For those who don’t know, I run a digital marketing agency. We use a lot of software but some of this technology out here is next-level creepy. Many of my clients demand it so we use it often. It sends my agency a list of mobile IDs in which we upload into Google ads or facebook to target.
This tech targets mostly service companies such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC, and contractors. This tech lets them quietly track people nearby. They install these tiny devices, called transponders or beacons, in their work trucks. When those trucks are driving around or parked somewhere, they can actually pick up mobile phone IDs from anyone within range.
Those mobile IDs are what use to send targeted ads later. So if you’ve ever seen an ad pop up right after driving past a service van or being near one, that probably wasn’t a coincidence.
But here’s where it gets worse. The companies that make this software usually have partnerships with popular apps you already have on your phone. So even if you’ve got “location off,” the moment you open one of those apps, they can still ping your device and match it with the data they’ve already collected.
That means these companies aren’t just tracking you, they’re building entire profiles based on where you go, who you’re near, what stores you visit, and what neighborhoods you drive through. And if the companies behind this software own or have deals with certain apps, they can see way more than they’re ever gonna admit. Most people have no clue this is happening. You could be sitting at a red light or parked at the grocery store, and your phone gets picked up just because you were within a few hundred feet of the vehicle
Now this is WILD. This is straight from their literature
The company behind this “Predictive Audience Technology” actually promotes this stuff in their own marketing materials. Fam this isn’t a rumor or conspiracy, this is straight from their brochure.
Here’s what they say:
So basically, your phone, your smart speaker, your tablet can always be listening. You could be sitting at home, talking about needing a plumber or mentioning your car acting up, and next thing you know you’re seeing ads for plumbing services or auto repair shops.
They’re openly saying that their software uses your microphone to “capture real-time intent data.” Which means they’re listening to your private conversations to predict what you might want to buy next.
To be safe
This tech targets mostly service companies such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC, and contractors. This tech lets them quietly track people nearby. They install these tiny devices, called transponders or beacons, in their work trucks. When those trucks are driving around or parked somewhere, they can actually pick up mobile phone IDs from anyone within range.
Those mobile IDs are what use to send targeted ads later. So if you’ve ever seen an ad pop up right after driving past a service van or being near one, that probably wasn’t a coincidence.
But here’s where it gets worse. The companies that make this software usually have partnerships with popular apps you already have on your phone. So even if you’ve got “location off,” the moment you open one of those apps, they can still ping your device and match it with the data they’ve already collected.
That means these companies aren’t just tracking you, they’re building entire profiles based on where you go, who you’re near, what stores you visit, and what neighborhoods you drive through. And if the companies behind this software own or have deals with certain apps, they can see way more than they’re ever gonna admit. Most people have no clue this is happening. You could be sitting at a red light or parked at the grocery store, and your phone gets picked up just because you were within a few hundred feet of the vehicle
Now this is WILD. This is straight from their literature
The company behind this “Predictive Audience Technology” actually promotes this stuff in their own marketing materials. Fam this isn’t a rumor or conspiracy, this is straight from their brochure.
Here’s what they say:
- Smart devices capture real-time intent data by listening to our conversations.
- We pair that voice data with your online behavior to figure out who’s “ready to buy.”
- We use A.I. to collect that data from over 470 different sources — that includes apps, websites, and other platforms.
- Then build an audience list within a specific 10-mile radius and upload it into ad platforms.
- Once it’s running, the tech keeps analyzing your site traffic and customers to keep the targeting going — automatically.
So basically, your phone, your smart speaker, your tablet can always be listening. You could be sitting at home, talking about needing a plumber or mentioning your car acting up, and next thing you know you’re seeing ads for plumbing services or auto repair shops.
They’re openly saying that their software uses your microphone to “capture real-time intent data.” Which means they’re listening to your private conversations to predict what you might want to buy next.
To be safe
- Turn off your location settings whenever you can.
- Go into your phone’s settings and reset your advertising ID.
- Be careful what apps you give location permission to — some of them are quietly collecting and selling your data.
