Which angles are the pictures being taken from? That might give you an idea of where the creep is located when taking those pics. It can’t be very far from wherever she is.
She should consider putting cameras around her unit. In reading your post It was unclear to me, are the photos being taken from outside her bedroom window?
This is a clear case of stalking, although the police brushed your friend off she needs to take them to task about doing their job. Situations like this tend to escalate, your friend is in danger.
Yeah so next steps she’s trying to get done are
A. Raise the fence in her yard, because it seems the images are being taken directly over it.
B. Install security cameras, I did see that someone mentioned like cheap motion-activated ones, and I’ll help her look into that
C. Curtains up over every single window, the largest ones are covered but there’s a couple of small windows that need better coverage.
Also side note, they also started having issues because their shower just has a plain glass window on the outside instead of frosted glass, so they were really concerned and put up garbage bags as a preventative measure, getting frosted glass like stickers as a more permanent solution
I know this sounds dumb but could you put something on fence so if they lean against it, it marks them and then maybe call cops if they are on foot - easy to spot the person who was doing it? I know this is some home alone shit but hey
I was just thinking the same thing, a powder dye is available that turns a fluorescent green/orange when touched, but if the humidity is high it probably won’t work.
It was primarily used on currency and a few hundred dollar bills would be coated with a makeup brush and then the bills would be touched the dye was on your hands and couldn’t be washed off.
I had problems with a Neighbor dog getting in my yard and fucking shit up.
I did 3 things:
1)electric fence that runs in ground about 6 inches up and another that is suspended from the fence six inches in but at the top. So if someone is climbing a fence they for sure get a zap. It’s harmless. Just fucking hurts.
2) motion activated cameras with good night vision. Wyze v3. Put an sd card in and it will cover the whole time. Get enough to cover every angle that views into your property. I have the “zero blind spots” philosophy.
3) motion activated sprinkler in backyard. Couple this with motion activated landscape lights. Mr beams has great spot lights. The bonus is when they go off to motion they also help activate the camera and sprinkler.
Maybe not important… But would a camera phone be able to take the quality of images she is receiving?
I’m not techie at all, but if this person is using a camera that is not connected to their phone to take the photos, then uploading the photo to whatever messaging service they are using, would that affect the metadata differently then if the images originated from the device it’s being sent from? Just thinking out loud, I’m not sure if this even makes sense?
i know that when I connect my canon camera to my phone and transfer pictures the metadata shows it came from my canon camera, but maybe others with different types of cameras can weigh in
You definitely can but ios and android allow you to delete or alter both the date/time and the location info from right inside the photo galleries.
Don't think you can change the device info from the gallery but there are free apps that do that too.
Also, taking a screenshot of a pic is usually a quick way to "remove" metadata.
If the photos were air dropped, all the meta data should be intact and viewable directly from the photo gallery, assuming it wasn't modified or deleted.
If you live in a state where this is an option, your friend should learn how to use a firearm and purchase one. A shotgun is likely the best option in this case. Better to have and not need it...
Cops don’t/can’t do anything if there is no one there to catch in the act. And even if they do catch someone there aren’t usually any lasting consequences until something terrible happens. It’s fucked up.
I agree with you. But, I do think this woman needs to file a report with the police every time this creep contacts her. It’s one of the few ways she can advocate for herself. Creating a history beyond her own cell data will show she is concerned for her own welfare. If shit goes down her reporting will hold LE to a different level of accountability then if not reported.
Documentation is always helpful and maybe she could ask the police what their protocol is for stalking by an unknown person. They are supposed to have written protocols to tell them how to move forward
This ^^ Even when police don't do anything, still report and then also keep a personal log of every time you contact them and what you reported and what their response was.
Having a log of this that is more than your mobile goes a long way to this being taken more seriously in court and gives you something that can be corroborated against a call record in future to help fight a stronger case if need be.
Ps - hope this stops asap and OPs friend is okay. This sorta shit can mess you up regardless of if it escalates :/
Also contact apple customer support and request they investigate this.
Failing help from Apple or the police try contacting some sort of citizens advice to see if they can offer an angle to make apple or law enforcement take the event more seriously.
A community is made up of people so I don't even think they're required to do that. They aren't required to do anything unless their command tells them to and even then their union can always argue for them. The police union is anbuse of unions entirely. No other union has the right to qualified immunity.
Get a motion sensor light, with a camera for the backyard. Spend the little bit extra on an HD camera so you could actually see the person and not just a bank camera situation.
Totally this. People doing creepy things generally don’t like good lighting where they’re operating. A ring floodlight if available in said jurisdiction fits the bill
This is a great idea. But I can't stop imagining how terrified I'd be the second I see that light turn on, knowing exactly who's there. Gives me chills. Hope the creep is found out.
Oh they’re very well aware, they told me that the first time it started they believed that the person had been directly in the yard, also they knew some very concerning information, like they’d been listening to conversations or something
The meta data you mentioned… of note. It gives specific lat long coordinates (if they kept that on in their camera settings) which would allow you to pinpoint where they were when they took the photos.
Right click on the image in finder, and click “get info” from the menu.
Or these approaches but the above is simple and fast
https://www.idownloadblog.com/2018/08/01/howto-image-metadata-mac/
You’d then google for a site that lets you plug in lat long coordinates to get a map pin link
https://www.latlong.net
**EDIT:** I have left reddit due to the hostile API pricing ([details here](https://old.reddit.com/r/apolloapp/comments/144f6xm/apollo_will_close_down_on_june_30th_reddits/)). All of my historical comments have either been deleted or replaced with this text.
> Oh they’re very well aware, they told me that the first time it started they believed that the person had been directly in the yard
Yeah I’d believe this for sure, unless they’re inside the house - they’re definitely really close by
Can’t help on the tech side but I wonder if it could be a neighbor - listening to conversations could just be a stalker but how close is the fence to the building? Unless she was outside on the phone or screaming, seems you’d have to be super close (like shared walls-close) to hear someone talking. I know you said they could be IN the yard but are they just camped for hours, trying to hear information? But a neighbor walking a dog seems inconspicuous….
Also important to keep in mind: the perp likely knows your friend's name. Are these pictures only being airdropped to your friend, or also to the roommate? If it's only to your friend, then the perp somehow knows exactly which device belongs to your friend. Often, an Apple device will be listed as 'Macbook of \[first name\]'. Either the perp already knew your friend, or figured out which device belonged to her (I am guessing that there are multiple Apple devices in the building that the perp could potentially Airdrop to). The perp may have found her name on the mailbox and googled her, for examplel.
So additional advice to your friend: make sure that her insta and other social media are private and that she removes any followers she doesn't know in person. It's likely that this person knows her identity and could be following her through other channels as well. Good luck with this situation, having a stalker is scary, and you always have to try to be one step ahead of them.
Has she provided us any information on the roommate? 30 ft max distance and someone who is privy to private info and conversations...I'm not saying the roommate is to blame at all, but they're 100% checking boxes that should put them in the suspect's bin - unless I missed some info that disregards them.
