Crime Involving the Use of Positioning/Friends Finder Software in Smartphones

Crime Matters

Crime Prevention Bureau(CPB)

Once the positioning/friends finder etc software of a smartphone is activated, the personal information and location of its user are obtained or captured by the software, and might as well be disclosed to other smartphone users. Even so, the risk of personal information and records of location being misused by criminals can be reduced by taking simple preventive measures.

Police Advice

  • Avoid using any positioning/friends finder etc software in smartphones;
  • If positioning software must be activated, connect only with reliable friends and acquaintances;
  • Turn down requests from strangers to prevent them from entering the system;
  • Don’t go out with online friends or strangers alone;
  • Check frequently your history of authorisation to identify secret intruders;
  • Think carefully before accepting any authorisation requests from strangers;
  • Do not disclose your telephone number to unauthorised persons; and
  • Stop using the software in case of doubt, or seek advice from the software developer / company.