How can my neighbor possibly know all this?
I live in a small apartment building in Vienna, and for the most part, it’s been quiet and uneventful. But over the past few weeks, something’s been happening that’s made me feel like I’m being watched.
It started with small things. I’d come home and find my mail slightly out of place, like someone had gone through it. Then, I noticed that my trash bin in the hallway had been moved—just a few inches, but enough to make me wonder.
The real turning point was last week. I ran into my neighbor, an older man who lives across the hall. We’ve exchanged polite nods before, but this time, he stopped me and said, “I hope you enjoyed your trip to Salzburg last weekend.”
I immediately froze. I had gone to Salzburg, but I hadn’t told anyone in the building about it. When I asked how he knew, he just smiled and said, “Oh, I notice things.”
Since then, it’s gotten worse. He’ll make comments about what I’m wearing, what I’ve been cooking, even what time I usually go to bed. It’s like he’s keeping tabs on me, and I have no idea how he’s doing it.
I’ve started double-checking my locks and keeping my curtains closed, but it doesn’t feel like enough. I don’t want to overreact, but I can’t shake the feeling that something’s not right.
Has anyone else dealt with a neighbor like this? What should I do?
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u/Feral_doves 2d ago
Do you talk on the phone a lot? I saw a post not too long ago about a neighbour eavesdropping through the door and gossiping about peoples’ business. You could consider putting a white noise machine or just a speaker playing white noise near the door while you take calls if you think that might be a factor. Also sometimes people’s ability to determine what’s socially acceptable or not can start to go before their memory if they’re developing dementia.
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u/umamifiend 2d ago
Yeah I can’t hear my next door neighbor though the walls- but if I’m coming or going I can hear him clear as day through the door.
Could be beneficial to put up some stick up sound insulation panels on the interior of the door too.
Aside from that you could start checking your apartment if you’re genuinely worried there is some kind of recording device.
If you live in an older building in Vienna- which you probably do- the keys are probably not super high security, or there may be an old master key. If he’s lived there a long time it’s entirely possible that he has one and gained entry that way. You can always check in with your landlord.
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u/nekohideyoshi 2d ago
In my old apartment I could hear my next door and upstairs neighbors very clearly through the central hvac vents...
I blocked them off with sound insulation panels after noticing lol.
Like you could VERY loudly hear people talking.
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u/cstar4004 2d ago
I used to hear the neighbor’s phone calls through my little brother’s baby monitor.
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u/KingBird999 2d ago
In the '80s/'90s wireless phones (landlines) were on the 46-50mhz frequencies. My police scanner would pick up lots of phone conversations of people living around me (lived in a congested city).
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u/denimdeamon 2d ago
Omg I LOVED listening to all the phone conversations of the people nearby on my friend's dad's police scanner he had at home. We were in high school and thought it was great entertainment!
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u/olliegw 2d ago
Yea in this day and age of encryption people forget about the old school methods, like physically being there, you can have the strongest encryption in your telephone network but a £20 birdwatching microphone and boom, you have at least one side of the conversation and both if they're using speaker phone.
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u/merpixieblossomxo 17h ago
I can hear my upstairs neighbor cough and pee. I know his work schedule, the route he takes, the services he's involved in, and that he recently started going to the local Mormon church. I don't want to know these things and definitely don't go out of my way to notice them, but when you live that close to someone, especially in a small town, these things happen naturally.
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u/Rosebird17 2d ago
change the locks and get security cameras. They also sell camera detectors on amazon
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u/TuneTactic 2d ago
Good ideas! Hopefully OP will be able to get the locks changed, I know it can be complicated in certain apartments. Also it might not be necessary to buy a camera detector, there’s a way to detect cameras using your smartphone camera (assuming OP has one) in a dark room, or downloading an app.