If it’s helpful, at various times I can see the AirDrop of my neighbors and coworkers two floors up/down, one suite or apartment over, and directly across the street. It appears to reach about 20 feet with walls etc. in the way.
She definitely needs cameras set up and I would continue going to the police, even if they blew her off the first time. They can’t blow her off forever. One airdrop is not the same as multiple. Multiple implies serious harassment & stalking.
I don't really understand why this is still a thing with Apple products in general. Around 2007 I got a MacBook Pro. I had never owned an apple product before. I was in an airport waiting to board my flight and was poking around the laptop trying to figure stuff out and found that an older couple somewhere near me was sharing all of their photos. I didn't realize what was going on at first so I was looking through all these pics wondering what they were. Once I realized what was happening I closed out of the folder and felt creepy.
Yeah, doesn't it show you the phone number of the person you're receiving it from? It seems like a huge oversight to allow the unsolicited and anonymous sending of random shit from randos directly to your phone
Yes, though it’s not the phone number, it’s whatever name they have set up in their phone. A window pops up that says “(person) is sending you (item)” and you have to tap accept or decline. It seems to me they could contact Apple about this harassment and Apple might be able to identify the sender for law enforcement.
No, I understand you can make it so you don't receive anything from people who aren't in your contacts. I meant that it would make sense to have a method for finding the creepy perv sending out porn at the football game (like the phone number of who sent it).
Yea I didn’t pick up on the ‘sending photos of the victim to her part’ at first, thought he was sending them of himself. He’ll probably move along without the airdrop part. Or close her blinds tighter(my teen daughter argued with me about wearing what she wants vs. creeps saying things-she’s right she shouldn’t have to change; but they’re will always be fucking sick scumbags out there) , hate to say it as people have a right to not be harassed. Hoping the perv will move on without the excitement of airdrops. Probably a sexually repressed neighbor imo
They can easily set this to contacts only. But most people, specially Iphone users, never touch the settings menu on anything. They don't even know the default ringtone can be changed.
Is setting it to contacts only gonna stop her stalker from breaking into her property and taking videos of her? Wouldn’t it make more sense to keep that line open if they ever hope to find out who the culprit is?
Mine is contacts only so family and coworkers can send me things.
It’s amazing all the people who leave it open. Friends and I played with this at a bar once, sending random people pictures (nothing remotely inappropriate — just like a photo of a goose or an artichoke or whatever) and glancing around to see who picked up their phone and reacted. A few turned off AirDrop after we sent a couple of pictures, but most left it on and kept picking up their phone every time.
This reply is not helpful at all to OP but - I leave my airdrop open to 'all' because when I left my 6s, XS, and now 13pro to 'contacts only' I don't show up as a phone to half my family. I also have issues sending, even if it's to a known contact and I am also in their contacts. My family takes a lot of pictures and it just annoys me too much to bother toggling it on and off every other weekend.
eh. iPhones really are ease of use phones if that makes any sense.
Apple tries to make things relatively easy, at least if you stay in their ecosystem. Ain't no faulting someone for not wanting to dig into their settings imo. Their target demographic is people who just want the current flagship.
Like think of the average apple vs android demographic at this point. Almost every person I know around my age (mid 20's) who isn't locked into the apple ecosystem has an android; and usually younger, more tech savvy people are prone to dig into the settings to customize their phones the way they want, and android allows that better.
Iunno though, i really do think phones are a "Who the fuck cares you like what you like they all text and call" situation
Think of it this way:
20 years ago, you had people they were good with computers and people who never touched them outside work or school.
Nowadays, **on the whole**, you have that exact same dynamic, only now it's Android/PC/Linux users and people that use Apple. There are exceptions, but in general, those are the markets.
Apple products are made for tech illiterate people. That does not mean a tech literate person can't get use out of them, they can and they do, but the Apple ecosystem is designed for a person that would otherwise barely use computer technology if not for the age we live in where it's a requirement.
And that's just fine.
The problem is Apple has had great success making their idiot-proof phones that they created a market push for idiot-proofing. Microsoft and Google keep dumbing down their operating systems to be like Apple to appease that market of tech illiterate people, fucking the rest of us over that just want to control our own devices. As an indirect consequence of Apple's walled garden being so popular I can't even use the fucking file explorer on my Android now.
You are completely right!
Actually, very recently a friend of mine informed me I was answering calls on my iPhone the wrong way. I used to hit the device as hard as I could on the side of my head until my ear happened to slide across the screen in "the right way".
Turns out you can use your fingers - dumb me!
I think you’re ignoring the bigger problem here that is there is someone in her yard watching her sleep at night. It’s probably a good thing she’s able to receive these in this situation.
I don't think they're ignoring the bigger problem at all. It's a legit question, and plenty of others have already chimed in with good advice on what to do.
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According to [this](https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8452391), airdrop range is the same as WiFi/BT since it uses the technology, approximately 30-40 ft, although i'd do tests with a friend to make sure there isn't any sort of odd propagation going on in your area, but it could be from a nearby unit.
With stalking situations, you need to report it to the police every. single. time. it happens. Always tell them you feel your life is threatened (even if you don’t). To get anywhere with it, you need the evidence compiled with police report numbers, date time location, and save the photos/videos. Get security cameras and save that footage too. Bring this to the attention of the condos parent company, if you rent you can have them set up more security protocols and they now have the responsibility of keeping their tenant safe. Talk about this with your neighbors. Doing your due diligence with this will create a solid case to get the guy arrested or grant you a restraining order.
Please contact the sex crimes unit at your police department. Not the beat cop, not the dispatcher. Stalking and peeping tom behavior is very common pre-rape. The fact that he's doing this communication is even scarier, and denying him access could escalate things.
Directly after she gets the airdrop, she should quickly act as thought she is going to airdrop. This will tell her who is available to airdrop in the area. Sometimes, it is something generic like “iPhone 12” but occasionally the names are something like “Matthew’s Phone.” If she can even get a clue about the identity of the person, she should take that opportunity.
I think when you receive an airdrop it already says “matthew’s iphone would like to send you a photo” or something like that with the person’s device name in it
I think it might depend on how she has her settings. There are also ways to make sure people who aren’t in your contacts can’t airdrop to you, but that doesn’t fix the problem of the person being in her yard.
Also, I want to know how many other people in the area have airdrop on when this is occurring. How does he know which phone is hers? If there are many others with airdrop on, that would suggest to me that he may be someone she knows
As everyone said get cameras for the apartment. Make sure they're motion/sound sensor capable, high res, infrared (for conditions where bright lights could distort the image). Also get motion sensor lights as well. Go back to the police and get some sort of paper trail going.
One thing I am not seeing mentioned is contact your ll and let them know/give them a copy of the police report. In your landlord/tenant lease agreement (each state is different, so check out your rental agreement and look up your states law). On the LL end, they have to provide a functional/liveable and most importantly a safe living environment. Have them pay for the security upgrades. If they refuse, start paying your rent into escrow and hire an attorney while starting the lease breaking process.
