Retailers Tracking Your Cell Phone Signals
Stores try to follow your digital trail, but you can hide your movements.
Shoppers know there’s a trade-off involved in signing up for a retailer’s loyalty program or app: discounts and rewards in exchange for information about you and your buying habits. But simply browsing in a store with your cell phone in your pocket can be almost as revealing. That’s because when a phone scans for nearby wireless networks or Bluetooth signals, it emits a unique code, called a MAC (media access control) address. Companies can read the string of characters and zero in on your movements.
This mobile eavesdropping is more widespread than you might think, says Pam Dixon, executive director of the World Privacy Forum. Most retailers are mum about tracking, but the practice is more common among those with multiple locations, she says.
Retailers say the information helps improve store layout, schedule staff efficiently and shorten lines. Analytics firms that shadow these signals say your ID is protected because data is anonymous, aggregated with data from other shoppers, or both. But privacy advocates say that even without knowing a cell phone owner’s name, analysts can infer lifestyle interests based on how long shoppers linger in an aisle or how often they visit a location, and can trace these patterns for years.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-320-80.png)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
You can limit tracking by registering your MAC address with the Future of Privacy Forum’s new opt-out platform at www.smartstoreprivacy.org. Unfortunately, doing so will remove your identifier only from the handful of companies that have agreed to comply. A better fix: disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while shopping. And iPhone users may be pleased with a privacy-friendly feature of iOS 8, expected this fall, that broadcasts randomized MAC addresses to cover the user’s trail.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Visa Is the Worst Dow Stock Wednesday. Here's Why
Visa stock is down sharply Wednesday after the credit card company came up short of revenue expectations for its fiscal Q3.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Another Analyst Moves to the Sidelines on Tesla Stock After Earnings
Tesla stock is spiraling Wednesday after the EV maker's big earnings miss and Wall Street has been quick to weigh in. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Need
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day 2024 runs Tuesday July 16 and Wednesday July 17, marking the 10th Prime Day event.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
By Daniel Bortz Last updated