety or for the police investigation;
the phone stays with us for about 12 hours and we deliver a written report with what was found;
the report can be given to your lawyer or attached to a complaint.
Appointments are booked 24 hours in advance. Learn more about our electronic sweep and bug and GPS detection service.
About us
Detetives Privados Portugal is coordinated by Alexandre Ribeiro, a private detective with experience since 2001 and a member of WAD (no. 1687), APDPE (no. 1326), LIDEPPE (no. 33) and IKD. We work throughout the country, from Porto, Lisbon and the other regions.
The initial assessment is free and confidential. Call +351 936 225 975 (24-hour answering) or, if it is safer, write to us via the contact page from a device you trust.
Frequently asked questions
What is stalkerware?
These are monitoring apps installed in secret on another person's phone to read messages, listen to calls, see photos and follow their location. Installing them without consent may be a crime.
Is stalking a crime in Portugal?
Yes. Article 154-A of the Criminal Code punishes anyone who repeatedly pursues or harasses another person, by any means, causing them fear or unease or restricting their freedom. In an intimate relationship, it may also be domestic violence.
Should I immediately delete the spy app or the tracker?
Not without a plan. Removing the device or app may alert the person who placed it and destroy the evidence. First ensure your safety, talk to specialist support and document what you found.
What support lines are there in Portugal?
In immediate danger, call 112. APAV answers on 116 006 and the domestic violence victim helpline on 800 202 148, free and 24 hours, or by SMS to 3060.
How do I know if my ex can see my location?
Check location sharing on your iPhone (Find My) or in Google Maps, the devices linked to your accounts, and use Safety Check on iPhone. Also look for trackers in your car and personal belongings.
Can a detective help without the other person knowing?
Yes. The sweep is carried out discreetly, at an agreed time and place, and the devices can be documented without being removed, if that is safer for you.
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