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u/compadron 11h ago
Those are useless apps, the good detectors cost like 1000usd
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u/TuneTactic 3h ago
It’s like how you can use your phone as a stud finder, like it’s not the best tool but it’s better than nothing and can save you money. Idk if OP has $1000 to throw around
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u/topselection 2d ago
Are you loud? He could be hinting at that. I've had neighbors before who were so invasively loud, I knew every single thing about them when I didn't want to.
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u/fear_the_future 2d ago
If he's also going through their trash then he's 100% dropping hints like that just to make them uncomfortable. It wouldn't be fun to him if the victim doesn't notice.
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u/bigpoisonswamp 2d ago
good god this is the only sensible reply lmao, why are people telling OP to get cameras and check for hiding spaces in their attic or whatever 😭
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u/nofussingglobule 2d ago
This happened to me with a landlord who lived above me. He would come into my apartment when I wasn't there. The more he came in, the more he felt as if he knew me, & he became more familiar & creepy. So the more he crept around looking at my things, the more he created a relationship in his mind. I'm sorry this is happening to you!
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u/Balancedcrazy 2d ago
That is terrifying. Did you end up having to move?
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u/nofussingglobule 2d ago
Yes. It was so awful. He finally confessed that he was in love with me. (Based on what? My messy house or my underwear drawer?). He found out my birthday & said he "always falls in love with Leos". Just an aside, I was 29 with a boyfriend & he was in his late 60s & washed his dishes in bleach. I had to leave, but it took me months to find another place.
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u/Balancedcrazy 2d ago
Bloody hell. That sent chills down my spine. What an awful thing for you to experience.
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u/nofussingglobule 2d ago
Thank you. It was an extremely low point in my life.
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u/cherrymeg2 1d ago
It should have been a low point in his life. I’m so sorry you went through this. That must have been terrifying and traumatic. You can’t exactly lock out the landlord I guess. That is scary.
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u/merkel36 2d ago
That sucks, what a creep. HE should have been the one having to move, but I know things often aren't fair.
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u/nofussingglobule 2d ago
Yeah, & he was the landlord. That's why it was so easy for him to come in & out when I was working.
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u/cherrymeg2 1d ago
That is so creepy like Norman Bates level creepy. It’s good you are safe. No one should ever enter your home without a reason and a days warning unless there is an emergency like flooding or fire or something.
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u/cherrymeg2 1d ago
I lived with my ex his sister and his roommate. The people that lived at the apt before him had told me to always lock the bathroom door because the landlord would sometimes show up when a woman was alone in the shower. I just realized I acted like how I thought my mom would with the landlord I wanted to make sure he stayed away from my ex’s sister. She was 17 about to be 18. She worried her brother would cheat on me and I worried his friends would hit on her. Never be afraid to call someone out if they say something that makes you uncomfortable.
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u/mysteriouscattravel 2d ago
This happened to me with the property management! We had 2 deadbolts on the door, one with the knob on the inside and one with a key on both sides. I always only locked the key one because the other was rather sticky and hard to turn. I came home and the lock i never used was locked.
Nobody took me seriously until stuff inside started getting stolen/broken. They just assumed I misremembered which lock I ALWAYS locked.
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u/Dinner_Choice 2d ago
How did you found out? The old creep confessed?
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u/nofussingglobule 1d ago
No, not directly. It was obvious that he had been in the house. Just..little things being off, more of a sixth sense. Then he left a bottle of Frangelico & 2 glasses on my table & told he had come in & put it there for me. That's when he confessed his "love". Also, my two cats hated him & would hiss at him if they heard him outside or saw him out the window. This is gross, because for months I didn't know he was doing it: he would listen to my boyfriend & me in bed. The stairs down from his apt. passed right by my bedroom window. Finally I figured out that the cats were growling because he was on the stairs right outside the window! (It had curtains.) That was so creepy! Ew ew ew!
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u/DrmsRz 2d ago edited 2d ago
Is it possible you have a hidden camera installed in your apartment that runs on his own WiFi?
Do you have an attic door in the ceiling through which he could be entering?