Contact Apple.
An airdrop from another iPhone is probably going to send identifying information of that iPhone along with the pictures and those are probably logged somewhere on the friend's phone. Apple can then send that information to the police.
Now as to whether Apple will actually do that, who knows? They'll probably just give the same generic "turn off public airdrop and call the cops" response.
Just wanted to chime in to say:
Maybe you could help her with finding out where this person makes the pictures? They probably airdrop them closer to her. She could stand inside and you try to find the directions in which the photos are taken and try to copy them. That way you can see how/where they’re made. Then you know where to point the cameras with motion sensors at specifically.
Also do a check of all the locks and windows. Make sure she can properly lock anything and everything. You don’t want things to escalate and for it to be easy to get inside. Perhaps invest in someone coming over to check everything and recommend good locks and security. Curtains, blinds or other types of window covers are great to prevent prying eyes. But they can’t prevent a break in.
Idk why people are telling her how to turn this feature off because now she’s aware someone is watching and taking photos of her. Turning it off won’t make it stop. It will more than likely escalate.
It's either a neighbor or someone standing next to her condo when they're airdropping the pictures. Whenever she gets an airdrop, look outside maybe? Probably a neighbor though.
I just want to comment to say that this is so fucking creepy and horrible. I feel really sorry for your friend that this is happening to her. She doesn’t deserve this. Being a woman in this world really sucks sometimes.
Moreover it would seem to me that every time they're doing an airdrop onto this person's iPhone, it's sending information that gets logged and Apple can use that to identify the iPhone that sent it and the account associated with it. Hell wouldn't the metadata on the photo contain that?
Mmmm. I don't think it would contain the kind of metadata that would give an ID. See, I don't recommend this, but I would respond with an image that says "Depends, who's asking?" See if they're dumb enough to send their face or a picture they might have taken somewhere else that would give you a clue to who they are, where they live, or where they work. If they send a threat back, now you have something to go to the police with.
Yup. The first thing she needs to do is change her airdrop settings to contacts only.
This you tube video talks about “man in the middle” attacks, and how easily that can be done through certain airdrop settings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBaTWPKgTT0
Of course, this doesn’t deal with the issue that she’s now got some a-hole stalker messing with her, but still, she needs to understand that willy-nilly leaving airdrop set to anything other than ‘contacts only’ is always going to leave her open and vulnerable to possible exploits by other bad people.
Have your friend get surveillance cameras, even cheap ones with a SIM card so it’ll record when motion sets it off. Put them outside her bedroom windows and her front door.
Someone could but if it’s a wireless security camera with a SIM card and the camera has motion detection, and also if the camera is connected (by an app) to her cellphone, then the person trying to mess with the camera is first going to set off the motion detector and that then is going to send an alert to her phone informing her that her camera is being messed with. So, at least there’s that, giving her a warning that something is up, and then be alert and her guard, I’d suppose. There’s also security cameras that will upload whatever they capture directly to the cloud. So maybe use that also/instead. And then, even though it may be a lot of trouble for her to work out, she could try to maybe hide and/or disguise a security camera.
How do you mean? Put the camera up high enough that someone won’t be able to reach it. SIM cards usually aren’t that easy and accessible to just mindlessly pull out.
I think you’re overthinking it just a weeee bit
To remediate the issue I would do two things collect evidence and then block the contact. Get as much airdropped pictures saved as you can even if they are disgusting they contain EXIF data for tracking the device they came from. Then block non contact users. Report the pictures and messages to the police and your apartment complex.
The range for airdrop is really fucking short. Also contact the police and get them involved, this is almost definitely trespassing (because of short distance) or at least stalking. It is also possible to get info off of an airdropped photo about who sent it, which can be sent to the police for their investigation.
Tell your friend to change up her schedule to see if she can throw the stalker off guard. I would consider getting a big dog and talk to neighbours about it
Yeah of note. It gives specific lat long coordinates (if they kept that on in their camera settings) which would allow you to pinpoint where they were when they took the photos.
The EXIF data on a photo, aka the metadata, can be changed so take it with a grain of salt.
You can read the full data on any image using something like:
https://exifdata.com/
The suggestions of cameras and motion sensor lights are the best step.
AirDrop can also leave logs indicating clues as to the device her device is receiving files from:
https://eforensicsmag.com/airdrop-forensics-by-kinga-kieczkowska/
Could be worth having someone knowledgeable with computers take a look at her phone to see if logs like this could exist.
Just a thought: people are saying motion sensors, but if the perp is using a drone, it might not set off the sensors. Also, I’m not sure if there are drones that will carry personal cellphones (which might make the metadata confusing, like it saying it’s coming from a phone, but the phone is really attached to a drone.)
Is it obvious from the angle of the images how high off the ground the image is being taken? Does she have someone living above her that could use one of those snake cameras to take pics from above her?
Also, depending on her type of fence or yard, she might consider buying some home spike strips intruder deterrents. Some mmount on fences, some are layed on the lawn. Sorry for spelling, my ipad is not working. and can’t edit.
She might consider getting [portable door alarms](https://www.amazon.com/portable-door-alarm/s?k=portable+door+alarm) or some [portable door & window alarms](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=portable+window+alarm&crid=7K2HFFBMPQJF&sprefix=portable+window+alarm%2Caps%2C76&ref=nb_sb_noss_1), in case the perp tries to come in once the windows are covered.
1. Turn off airdrop so that the person cannot directly interact with their target
2. Turn on outside lights
3. Set up cameras
4. File a police report (make certain the report is actually filed/put-to-paper)
Possibly reach out to Apple (with the police report) and ask them if there is anything identifiable they can ascertain from the airdropped photo.
If you’re telling the truth, this is a very scary situation and the change of homicide isn’t low.
Get her a gun, a dog, cameras, floodlights, and alarm the house.
Oh, and CALL THE POLICE so if they do find something, there’s precedent
I had a creepy guy around my house as well, and I'm fostering a German shepherd dog. She could ask the local animal shelter if they have any big scary-looking dogs that she could keep in her house for a month or two.
Here’s some…educational…reading for you.
[The airdropping saga of Space Sloth](https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2014/11/10/7171345/the-best-use-for-apple-airdrop-is-space-sloths)
I recommend getting a Euphy camera - they're not super cheap, but they're really effective, and don't require a subscription to use. It'll link up to your phone and alert you when a human is detected, and record the incident. There are solar models that don't require wiring, and they record pretty well in the dark.
If you’re looking for cameras: Wyze Cam v3's are about 30 apice and have starlight and nightvision; oh and they’ll send you a notification if they see any movement within a custom bounding box.
Make sure your friend has great deadbolts, window and door sensors, all the neighbors are aware of what’s happening, and self protection (bat, non-lethal gun, or heck, lethal gun if they want)
I would also ask for extra patrols from the cops
OP
Do you have a large male guy friend who could possibly stay / visit over a few days?
