Help Verizon Spyware

[akraut]

While on the phone with Verizon Tech Support, they were listing off the apps I had installed, when I had installed them, and when I had last used them. Anyone know what app is reporting this info? I'd love to disable that.

 

[iowabowtech]

Another gent had a similar experience as yourself. Seemed a bit on the shady side IMO:

Band of screen totally dead

Do you remember allowing SU access to My VZW mobile while you were on the phone with them?

 

[AZgl1500]

You probably logged into VZW's "The Cloud" service.

login to their website with your PC and configure it for what you want "tracked", backed up, etc...

That said, at the time you were on the phone with the VZW rep, he/she ran a diagnostic that polled your phone "that one time". The info they retrieved is then displayed on their screen for their reps to use "as of that time".

as soon as you say goodbye and hang up, the rep closes out that screen and "poof!" all of that info is gone. It is not saved.
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Verizon Galaxy S5, KK 4.4.4, ART
MyPhoneExplorer saves your tailbone
Nova Prime, Textra, Blue Mail, Qi wireless equipped
MacroDroid senses Screen off, turns Wifi & Data OFF
MacroDroid senses Screen on, turns WiFi & Data ON

 

[akraut]

Do you remember allowing SU access to My VZW mobile while you were on the phone with them?

I don't have my phone rooted, so I wouldn't have seen a request to SU access.

You probably logged into VZW's "The Cloud" service.

I had VZ Cloud disabled when I called in but I enabled it quick when they asked me to open it, so maybe that's it. While I'm not convinced it's completely gone when I get off the call with them, hopefully disabling Cloud stops that data collection.

 

[AZgl1500]

I don't have my phone rooted, so I wouldn't have seen a request to SU access.



I had VZ Cloud disabled when I called in but I enabled it quick when they asked me to open it, so maybe that's it. While I'm not convinced it's completely gone when I get off the call with them, hopefully disabling Cloud stops that data collection.

I know "you feel" that there is data collection, but I am 99.99% positive it was just a diagnostic tool they were using. When you logged into Cloud while on the phone, that is when their servers became aware of what is on your phone because it has to inventory the phone to see what needs to be sync'd with Cloud.

The carriers have more important things to do than track what we are doing with our apps and data. Our gov'mint brothers are requiring them to keep SMS records, and call logs, but that is all "so far". The carriers don't want to have to host more than that.

 

[AZgl1500]

an update to this subject direct from Verizon:
an email that I received from them today. 1/12/2015

Your privacy is an important priority at Verizon Wireless. Our Privacy Policy (available at www.verizon.com/privacy) informs you about information we collect and how we use it. This notice provides information on how Verizon Wireless uses the information described below for (1) certain business and marketing reports and (2) making mobile ads you see more relevant. If you do not want us to use this information for these purposes, you can let us know by using one of the options described in the "Your Choices" section of this notice. This supplements our Privacy Policy.


Mobile Usage Information:

• Addresses of websites you visit when using our wireless service. These data strings (or URLs) may include search terms you have used.
• Location of your device ("Location Information")
• App and device feature usage

Consumer Information:

• Information about your use of Verizon products and services (such as data and calling features, device type, and amount of use)
• Demographic and interest categories provided to us by other companies, such as gender, age range, sports fan, frequent diner, or pet owner ("Demographics")
  
  

Under these programs, we will not share outside of Verizon any information that identifies you personally.

To create business and marketing reports. We will combine Mobile Usage Information and Consumer Information in a way that does not personally identify you. We will use this information to prepare business and marketing reports that we may use ourselves or share with others.

For example, a report might state that 10,000 mobile users visited a sports website in a month and 60% were men.

For other companies to create business and marketing reports. We may also share Location Information with other companies in a way that does not personally identify you. We will allow these companies to produce limited business and marketing reports.

For example, the data we provide could be combined with data provided by other wireless carriers to create a report on the number of mobile users who take a particular highway during rush hour.

To make mobile ads you see more relevant. When you use your wireless device, you often see ads on websites and apps. Using certain Consumer Information (such as your Demographics, device type, and language preference) and the postal address we have for you, we will determine whether you fit within an audience an advertiser is trying to reach. This means ads you see may be more relevant to you. We will not share any information that identifies you personally.
For example, A local restaurant may want to advertise only to people who live within 10 miles, and we might help deliver that ad on a website without sharing information that identifies you personally.

If you do not want us to use your information for business and marketing reports or relevant mobile advertising as described above, please let us know at any time by visiting www.vzw.com/myprivacy or by calling 1-866-211-0874. You will receive mobile ads whether you participate or not, but under the advertising program, ads may be more relevant to you. If you have a Family SharePlan® or multi-line account, you must indicate your choice for each line. If you add a line, you will need to update your privacy choices.



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Verizon Galaxy S5, KK 4.4.4, ART
MyPhoneExplorer saves your tailbone
Nova Prime, Textra, Blue Mail, Qi wireless equipped
MacroDroid senses Screen off, turns Wifi & Data OFF
MacroDroid senses Screen on, turns WiFi & Data ON

 

[AZgl1500]

all of the above said, I personally have never, ever, had an advertisement pushed onto my phone.

I never use my phone for browsing while in a store, I do use it in a store to look at my Shopping List.

I do use Google to find something for me.

I do use apps for a specific purpose, ie to find a nearby restaurant when I'm in an area that is unfamiliar to me.

Knock on wood, I have never had an advertisement pushed into my face, ever.

If you use social apps, then you get ads, no way to stop it.

I don't.
____________________________________
Verizon Galaxy S5, KK 4.4.4, ART
MyPhoneExplorer saves your tailbone
Nova Prime, Textra, Blue Mail, Qi wireless equipped
MacroDroid senses Screen off, turns Wifi & Data OFF
MacroDroid senses Screen on, turns WiFi & Data ON