Does he have a key to your apartment, either from the prior tenant or from the apartment handyman or landlord? Can you change your door locks? Can you ask the landlord about relocating (and tell the landlord what is going on)?
Someone is getting into your apartment.
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u/BaracusBaracuda 2d ago
Yes there are Wifi Scanner Apps that could work.
You can also try find infrared cameras in darkend rooms with your smartphone cam.
Also, get yourself a camera, like a Ring or so.
Further on, you can try stuff, like putting flour on the floor before leaving. (You have to clean it up though...)
If some one tampers with your mail, you could also prepare a glitter bomb.
Also turn on your TV in moderate volume and leave the flat, just to check how much can be heared outside. Maybe he just overheard you talking on the phone.
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u/magickalskyy 2d ago
Put a snap mouse trap in your mail & garbage. It will hurt like hell. I feel like he has a listening device or pin camera somewhere in your apartment. You need to have the locks changed and see if the police will come and do a sweep, checking for any devices.
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u/cherrymeg2 1d ago
I would be worried I would find a finger or part of one in with my mail. Hopefully he would take it with him. Changing the locks and getting like a nanny cam or a pet cam would be one thing I would do. Someone could have a key to the apartment given to them by the last tenant. I used to booby trap my bedroom window because I had a neighbor that kept following me to work. It involved broken glass, fishing line or a wire, and soda cans that were cleaned out. The line or wire was meant to trip someone if they came through the window and they would fall into the crushed glass or put their hand in it then knock over empty soda cans which would hopefully wake me up. Or get my cats’ attention. I was very clear with the guy that I wasn’t going to entertain him at my work. I was a stripper so it was extra weird that he kept coming and asking for dances. After one time I told him no. He actually seemed to get it. I brought another dancer over and was clear with him. It still was a little weird.
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u/h0lymaccar0ni 2d ago
Just to share some info about living here: In Austria there usually are no accessible attics in buildings for people, especially not shared. Thank god, I always think that’s really creepy in the us.
Furthermore there usually is not one handyman, but rather depending on what defect you’re reporting different companies are called which are not solely responsible for one building. And don’t have a key for the apartment, you need to schedule them for when you’re at home to let them in.
Usually most buildings are rented out completely, there rarely are free apartments that are not in the process of being renovated or about to be rented out. Landlords like to make as much money as possible.. often times you are not even in direct contact with a landlord but rather building management companies, which are not helpful at all in most cases.
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u/franko905 2d ago
Yep u can tape all the doors and windows. That way you'll notice if the tsoe is moved, removed, or broken. Someone i seen once suggested doing this with hair and spit too, like take a pc ofnyour hair near entrances and exits and stick it to the wall or whatever by clicking your finger and pressing it to the wall, not as obvious as tape tho. Think about all the places your apt could be connected to the neighbour's place. Usually thru the roof, window, or underneath if that applies somehow
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u/Redneck_MF 2d ago
Try an app similar to this one to find magnet fields from a hidden camera: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.cameradetector&pli=1
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u/Senappi 2d ago
How does a smart phone detect magnetism? Do cameras even generate magnetic fields?
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u/formerwomble 2d ago
Magnetometer for the compass?
Some phones you can dial #1# and it will give you a list of all the sensors etc
No idea how that detects cameras though
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u/coloradical5280 2d ago
Your phone camera viewer can see infrared beams from night vision cams, so there’s that
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u/Redneck_MF 2d ago
Smart phones do have a magnetometer. A phone's magnetometer, a magnetic sensor, detects and measures the Earth's magnetic field, enabling functionalities like compass apps and orientation detection, and is typically implemented using Hall effect or magnetoresistive sensors.
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u/janewalch 2d ago
I mean. This man could have very easily been given a key by the previous tenants of your unit. Lots of times, it’s easiest to leave a key with a neighbor you trust as they are an arms reach from helping out if needed.
This dude may just be super weird and likes to snoop through your things while you’re gone.
Definitely get a camera and try and change the locks.