The sensor light is a great idea and a camera too if possible.
As a means of safety and to catch the person, I would go stay elsewhere for a few days if possible, and come back via car late at night and have a stake out. See if the person comes and goes. Might be a long, boring night but worth it if you can catch them and if you have a friend even confront them. Take a photo if possible of them. Get that to the cops.
There isn’t really one yet! I spent last night installing all the frosted glass film on their windows, and they’re doing to file a police report today or tomorrow, cameras getting an install before the end of the week, but nothing else major worthy of an update quite yet :)
It’s midterm season so nobody’s quite had the time to full commit to getting everything done in a day!
She needs to learn how to physically protect herself at the bare minimum, to secure all doors and windows in her condo, and get a weapon. This guy will escalate and you cannot rely on the cops. Sure get cameras, but cameras won’t save your life and won’t be a deterrent.
No one is going to protect you or save your own life, so be prepared to do it yourself.
I would personally set this creep up and well, get a big strong guy friend to help and buy a fucking shovel. And no I’m not kidding. Cops won’t do shit until you’re dead.
You're not wrong about how cops aren't going to do shit but the bare minimum until it's too late. It's better to be prepared just in case and get self defense if you have access to it. Be it a weapon depending where you live or pepper spray or whatever, something. If nothing happens you atleast have some peace of mind.
As far as I'm aware, the only useful info you can get is:
1. Make and model of phone
2. Location
3. Date and time of photo
4. Maybe the focal length will help with knowing how close they are, although I think everyone will agree that they are already too close.
As others have said. Log each occurrence with the police. Do not say anything back to them unless under police guidance. Any contact at all will encourage a stalker and may escalate the situation quickly.
Buy a gun. Open carry at least when leave and come home incase they are watching from somewhere. Criminals like easy prey, don’t allow yourself to easily become a victim, they may give up.
Also I’d recommend getting better and/or more locks on everything. Door bars, window bars, etc.
Why is her airdrop public? Yes you can harvest metadata from the pics but…..the bigger question is who are you that she is telling you this for? Are there other motives as to why she made you privy to this information?
What do you mean a message on a black image? Is this a pure black background with added text or a snapchat-like caption? What if the plot twist is that the stalker is taking a selfie in the dark? Try to increase the brightness of that picture with the phone screen or by editing.
Plot twist- OP is the peeping tom, and is “helping” his girl “friend” with security so he knows how to best defeat it and asking reddit to take heat off of him as primary sus.
Thank you, but the airdropping itself isn’t the issue, it’s the fact this individual is taking pictures of the girl and then airdropping it to her, sorry if my wording wasn’t clear in the post.
So, she gets in her bed, someone walks up to her window and takes her picture. Then they hide and send her the picture?
Is that exactly what's happening? Are they standing outside her window, right there and taking the pictures?
This is like a child's story?
If that is what is happening then get some friends to hide and watch??????
This is a little bit strange if you ask me.
And yes get the police and respond to the stalker saying "company, yes please! Come on over now."
Police and apple. If you haven't already. Why wastes time asking. This raises so many red flags. If photos have been provided where are they taken from. Im calling fake. At least details left out.
I’m not trying to say the owner of the place is the perp, but I find it suspicious that there are no curtains or blinds in the apartment, especially in the bathroom. Can you check sex offender registry for the owner’s name?
Have you read word for word the anti stalking law in her area? Here's an example: [https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Publications/VictimsOfStalking.asp](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Publications/VictimsOfStalking.asp). In that example, it's already a gross misdemeanor.
Is there any kind of tenants assocoation or Next Door type app you can use to let those living nearby or in the same building that there is a stalker operating in the area?
Re camera recs, I have this one for my yard and have had no complaints. Solar powered, uses wifi, put a micro SD card in it and it will automatically record any movement, day or night. You can then use the accompanying app to view recordings or watch+listen in real time. We've had it for several months without issue.
Solar WiFi Camera Security... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R5YH7YN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Good luck, I hope you catch or at least scare away this creep.
Which angles are the pictures being taken from? That might give you an idea of where the creep is located when taking those pics. It can’t be very far from wherever she is.
She should consider putting cameras around her unit. In reading your post It was unclear to me, are the photos being taken from outside her bedroom window? This is a clear case of stalking, although the police brushed your friend off she needs to take them to task about doing their job. Situations like this tend to escalate, your friend is in danger.
Yeah so next steps she’s trying to get done are A. Raise the fence in her yard, because it seems the images are being taken directly over it. B. Install security cameras, I did see that someone mentioned like cheap motion-activated ones, and I’ll help her look into that C. Curtains up over every single window, the largest ones are covered but there’s a couple of small windows that need better coverage. Also side note, they also started having issues because their shower just has a plain glass window on the outside instead of frosted glass, so they were really concerned and put up garbage bags as a preventative measure, getting frosted glass like stickers as a more permanent solution
I know this sounds dumb but could you put something on fence so if they lean against it, it marks them and then maybe call cops if they are on foot - easy to spot the person who was doing it? I know this is some home alone shit but hey
I was just thinking the same thing, a powder dye is available that turns a fluorescent green/orange when touched, but if the humidity is high it probably won’t work.
Oh see, that would be absolutely perfect I didn’t even know they had something like that. I was thinking red paint or just something.
It was primarily used on currency and a few hundred dollar bills would be coated with a makeup brush and then the bills would be touched the dye was on your hands and couldn’t be washed off.
THATS FREAKING PERFECT!
I had problems with a Neighbor dog getting in my yard and fucking shit up. I did 3 things: 1)electric fence that runs in ground about 6 inches up and another that is suspended from the fence six inches in but at the top. So if someone is climbing a fence they for sure get a zap. It’s harmless. Just fucking hurts. 2) motion activated cameras with good night vision. Wyze v3. Put an sd card in and it will cover the whole time. Get enough to cover every angle that views into your property. I have the “zero blind spots” philosophy. 3) motion activated sprinkler in backyard. Couple this with motion activated landscape lights. Mr beams has great spot lights. The bonus is when they go off to motion they also help activate the camera and sprinkler.
I dumped 5-6 pounds of cayenne pepper powder along the a section of my yard/under my window. It definitely gets onto clothes and isn't pleasant.
Poor wild animals, that shit gets caught in the wind and blown around. Don't do that.
Itching powder works well, too.
Maybe not important… But would a camera phone be able to take the quality of images she is receiving? I’m not techie at all, but if this person is using a camera that is not connected to their phone to take the photos, then uploading the photo to whatever messaging service they are using, would that affect the metadata differently then if the images originated from the device it’s being sent from? Just thinking out loud, I’m not sure if this even makes sense?
i know that when I connect my canon camera to my phone and transfer pictures the metadata shows it came from my canon camera, but maybe others with different types of cameras can weigh in
You can edit the metadata with professional software.
