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It is clear that some big malls are tracking all the wifi-enabled mobile phones before they are connected to the network... How can this be done?
I have a similar issue... how to get the MAC address of a mobile phone when it comes near my network but is not connected to it.
Most WiFi enabled devices broadcast their Mac address when probing for networks to join in the vicinity.
By placing your own WiFi device in promiscuous/listening mode and utilizing a tool like Aircrack-ng, you can see and record all broadcast traffic enabling you to see if a device with a specific MAC address comes within earshot of your listening device.
See: Is your smartphone broadcasting your movements when you shop?