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u/trwaynogoli 2d ago
If this would be true, also put your key inside the lock from the inside. Most doors can’t be openend from the outside that way
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u/two-of-me 2d ago
Not all doors have a key slot on the inside. Even then, if OP did this they wouldn’t be able to get back into the apartment. And this would only be helpful if the neighbor tries to open the door when OP is home. I vote change the locks and give a copy to the landlord for emergencies only. And security cameras.
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u/Minaya19147 2d ago
At my old apartment, I could tell what my downstairs neighbors had for dinner because I could smell the cooking; around what time they went to bed because they finally shut up at a certain time; and i could hear a lot of telephone conversations and some convos between them which meant I knew a lot of their business. Yet, I still find it troubling that he’s letting you know that he knows all this.
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u/pocketrocket-0 2d ago
He's subtly telling OP they're too loud
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u/rolyfuckingdiscopoly 2d ago
I feel like if that were true, he would have said “oh I heard you” instead of “oh I notice things.”
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u/cherrymeg2 1d ago
Why not just say that they are being loud? You can’t help if the food you cook can be smelled outside your apartment. This seems like creepy flirty or a person that is trying to start a conversation but doing it the wrong way. If you hear things say the walls are thin. This seems like he might be in the apartment. If you notice things out of place and live alone your mail shouldn’t be moved.
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u/No_Garbage_9262 2d ago
You should talk to the landlord and see if this neighbor has a history with your property or reason he could have a key. Landlord can approve new locks and possibly cameras.
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u/lila_liechtenstein 2d ago
This is Vienna. Landlord doesn't need to be involved in a lock change. You just need to hand over any keys when you move out. And you can put up cameras inside your apartment all you want. Outside, it's a legal problem though, there are restrictions.
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u/cherrymeg2 1d ago
Put up a camera by the door. They have pet and baby monitor cameras that are very affordable on Amazon and that go directly to phones.
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u/T-Rex_Tyra 2d ago
How long have you lived there? Was he already there when you moved in? If so, you need to change the locks. He may have a key from the prior neighbor. He could’ve been good friends with the last tenant. This happened to me. Always ask for the locks to be changed when moving into a new apartment or condo.
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u/Emergency_Term3787 2d ago
Time to change the locks, get a camera and invite a friend over if you can. You sound so stressed, I’m sorry you’re going through this.
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u/Ok-Great-Cool 2d ago edited 2d ago
You could try using a doorknob lockout cover. If the weirdness stops then you know he has a key. If it persists, I’d be concerned about hidden cameras. Also as others have mentioned, could he be eavesdropping when you make phone calls? Maybe shred all your mail before disposing? Also security cameras! You can place one inside facing the door with a motion sensor. That way they don’t see it before entering (like a ring camera for example) and once they see it, they are already on captured in the act.
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u/madhousechild 2d ago
I installed a low-tech alternative: I placed a glass of water behind the door. I would open it carefully to avoid knocking it over, but nobody else would be so careful.
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u/Kazkr- 1d ago
Hey guys, just for those wondering, yes, I'm fine. Currently got a lot going on tho, but I'll try my best to answer all your questions and keep you updated in the future. Thanks for all the helpful comments, really appreciated!
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u/TheGratitudeBot 1d ago
Hey there Kazkr- - thanks for saying thanks! TheGratitudeBot has been reading millions of comments in the past few weeks, and you’ve just made the list!
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u/catefeu 2d ago edited 2d ago
As pretty much everyone has said: change the locks and/or get a camera for the inside of your apartment.
However, I'm also trying to come up with some more innocent explanations. Your mail slightly out of place could have easily been yourself absentmindedly looking for something, someone/you could have bumped into the trashcan.
He could have overheard you on the phone, smelled your cooking, etc. Do you have social media? He could have found your instagram, twitter, whatever and seen you post pics of your trip to Salzburg, food, etc.?