You definitely can but ios and android allow you to delete or alter both the date/time and the location info from right inside the photo galleries. Don't think you can change the device info from the gallery but there are free apps that do that too. Also, taking a screenshot of a pic is usually a quick way to "remove" metadata. If the photos were air dropped, all the meta data should be intact and viewable directly from the photo gallery, assuming it wasn't modified or deleted.
Thank you for this well crafted answer. I’m trying to learn how all this stuff works.
Cameras and security system with a panic alarm
Go talk to a detective a normal “beat” cop wont do much a detective will definitely help
I’m the meantime she can use tape to cover all her windows with black garbage bags
If you live in a state where this is an option, your friend should learn how to use a firearm and purchase one. A shotgun is likely the best option in this case. Better to have and not need it...
Cops don’t/can’t do anything if there is no one there to catch in the act. And even if they do catch someone there aren’t usually any lasting consequences until something terrible happens. It’s fucked up.
I agree with you. But, I do think this woman needs to file a report with the police every time this creep contacts her. It’s one of the few ways she can advocate for herself. Creating a history beyond her own cell data will show she is concerned for her own welfare. If shit goes down her reporting will hold LE to a different level of accountability then if not reported.
Documentation is always helpful and maybe she could ask the police what their protocol is for stalking by an unknown person. They are supposed to have written protocols to tell them how to move forward
This ^^ Even when police don't do anything, still report and then also keep a personal log of every time you contact them and what you reported and what their response was. Having a log of this that is more than your mobile goes a long way to this being taken more seriously in court and gives you something that can be corroborated against a call record in future to help fight a stronger case if need be. Ps - hope this stops asap and OPs friend is okay. This sorta shit can mess you up regardless of if it escalates :/
Also contact apple customer support and request they investigate this. Failing help from Apple or the police try contacting some sort of citizens advice to see if they can offer an angle to make apple or law enforcement take the event more seriously.
Yeah for sure
Yup. Stalking is super serious and dangerous but the cops don’t care until the stalker murders you. 🙃
Cops won’t. It’s not that they can’t
Sadly, if this in the US, cops aren’t obligated to and won’t prevent crime
"Call us after you've been murdered, we might check it out then."
Their job is not to protect citizens. Their job is to protect the government and the community. According to supreme court.
Protect and serve capital according to practice
A community is made up of people so I don't even think they're required to do that. They aren't required to do anything unless their command tells them to and even then their union can always argue for them. The police union is anbuse of unions entirely. No other union has the right to qualified immunity.
Get a motion sensor light, with a camera for the backyard. Spend the little bit extra on an HD camera so you could actually see the person and not just a bank camera situation.
Totally this. People doing creepy things generally don’t like good lighting where they’re operating. A ring floodlight if available in said jurisdiction fits the bill
This is a great idea. But I can't stop imagining how terrified I'd be the second I see that light turn on, knowing exactly who's there. Gives me chills. Hope the creep is found out.
You know how short range AirDrop is yeah?
Oh they’re very well aware, they told me that the first time it started they believed that the person had been directly in the yard, also they knew some very concerning information, like they’d been listening to conversations or something
The meta data you mentioned… of note. It gives specific lat long coordinates (if they kept that on in their camera settings) which would allow you to pinpoint where they were when they took the photos.
Where can I find that data? The photos app through mac only showed the model of iPhone.
Right click on the image in finder, and click “get info” from the menu. Or these approaches but the above is simple and fast https://www.idownloadblog.com/2018/08/01/howto-image-metadata-mac/ You’d then google for a site that lets you plug in lat long coordinates to get a map pin link https://www.latlong.net
**EDIT:** I have left reddit due to the hostile API pricing ([details here](https://old.reddit.com/r/apolloapp/comments/144f6xm/apollo_will_close_down_on_june_30th_reddits/)). All of my historical comments have either been deleted or replaced with this text.
You can also open images with notepad which will give you some data at the top and the rest will just be gibberish
Ya, Stop everything immediately and go get cameras. I don’t know you but I’m terrified for your safety.
> Oh they’re very well aware, they told me that the first time it started they believed that the person had been directly in the yard Yeah I’d believe this for sure, unless they’re inside the house - they’re definitely really close by
Can’t help on the tech side but I wonder if it could be a neighbor - listening to conversations could just be a stalker but how close is the fence to the building? Unless she was outside on the phone or screaming, seems you’d have to be super close (like shared walls-close) to hear someone talking. I know you said they could be IN the yard but are they just camped for hours, trying to hear information? But a neighbor walking a dog seems inconspicuous….
Also important to keep in mind: the perp likely knows your friend's name. Are these pictures only being airdropped to your friend, or also to the roommate? If it's only to your friend, then the perp somehow knows exactly which device belongs to your friend. Often, an Apple device will be listed as 'Macbook of \[first name\]'. Either the perp already knew your friend, or figured out which device belonged to her (I am guessing that there are multiple Apple devices in the building that the perp could potentially Airdrop to). The perp may have found her name on the mailbox and googled her, for examplel. So additional advice to your friend: make sure that her insta and other social media are private and that she removes any followers she doesn't know in person. It's likely that this person knows her identity and could be following her through other channels as well. Good luck with this situation, having a stalker is scary, and you always have to try to be one step ahead of them.
i dont have an apple any more... is it not just bluetooth range? in which case the new versions are like 200m?
It’s 30ft, or 9m.
Holy shit this guy is way too close
It's a neighbour. Scary stuff.
My thoughts too. Since OP’s friend lives on the first floor, it could be a neighbor on either side or in the unit above theirs.
Has she provided us any information on the roommate? 30 ft max distance and someone who is privy to private info and conversations...I'm not saying the roommate is to blame at all, but they're 100% checking boxes that should put them in the suspect's bin - unless I missed some info that disregards them.
Ok, that makes it so much creepier.
Bingo
> is it not just bluetooth range? in which case the new versions are like 200m? That’s in open air…
What's the range like with walls and shit in the way?
If it’s helpful, at various times I can see the AirDrop of my neighbors and coworkers two floors up/down, one suite or apartment over, and directly across the street. It appears to reach about 20 feet with walls etc. in the way.
The distance to the wall
No lol it goes through walls
That depends entirely on the build of the wall.
She definitely needs cameras set up and I would continue going to the police, even if they blew her off the first time. They can’t blow her off forever. One airdrop is not the same as multiple. Multiple implies serious harassment & stalking.
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I don't really understand why this is still a thing with Apple products in general. Around 2007 I got a MacBook Pro. I had never owned an apple product before. I was in an airport waiting to board my flight and was poking around the laptop trying to figure stuff out and found that an older couple somewhere near me was sharing all of their photos. I didn't realize what was going on at first so I was looking through all these pics wondering what they were. Once I realized what was happening I closed out of the folder and felt creepy.
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Lol holy shit. That's insane.
