How actual people use IP tracking (names changed for privacy)
These are real stories from people who've used IP tracking. Some worked out, some didn't, but they're all real situations.
Met this guy on a dating app. He said he lived about an hour away from me. We talked for weeks, but he always had excuses not to meet up - "work is crazy," "family emergency," etc.
I got suspicious, so I sent him a link to what I said was my Instagram (actually an IP tracker). Clicked it immediately. Turns out he was in a completely different state, like 500 miles away.
What happened: Confronted him (without saying how I knew). He admitted he lied about his location. Blocked him.
Lesson: If someone's consistently avoiding meeting up, there's probably a reason. Trust your gut.
Had an employee who called in sick on a Friday. Whatever, people get sick. But then I saw his Instagram story - he was at a beach party.
Monday, he comes in with a "doctor's note" (obviously fake). I sent him an email with a tracking link to what I said was the updated schedule.
What happened: He opened it from the same area as that beach town. When I asked about his "doctor visit," his story fell apart.
Lesson: Don't post on social media if you're faking sick. Also, IP tracking confirmed what I already suspected.
Lost my phone at a party. Posted on the party's group chat asking if anyone found it. Someone said no.
But I remembered I had my email logged in on my phone. Created an IP tracker link disguised as a "find my phone" tool and sent it to the group chat.
What happened: The guy who said he didn't have it clicked the link from his home IP. I knew where he lived because we were friends. Went to his place, called him out (said a friend saw my phone there), got my phone back.
Lesson: Sometimes you need proof before accusing someone.
My boyfriend said he was going on a "work trip" for a week. But something felt off - he was being weird about it.
Sent him a link to an article I "thought he'd find interesting." He clicked it multiple times over the week... from his home WiFi. Same IP every single day.
What happened: Realized he wasn't traveling at all. Turned out he was taking the week off work but didn't want to spend time with me. We broke up.
Lesson: The IP tracker didn't cause the breakup - the lying did. But it helped me see the truth.
Packages kept disappearing from our building lobby. Set up a "report stolen package" form with an IP tracker link. Posted notices around the building.
What happened: Got clicks from residents reporting stolen packages. But also got clicks from apartment WiFi at weird hours (2 AM, 3 AM). Checked security footage for those times - same person. Turned out to be a resident's guest who had the WiFi password.
Lesson: IP tracking helped narrow down the time window, but we needed the security footage too.
Wanted to know if my ex was stalking my social media. Created a fake account and sent her a link. She clicked it.
What happened: IP showed she was using a VPN. Could have been anywhere. Basically learned nothing.
Lesson: If someone's tech-savvy enough to use a VPN, IP tracking won't tell you much. Also, I probably should have just moved on.
These stories show real uses, but remember: just because you CAN track someone doesn't always mean you SHOULD. Use this tool responsibly. If you're in a relationship where you feel you need to track your partner constantly, that's probably a bigger problem than IP tracking can solve.