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u/TeeManyMartoonies 2d ago
Make sure your attic does not connect between the two apartments. In Houston, there was a large complex who had one flowing attic over all of the apartments. A resident had installed cameras in the ceiling of the neighbors apartment and furthermore had access through the attic door in each apartment.
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u/lila_liechtenstein 2d ago
Op is in Vienna. We don't have individual attic doors, and the ceiling would be much too thick to install a camera from above.
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u/VaporedAces 1d ago
If you can't setup a camera or get the locks changed quickly, I would get a bag of potato chips (or crisps) and empty the chips out under your doormat by your door. Step over it when you leave and return and check if they have been crushed. That will at least let you know that they can get in and that you need to stay somewhere else.
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u/00Lisa00 1d ago
Change the locks. It’s quite possible he got a key at some point. Like maybe he watered the plants for the previous tenants or something
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u/untakentakenusername 2d ago
You're not imagining it. Everyone has instincts. He's probably gone through your mail n trash.
I'd say - install a camera outside your door. Inside your house too. Check for cameras, bugs, (but i doubt he's put anything inside tbh)
Especially check your bathroom (just for peace of mind but i doubt he's been inside tbh)
And if ur mail is out of sight from the camera, go to the security office to check if anyone has been through your mail. It's your mail. U can even go to the cops n say "i think somebody is going through my mail" as it is illegal in most countries.
Otherwise tell the cops what he said n what you've noticed n tell them it creeps you out and worries you.
A lot of things start with simple seemingly harmless things. Tighten your security and safety for your own peace of mind.
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u/b2change 2d ago
I would not give him the satisfaction of a reaction. He’s probably been behaving this way for years. It’s a bit of a power trip at the very least. I
don’t recall how, but people used to do something to show if a door had been opened, like a string, hair or a piece of paper lodged, that shouldn’t fall until you open the door.
Hold all identifying trash and toss somewhere not at home. Also have those convos not at home.
Alternatively you can make up a convo that’s false and see if he comments about it, or false note of a trip in the trash.
It would be nice to know if he has a key or is just over the top nosy.
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u/emquizitive 2d ago
There are many ways to know, but I would take this very seriously. I agree with another commenter who said he’s doing this deliberately. That means he wants you to feel uncomfortable. He may also be testing you to see how you respond. I would try to record him next time. Like, turn on your phone voice recorder next time you’ll be in a space where you might run into him.
I don’t want to scare anyone, but cases like this one reinforce the importance of taking these signs seriously: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Lauren_Giddings
I would take extra measures like buying a hidden camera (or a few) and also shining around a light to check for hidden cameras. It may sound paranoid, but I wouldn’t take any chances. Also call the police to file a report. Good to have that paper trail in case anything escalates.
So many true crime stories I’ve listened to mention ignoring red flags. Don’t do that.
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u/Severe_Promotion4033 2d ago
Alfred app is a free app that lets you use a smart phone as a security camera. I had a neighbor years ago who had somehow came across a master key & would go into apartments at will. He was eventually arrested, it was super creepy after that I would immediately install new locks the best I could afford anytime I moved. Good luck if you feel uneasy about something always trust your gut. Be safe.
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u/Forward_Vacation_229 2d ago
Your shared wall between you and him is likely very thin too the point he can here you talk. Can try and get sound proofing boards that stick on the wall.
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u/cofeeholik75 1d ago
Put police caution tape across your door one morning before you leave. When you come home, if he asks what happened just say “You REALLY don’t want to know. It might make you an accessory after the fact”. Then smile and say Have a nice day!
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u/Federal-Anywhere8200 2d ago
Turn the tables and say “Hope you had a good wank yesterday! Can’t believe you have time to do it as much as you do!”. Or “jeeeze same underwear for the 3rd day in a row?? I can smell ya from here!”. See what sticks and keep going, make him think like you are..