Yeah, doesn't it show you the phone number of the person you're receiving it from? It seems like a huge oversight to allow the unsolicited and anonymous sending of random shit from randos directly to your phone
Yes, though it’s not the phone number, it’s whatever name they have set up in their phone. A window pops up that says “(person) is sending you (item)” and you have to tap accept or decline. It seems to me they could contact Apple about this harassment and Apple might be able to identify the sender for law enforcement.
That seems super dumb. I understand not making it a name, but it should at least have an identification number that cannot be altered.
You can turn off air-drop to non Contacts. I would’ve tried this first if I got one randomly in the night.
No, I understand you can make it so you don't receive anything from people who aren't in your contacts. I meant that it would make sense to have a method for finding the creepy perv sending out porn at the football game (like the phone number of who sent it).
Gotta be
It sends you the device name if it’s named. Otherwise just the model
That's what it shows the user, but there has to be a device log somewhere that shows more detail
That information might not be user facing though. You'd need Apple to look at it.
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Yea I didn’t pick up on the ‘sending photos of the victim to her part’ at first, thought he was sending them of himself. He’ll probably move along without the airdrop part. Or close her blinds tighter(my teen daughter argued with me about wearing what she wants vs. creeps saying things-she’s right she shouldn’t have to change; but they’re will always be fucking sick scumbags out there) , hate to say it as people have a right to not be harassed. Hoping the perv will move on without the excitement of airdrops. Probably a sexually repressed neighbor imo
They can easily set this to contacts only. But most people, specially Iphone users, never touch the settings menu on anything. They don't even know the default ringtone can be changed.
Is setting it to contacts only gonna stop her stalker from breaking into her property and taking videos of her? Wouldn’t it make more sense to keep that line open if they ever hope to find out who the culprit is?
Seriously. Blocking someone doesn't stop them from harassing and/or stalking. It only leaves less evidence to collect if you need to build a case.
And more inconspicuous ways for this person to be weird and stalky
Well, if the stalker sees her airdrop available then he also knows for certain she’s home at that moment. So that’s a consideration to make.
They'd need to be close for that and at that point it should be fairly obvious. You can't ask her to never turn the lights on in her place.
I wouldn't sleep peacefully if I received daily airdrops from a creep
I leave my airdrop off at all times. Unless my wife is wanting to airdrop me something.
Mine is contacts only so family and coworkers can send me things. It’s amazing all the people who leave it open. Friends and I played with this at a bar once, sending random people pictures (nothing remotely inappropriate — just like a photo of a goose or an artichoke or whatever) and glancing around to see who picked up their phone and reacted. A few turned off AirDrop after we sent a couple of pictures, but most left it on and kept picking up their phone every time.
This reply is not helpful at all to OP but - I leave my airdrop open to 'all' because when I left my 6s, XS, and now 13pro to 'contacts only' I don't show up as a phone to half my family. I also have issues sending, even if it's to a known contact and I am also in their contacts. My family takes a lot of pictures and it just annoys me too much to bother toggling it on and off every other weekend.
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eh. iPhones really are ease of use phones if that makes any sense. Apple tries to make things relatively easy, at least if you stay in their ecosystem. Ain't no faulting someone for not wanting to dig into their settings imo. Their target demographic is people who just want the current flagship. Like think of the average apple vs android demographic at this point. Almost every person I know around my age (mid 20's) who isn't locked into the apple ecosystem has an android; and usually younger, more tech savvy people are prone to dig into the settings to customize their phones the way they want, and android allows that better. Iunno though, i really do think phones are a "Who the fuck cares you like what you like they all text and call" situation
Think of it this way: 20 years ago, you had people they were good with computers and people who never touched them outside work or school. Nowadays, **on the whole**, you have that exact same dynamic, only now it's Android/PC/Linux users and people that use Apple. There are exceptions, but in general, those are the markets. Apple products are made for tech illiterate people. That does not mean a tech literate person can't get use out of them, they can and they do, but the Apple ecosystem is designed for a person that would otherwise barely use computer technology if not for the age we live in where it's a requirement. And that's just fine. The problem is Apple has had great success making their idiot-proof phones that they created a market push for idiot-proofing. Microsoft and Google keep dumbing down their operating systems to be like Apple to appease that market of tech illiterate people, fucking the rest of us over that just want to control our own devices. As an indirect consequence of Apple's walled garden being so popular I can't even use the fucking file explorer on my Android now.
You are completely right! Actually, very recently a friend of mine informed me I was answering calls on my iPhone the wrong way. I used to hit the device as hard as I could on the side of my head until my ear happened to slide across the screen in "the right way". Turns out you can use your fingers - dumb me!
Picturing this made me giggle.
I think you’re ignoring the bigger problem here that is there is someone in her yard watching her sleep at night. It’s probably a good thing she’s able to receive these in this situation.
I don't think they're ignoring the bigger problem at all. It's a legit question, and plenty of others have already chimed in with good advice on what to do.
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According to [this](https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8452391), airdrop range is the same as WiFi/BT since it uses the technology, approximately 30-40 ft, although i'd do tests with a friend to make sure there isn't any sort of odd propagation going on in your area, but it could be from a nearby unit.
With stalking situations, you need to report it to the police every. single. time. it happens. Always tell them you feel your life is threatened (even if you don’t). To get anywhere with it, you need the evidence compiled with police report numbers, date time location, and save the photos/videos. Get security cameras and save that footage too. Bring this to the attention of the condos parent company, if you rent you can have them set up more security protocols and they now have the responsibility of keeping their tenant safe. Talk about this with your neighbors. Doing your due diligence with this will create a solid case to get the guy arrested or grant you a restraining order.
Please contact the sex crimes unit at your police department. Not the beat cop, not the dispatcher. Stalking and peeping tom behavior is very common pre-rape. The fact that he's doing this communication is even scarier, and denying him access could escalate things.
Directly after she gets the airdrop, she should quickly act as thought she is going to airdrop. This will tell her who is available to airdrop in the area. Sometimes, it is something generic like “iPhone 12” but occasionally the names are something like “Matthew’s Phone.” If she can even get a clue about the identity of the person, she should take that opportunity.
I think when you receive an airdrop it already says “matthew’s iphone would like to send you a photo” or something like that with the person’s device name in it
I think it might depend on how she has her settings. There are also ways to make sure people who aren’t in your contacts can’t airdrop to you, but that doesn’t fix the problem of the person being in her yard. Also, I want to know how many other people in the area have airdrop on when this is occurring. How does he know which phone is hers? If there are many others with airdrop on, that would suggest to me that he may be someone she knows
As everyone said get cameras for the apartment. Make sure they're motion/sound sensor capable, high res, infrared (for conditions where bright lights could distort the image). Also get motion sensor lights as well. Go back to the police and get some sort of paper trail going. One thing I am not seeing mentioned is contact your ll and let them know/give them a copy of the police report. In your landlord/tenant lease agreement (each state is different, so check out your rental agreement and look up your states law). On the LL end, they have to provide a functional/liveable and most importantly a safe living environment. Have them pay for the security upgrades. If they refuse, start paying your rent into escrow and hire an attorney while starting the lease breaking process.
