A Michigan man has learned the hard way that using spyware apps to catch a cheating partner without their consent is not only morally reprehensible, but also against the law. Bryan Fleming, the creator of pcTattletale, a software tool designed to monitor phone and computer usage, was recently sentenced to guilty after admitting to knowingly building and marketing his product for use in these illicit ways.
It all started when Fleming helped create pcTattletale in 2002, which allowed users to record everything done on the target device and upload videos to a server for viewing. Initially marketed as a tool for parents monitoring their children or employees monitoring their workers, the software was also claimed to help "tens of thousands of parents stop their daughters from meeting up with pedophiles." However, Fleming's intentions soon took a dark turn.
Around 2011, Fleming ran pcTattletale himself and began marketing it as a tool for catching cheating spouses without their knowledge or consent. The company even provided instructions on how to hide icons that might reveal the app was running on the victim's phone. Vice reported in 2021 that the software was leaking sensitive data collected by pcTattletale, including information about users' phone activities.
The marketing materials for pcTattletale included links that directed users to "catch a cheater" by installing spyware on their partner's phone when they were sleeping. Fleming even went so far as to offer tech support and created banner ads with text like "pcTattletale Cheating Husband? #1 catch a cheater spy tracker."
Despite the clear warning signs, Fleming continued to sell his product, raking in around $99 to $300 per subscription. However, federal investigators eventually caught wind of pcTattletale's activities and launched an investigation into the company.
In 2022, a government search warrant was obtained for Fleming's home, where investigators seized evidence related to pcTattletale. In 2024, TechCrunch reported that pcTattletale was hacked, leading to the leak of its sensitive data. Fleming eventually pleaded guilty to a single count and was released on his own recognizance while awaiting sentencing.
Fleming's case serves as a reminder that using spyware apps without consent is not only morally wrong but also against the law. As many other stalkerware tools remain on the market, it's essential for consumers to be aware of these dangers and take steps to protect their online security.
It all started when Fleming helped create pcTattletale in 2002, which allowed users to record everything done on the target device and upload videos to a server for viewing. Initially marketed as a tool for parents monitoring their children or employees monitoring their workers, the software was also claimed to help "tens of thousands of parents stop their daughters from meeting up with pedophiles." However, Fleming's intentions soon took a dark turn.
Around 2011, Fleming ran pcTattletale himself and began marketing it as a tool for catching cheating spouses without their knowledge or consent. The company even provided instructions on how to hide icons that might reveal the app was running on the victim's phone. Vice reported in 2021 that the software was leaking sensitive data collected by pcTattletale, including information about users' phone activities.
The marketing materials for pcTattletale included links that directed users to "catch a cheater" by installing spyware on their partner's phone when they were sleeping. Fleming even went so far as to offer tech support and created banner ads with text like "pcTattletale Cheating Husband? #1 catch a cheater spy tracker."
Despite the clear warning signs, Fleming continued to sell his product, raking in around $99 to $300 per subscription. However, federal investigators eventually caught wind of pcTattletale's activities and launched an investigation into the company.
In 2022, a government search warrant was obtained for Fleming's home, where investigators seized evidence related to pcTattletale. In 2024, TechCrunch reported that pcTattletale was hacked, leading to the leak of its sensitive data. Fleming eventually pleaded guilty to a single count and was released on his own recognizance while awaiting sentencing.
Fleming's case serves as a reminder that using spyware apps without consent is not only morally wrong but also against the law. As many other stalkerware tools remain on the market, it's essential for consumers to be aware of these dangers and take steps to protect their online security.
! Using spyware apps to catch a cheating partner without their consent is completely unacceptable. He preyed on people's vulnerabilities and made a profit off it too 
. The fact that he marketed his product as a way for parents to monitor their kids or employees to monitor their workers, while secretly using it for cheating spouses, is just despicable 
.
. He made it seem legit and even provided instructions on how to hide the app from the victim's phone... what a con artist 
! The fact that he continued to sell his product despite all these red flags is just mind-boggling 
. We need to make sure we know exactly what we're getting ourselves into and that it's being used for legitimate purposes, not malicious ones 
.
he basically got away with selling spyware to people who were gonna use it to hurt someone else. i mean, can you imagine having your personal life invaded like that? it's crazy that he was able to make so much money off of it too, $99-$300 is insane! 
. and honestly, i think the fact that pcTattletale was marketed as a tool for parents and employees is just a huge layer of hypocrisy - if it's used by cheaters, it's not doing its job as intended 
Bryan Fleming is literally a creep and i cant believe people fell for his scam he created this spyware tool to monitor ppl without their consent and now hes paying the price 
guilty verdict is definitely deserved! Its insane how he thought he could get away with this for so long, exploiting ppl who just wanted to keep tabs on their partners. This case should be a warning sign for all the other stalkerware tools out there - consumers need to wake up and demand better online security 
He ruined lives and now he's getting off scot-free?! 