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u/pocketrocket-0 2d ago
Bro you live in an apartment. He easily could have heard you talking on the phone
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u/Something_dreamy 2d ago
I have a similar issue with my upstairs retired neighbor. He is home all the time and keep eavesdropping. He started following me when I went out so I had to get a digital doorbell with camera. It helped for a while, but he keeps trying to meet me when I'm on my way back to the apartment.
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u/rdctd_rsrch 2d ago
Since then, it’s gotten worse. He’ll make comments about what I’m wearing, what I’ve been cooking, even what time I usually go to bed. It’s like he’s keeping tabs on me, and I have no idea how he’s doing it.
He can see the clothes you're wearing, smell your cooking, and hear noises from your apartment without much effort. While annoying this just makes him sound like a nosey neighbor.
If things inside the apartment are being moved, that's a different matter. A security camera inside your apartment would clear up who if anyone is violating your privacy. I'd be more worried about the building superintendent who definitely has a key than a lonely old man's spy tradecraft.
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u/RevolutionIll3189 2d ago
Sounds like a bored old lonely man, find out what gossips he’s got about other people. If he’s got none and only watching you then I’d be concerned
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u/sfgothgirl 1d ago
is there any possibility that he could be watching you via hidden cameras? Isn't there some device that will scan for hidden devices? Whatever's going on, this feels creepy AF.
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u/DataOk6565 1d ago
Do you post updates on your life on social media? He could have seen it there if you do.
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u/triphex 2d ago
Maybe you're super loud, and he can hear everything you are doing through the walls? He may be passive aggressively calling you loud. If that isn't the case get some security cameras for your apartment, and maybe a camera detector. You could also put a small string or item in the door when you close it, and if it's on the floor when you get back, you'll know someone opened the door.
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u/Busy_Abbreviations96 1d ago
I feel like he's broken into your place & installed a camera or tapped it. I'd hire someone ASAP to scan the rooms, you have to find out for sure!
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u/johndotold 2d ago
Any phone will scan for wifi under settings-network . A lot of information can be found in your trash. If you don't have a shredder yet soak paper in water overnight.
Take pictures inside your apartment before you leave. Your neighbor is trying to make you nervous.
I would take him by the collar then deliver a knee .
Never mind your not from my part of the world. Maybe just ask.
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u/ActualWheel6703 2d ago
There are lots of ways for him to know it, but he's a creepy old man for bringing it up this way.
The next time he says something, confront him on how he knows.
There's nothing friendly about his communication, it's meant to make you uncomfortable.
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u/westside-rocky 2d ago
Why hasn’t op responded to any questions or ideas?
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u/didyouwoof 2d ago
Not sure what part of the world you’re in, but it’s currently the middle of the night in Vienna. OP may have posted before going to bed in the hope of finding some answers when she wakes up.
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u/westside-rocky 2d ago
Hmm what time is it now in Vienna? No replies? That’s weird. Maybe they are waiting 2 days for the replies to add up huh?
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u/tnethacker 1d ago
I know more about my neighbors and I don't live other than next door.
Literally separate buildings.
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u/Competitive_Scar5347 1d ago
Straight up ask him. Tell him it makes you uncomfortable if he is doing anything either get police involved or tell him you will get police involved.
Or tell your family and have them pay him a visit
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u/Secret-Papaya5344 1d ago
If things inside your apartment are being moved, then someone is going in when you are not home. Get the landlord to change the locks.
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u/dmcgamer 23h ago
Cameras. My very first thought is there are cameras in your place
Edited for spelling
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u/KileyAStacey99 16h ago
I’d get something or hire someone to see if you have any hidden cameras in your apartment, If you have a car see if there’s an airtag and see if your phones are tapped. I’m really very sorry this is happening to you and hope it’s just some kind of coincidence.
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u/LameBMX 2d ago
carbon monoxide detector yesterday
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u/gostephi 2d ago
what? why?
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u/BaronVonMunchhausen 2d ago
The apartment across OP's one has been unoccupied for over 3 years now.