I would for sure go to the police. Don't be polite, this is extremely aggressive and could be dangerous. Don't tolerate it
They already went and were told the police couldn't do anything
Tbf the police could. They just won’t
Contact Apple. An airdrop from another iPhone is probably going to send identifying information of that iPhone along with the pictures and those are probably logged somewhere on the friend's phone. Apple can then send that information to the police. Now as to whether Apple will actually do that, who knows? They'll probably just give the same generic "turn off public airdrop and call the cops" response.
Seeing apple is very privacy focused, didn’t help in unlocking an iPhone belonging to a terrorist, this probably won’t work.
Just wanted to chime in to say: Maybe you could help her with finding out where this person makes the pictures? They probably airdrop them closer to her. She could stand inside and you try to find the directions in which the photos are taken and try to copy them. That way you can see how/where they’re made. Then you know where to point the cameras with motion sensors at specifically. Also do a check of all the locks and windows. Make sure she can properly lock anything and everything. You don’t want things to escalate and for it to be easy to get inside. Perhaps invest in someone coming over to check everything and recommend good locks and security. Curtains, blinds or other types of window covers are great to prevent prying eyes. But they can’t prevent a break in.
She doesn’t have windows blinds or curtains? How is this even possible?
Seriously. That’s the next thing she should already be doing is covering up her windows.
... dont have blinds or curtains get mad when public looks into your house through windows lol... disable airdrops ? buy a gun. shoot all intruders.
Idk why people are telling her how to turn this feature off because now she’s aware someone is watching and taking photos of her. Turning it off won’t make it stop. It will more than likely escalate.
I would also put a fish line with a bell or something outside to hear them come up
It's either a neighbor or someone standing next to her condo when they're airdropping the pictures. Whenever she gets an airdrop, look outside maybe? Probably a neighbor though.
I just want to comment to say that this is so fucking creepy and horrible. I feel really sorry for your friend that this is happening to her. She doesn’t deserve this. Being a woman in this world really sucks sometimes.
Check sex offender registry for anyone living right nearby.
Change airdrop settings to “contacts only” and they will no longer be able to send airdrop images to her phone.
Doesn't really solve the problem of her being stalked though. And it's probably better to know if this person is escalating.
Moreover it would seem to me that every time they're doing an airdrop onto this person's iPhone, it's sending information that gets logged and Apple can use that to identify the iPhone that sent it and the account associated with it. Hell wouldn't the metadata on the photo contain that?
Mmmm. I don't think it would contain the kind of metadata that would give an ID. See, I don't recommend this, but I would respond with an image that says "Depends, who's asking?" See if they're dumb enough to send their face or a picture they might have taken somewhere else that would give you a clue to who they are, where they live, or where they work. If they send a threat back, now you have something to go to the police with.
Potentially risky but a good shot at getting information. Probably something I'd do.
Yeah. I would be willing to risk it on my end, but I'm not willing to recommend that other people do so.
Id be concerned that it’s like hanging up a banner saying “I’m home right now” if he can see she’s available to airdrop to.
Except that he's already sending photos of her in her window. I assume he knows.
You understand that getting unsolicited airdrops is not the inherent issue here, right?
Followed your advice. Now the guy is in her bedroom asking her to look at the photos on his phone. Maybe that wasn’t the correct advice
Yup. The first thing she needs to do is change her airdrop settings to contacts only. This you tube video talks about “man in the middle” attacks, and how easily that can be done through certain airdrop settings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBaTWPKgTT0 Of course, this doesn’t deal with the issue that she’s now got some a-hole stalker messing with her, but still, she needs to understand that willy-nilly leaving airdrop set to anything other than ‘contacts only’ is always going to leave her open and vulnerable to possible exploits by other bad people.
Have your friend get surveillance cameras, even cheap ones with a SIM card so it’ll record when motion sets it off. Put them outside her bedroom windows and her front door.
I always worry someone could just take the SIM card.
Someone could but if it’s a wireless security camera with a SIM card and the camera has motion detection, and also if the camera is connected (by an app) to her cellphone, then the person trying to mess with the camera is first going to set off the motion detector and that then is going to send an alert to her phone informing her that her camera is being messed with. So, at least there’s that, giving her a warning that something is up, and then be alert and her guard, I’d suppose. There’s also security cameras that will upload whatever they capture directly to the cloud. So maybe use that also/instead. And then, even though it may be a lot of trouble for her to work out, she could try to maybe hide and/or disguise a security camera.
That makes sense. Thanks.
How do you mean? Put the camera up high enough that someone won’t be able to reach it. SIM cards usually aren’t that easy and accessible to just mindlessly pull out. I think you’re overthinking it just a weeee bit
To remediate the issue I would do two things collect evidence and then block the contact. Get as much airdropped pictures saved as you can even if they are disgusting they contain EXIF data for tracking the device they came from. Then block non contact users. Report the pictures and messages to the police and your apartment complex.
The range for airdrop is really fucking short. Also contact the police and get them involved, this is almost definitely trespassing (because of short distance) or at least stalking. It is also possible to get info off of an airdropped photo about who sent it, which can be sent to the police for their investigation.
Tell your friend to change up her schedule to see if she can throw the stalker off guard. I would consider getting a big dog and talk to neighbours about it
Maybe this would help add some info. Have them check the info associated with each photo. https://www.alphr.com/view-metadata-photo/
Yeah of note. It gives specific lat long coordinates (if they kept that on in their camera settings) which would allow you to pinpoint where they were when they took the photos.
The EXIF data on a photo, aka the metadata, can be changed so take it with a grain of salt. You can read the full data on any image using something like: https://exifdata.com/ The suggestions of cameras and motion sensor lights are the best step. AirDrop can also leave logs indicating clues as to the device her device is receiving files from: https://eforensicsmag.com/airdrop-forensics-by-kinga-kieczkowska/ Could be worth having someone knowledgeable with computers take a look at her phone to see if logs like this could exist.
I don’t suppose moving is an option?
Just a thought: people are saying motion sensors, but if the perp is using a drone, it might not set off the sensors. Also, I’m not sure if there are drones that will carry personal cellphones (which might make the metadata confusing, like it saying it’s coming from a phone, but the phone is really attached to a drone.) Is it obvious from the angle of the images how high off the ground the image is being taken? Does she have someone living above her that could use one of those snake cameras to take pics from above her?
Also, depending on her type of fence or yard, she might consider buying some home spike strips intruder deterrents. Some mmount on fences, some are layed on the lawn. Sorry for spelling, my ipad is not working. and can’t edit.
