Cyberstalking comes in so many different forms. Let’s examine a few of them:
Forms Of Cyberstalking
- Using a Find My Friends app after separation.
- Stalking the financial transactions of a spouse, family, friends, and enemies on banking apps like Venmo.
- The classic Facebook stalking of an estranged spouse.
- Using dating apps to stalk an ex.
- Maintaining old passwords to banking accounts and credit cards to track a spouse’s financial activity.
Finding Friends
Several apps exist through which you can keep a geo fix on your spouse – with permission. The problem is that so many people forget to sever the connection after separation. The next thing you know, your spouse is texting you at 3 a.m., asking why you’re out at a bar when your 3-year-old is at home asleep. And who is with your 3-year-old? And why shouldn’t you be caring for her? Word to the wise: when you delete your relationship, be sure to delete your spouse from all related apps.
Stalking Financial Transactions
Did you know on Venmo, you can stalk the transactions of anyone else you have ever exchanged money with through the app? Even more broadly, you can see the transactions of any friends you have on the app, unless someone goes to the trouble of making things private – which rarely happens. Isn’t that ridiculous? Go ahead and test it out. This makes it easy for individuals to check on creative spending by their exes, such as hotel rooms, restaurants, jewelry, and flowers.
Facebook Stalking
Facebook posts can result in a treasure trove of evidence in a divorce case. Pictures, Facebook messenger – it’s all up for the taking. Oh, and if you are thinking about deleting posts, you might want to think again. If your spouse’s attorney sends a letter requiring you do not delete social media, and you do it anyway – you could be land in deep trouble with the Court.
Dating Apps & Stalking
Dating apps can be open to the public in so many ways. In fact, they occasionally tie into other social media, allowing others to stalk and find you. Imagine that you are basking in the anonymity of a dating app, when all of the sudden you get a message through other social media from someone who used a different platform to stalk you.
Bank Accounts & Credit Cards
When you separate from your spouse, you should change all of your passwords to something your spouse can not easily discover or decipher. Try using your grandparent’s first grade teacher’s name in letters, numbers, and symbols, perhaps. You get the message. Something you can remember, but no one else ever will.
Final Thoughts
One last thought: When an individual considers cyberstalking his or her spouse – he or she often neglects to take a little thing called THE LAW into consideration. Many offenses may very well be illegal. Like, criminally illegal resulting in jail time. At the very least, they will strongly irritate a judge.
What’s the moral of this story? Cybersecurity can be many things, but it all starts with common sense. Think about your digital footprint if your marriage is ending. Make a list and find ways to eliminate what you need to eliminate, change your passwords to newer, more secure options, and secure your social media.
Speak To The Experienced Maryland Divorce Attorneys
If you are about to go through a divorce, Milstein Siegel can help. For more information, reach out to Milstein Siegel by calling (410) 792-2300 or by requesting a consultation online.