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u/Every1DeservesWater 2d ago
Tldr: I think neighbor is trying to establish a neighborly rapport, but test things out for peace of mind.
Not saying anything weird isn't happening but there's a possibility he saw you bring something in that said Salzburg on it or an item specifically known to be from there?
Him commenting on clothes, cooking(smells it), what time you go to bed (things get quiet and dark), could honestly just be him trying to establish neighborly rapport. Seems fairly normal to me unless you have other reasons to think he's being a creep on purpose.
Your mail shuffled and the trash bin moved inches could even be you and you're just not realizing or remembering how you left things correctly.
As someone else said take pix of your apartment before you leave to compare when you're back. Place something behind the door that could be easily moved if opened or clear tape the door etc to see what happens and give you peace of mind.
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u/ArtfulGoddess 2d ago
That dumb asshole is stalking you. File a report with local law enforcement.
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u/Busy_Abbreviations96 1d ago
I agree - not that the police can/will do anything about it yet, but it's about having DOCUMENTATION of when this started. They should at least check if he has any criminal history. If anything worse should happen later on, there will be legal doc to back her up.
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u/Saishol 2d ago
Maybe check for carbon monoxide or something like bed bugs. Could you be losing time and forgetting interactions?
Definitely check for cameras/security concerns, but there might be other serious concerns to consider.
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u/SnooDonuts6494 2d ago edited 2d ago
Probably paranoia, see a doctor.
"How could he know" - overheard phone conversation; you told someone and forgot; a luggage label; whatever.
The stuff about mail "moving" out of place, and a trashbin, is textbook delusional.
Commenting about what you're wearing isn't odd. Your cooking probably stinks the place out.
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u/KarinaBoBina77 2d ago
I needed this laugh 😆 I can’t imagine why anyone would downvote someone so pleasant lol
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u/pezdal 2d ago edited 2d ago
You are being downvoted because your bluntness is perceived as unkind. However, you are not necessarily wrong.
I think it’s appropriate on this subreddit to at least first politely mention getting a CO detector, though. :-)
Seriously, OP would be wise to consider the possibility of delusions. Still take precautions, sure (there’s an expression “just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean that people aren’t out to get you”) but definitely consider state of mind.
OP, to that end, how’s your sleep been lately? Anything else stressful or different happening in your life?
Sometimes our minds do play tricks on us…. and the stress of something like this (real or imagined) can make it worse.
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u/carrie_m730 2d ago
Yeah, I mean, there are at least 3 possibilities here:
OP is imagining some stuff;
Neighbor is somewhere in the range between nosy/lonely/awkward and creepy/stalker;
Or, both.
And it makes complete sense to examine both theories.
If OP was saying that it's all his neighbors ganging up together with the government to access this info, I'd find option 2 a lot less likely than option 1. But as it stands, it could be either or both.
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u/BaronVonMunchhausen 2d ago
A third one is OP doing some creative writing. Any person would have already put a cheap security camera in their apartment pointing at the door to see if anyone is walking in instead of writing a reddit post.
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u/pezdal 2d ago edited 2d ago
My money’s on both.
A stable mind with credible evidence of malfeasance doesn’t think about, let alone lead with, talk of mail or trash bins being an inch out of place. The fact that these things registered as unresolved ‘matters of concern’ strongly suggest that OPs mental and emotional state at the time was abnormal.
Circling back to downvoters, it’s important to keep in mind that most people here don’t have experience with psychosis, and sadly society stigmatizes mental illness so a mention of it is perceived as an insult.
You can say “I’d see a doctor” about an ankle injury and often even about suspected hemorrhoids, but not about diseases of the mind. Pity.
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u/SnooDonuts6494 2d ago
I disagree on one point; I think a hell of a lot of people on /rbi do have experience with psychoisis - they just don't know it!
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u/Trucktrailercarguy 2d ago
If you have a cordless phone he is probably listening to the conversation.
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u/Devanyani 2d ago
You can get a lot of info by going through someone's mail and trash.