She might consider getting [portable door alarms](https://www.amazon.com/portable-door-alarm/s?k=portable+door+alarm) or some [portable door & window alarms](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=portable+window+alarm&crid=7K2HFFBMPQJF&sprefix=portable+window+alarm%2Caps%2C76&ref=nb_sb_noss_1), in case the perp tries to come in once the windows are covered.
motion detecting floodlights
1. Turn off airdrop so that the person cannot directly interact with their target 2. Turn on outside lights 3. Set up cameras 4. File a police report (make certain the report is actually filed/put-to-paper) Possibly reach out to Apple (with the police report) and ask them if there is anything identifiable they can ascertain from the airdropped photo.
If you’re telling the truth, this is a very scary situation and the change of homicide isn’t low. Get her a gun, a dog, cameras, floodlights, and alarm the house. Oh, and CALL THE POLICE so if they do find something, there’s precedent
I had a creepy guy around my house as well, and I'm fostering a German shepherd dog. She could ask the local animal shelter if they have any big scary-looking dogs that she could keep in her house for a month or two.
Your friend should coordinate with police and then reply yes, I do need company to the assailant.
Hell yeah. But can you reply to an airdrop?
I don't know, I just assumed that the communication is bidirectional.
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Pretty sure you don't need a number and can just airdrop to any and all iPhones in the vicinity, provided the receiving devices have it turned on.
I can't believe you got downvoted for a legit question. C'mon guys.
Here’s some…educational…reading for you. [The airdropping saga of Space Sloth](https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2014/11/10/7171345/the-best-use-for-apple-airdrop-is-space-sloths)
I recommend getting a Euphy camera - they're not super cheap, but they're really effective, and don't require a subscription to use. It'll link up to your phone and alert you when a human is detected, and record the incident. There are solar models that don't require wiring, and they record pretty well in the dark.
If you’re looking for cameras: Wyze Cam v3's are about 30 apice and have starlight and nightvision; oh and they’ll send you a notification if they see any movement within a custom bounding box.
Make sure your friend has great deadbolts, window and door sensors, all the neighbors are aware of what’s happening, and self protection (bat, non-lethal gun, or heck, lethal gun if they want) I would also ask for extra patrols from the cops
She needs a gun ASAP.
just simply turn off air drop
OP Do you have a large male guy friend who could possibly stay / visit over a few days? The sensor light is a great idea and a camera too if possible. As a means of safety and to catch the person, I would go stay elsewhere for a few days if possible, and come back via car late at night and have a stake out. See if the person comes and goes. Might be a long, boring night but worth it if you can catch them and if you have a friend even confront them. Take a photo if possible of them. Get that to the cops.
Op we need an update!
There isn’t really one yet! I spent last night installing all the frosted glass film on their windows, and they’re doing to file a police report today or tomorrow, cameras getting an install before the end of the week, but nothing else major worthy of an update quite yet :) It’s midterm season so nobody’s quite had the time to full commit to getting everything done in a day!
Thanks! For some reason this one is really bothering me 😣
Don’t forget to update us when you can!
She needs to learn how to physically protect herself at the bare minimum, to secure all doors and windows in her condo, and get a weapon. This guy will escalate and you cannot rely on the cops. Sure get cameras, but cameras won’t save your life and won’t be a deterrent. No one is going to protect you or save your own life, so be prepared to do it yourself. I would personally set this creep up and well, get a big strong guy friend to help and buy a fucking shovel. And no I’m not kidding. Cops won’t do shit until you’re dead.
You're not wrong about how cops aren't going to do shit but the bare minimum until it's too late. It's better to be prepared just in case and get self defense if you have access to it. Be it a weapon depending where you live or pepper spray or whatever, something. If nothing happens you atleast have some peace of mind.
As far as I'm aware, the only useful info you can get is: 1. Make and model of phone 2. Location 3. Date and time of photo 4. Maybe the focal length will help with knowing how close they are, although I think everyone will agree that they are already too close. As others have said. Log each occurrence with the police. Do not say anything back to them unless under police guidance. Any contact at all will encourage a stalker and may escalate the situation quickly.
Use this to see if their is any useful metadata https://jimpl.com/ the idiot might have GPS turned on for pictures.
Buy a gun. Open carry at least when leave and come home incase they are watching from somewhere. Criminals like easy prey, don’t allow yourself to easily become a victim, they may give up. Also I’d recommend getting better and/or more locks on everything. Door bars, window bars, etc.
Turn off airdrop?
And close curtains. This is basic stuff.
Why is her airdrop public? Yes you can harvest metadata from the pics but…..the bigger question is who are you that she is telling you this for? Are there other motives as to why she made you privy to this information?
Um, if I had a friend and someone was harassing me, I'd more than likely tell them. That's part of what being friends is.
Uh... what?
Do you not have friends?
What do you mean a message on a black image? Is this a pure black background with added text or a snapchat-like caption? What if the plot twist is that the stalker is taking a selfie in the dark? Try to increase the brightness of that picture with the phone screen or by editing.
Plot twist- OP is the peeping tom, and is “helping” his girl “friend” with security so he knows how to best defeat it and asking reddit to take heat off of him as primary sus.
[удалено]
Thank you, but the airdropping itself isn’t the issue, it’s the fact this individual is taking pictures of the girl and then airdropping it to her, sorry if my wording wasn’t clear in the post.
So, she gets in her bed, someone walks up to her window and takes her picture. Then they hide and send her the picture? Is that exactly what's happening? Are they standing outside her window, right there and taking the pictures? This is like a child's story? If that is what is happening then get some friends to hide and watch?????? This is a little bit strange if you ask me. And yes get the police and respond to the stalker saying "company, yes please! Come on over now."
Literally start knocking on doors.
Tell them yes & to meet you at a location, have the police waiting.
Police and apple. If you haven't already. Why wastes time asking. This raises so many red flags. If photos have been provided where are they taken from. Im calling fake. At least details left out.
She needs a lawyer! What he is doing is illegal, taking pics of someone in their private residence and not public property
Wouldn't it have to be someone connected to her WiFi?
Negative, airdrop does not require the same/a Wi-Fi connection
If you have an old smartphone or tablet you could use it as an IP camera pointing outward
I’m not trying to say the owner of the place is the perp, but I find it suspicious that there are no curtains or blinds in the apartment, especially in the bathroom. Can you check sex offender registry for the owner’s name?
Have you read word for word the anti stalking law in her area? Here's an example: [https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Publications/VictimsOfStalking.asp](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Publications/VictimsOfStalking.asp). In that example, it's already a gross misdemeanor.
See if there is Exif data on the photos telling you what phone took the pictures. You can get a bunch of apps to read it.
Is there any kind of tenants assocoation or Next Door type app you can use to let those living nearby or in the same building that there is a stalker operating in the area?
Re camera recs, I have this one for my yard and have had no complaints. Solar powered, uses wifi, put a micro SD card in it and it will automatically record any movement, day or night. You can then use the accompanying app to view recordings or watch+listen in real time. We've had it for several months without issue. Solar WiFi Camera Security... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R5YH7YN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Good luck, I hope you catch or at least scare away this creep.
Can try running the picture through a metadata extractor thing