Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Bugolini
Apple's AirTag has become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it helps us track our belongings, such as keys, wallets, and even cars. On the other hand, it allows people with nefarious purposes to spy on us, as they plant the pill-shaped device in all kinds of places where spotting it is nearly impossible.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office warns through the voice of Sheriff Del Garcia that the number of cases where bad actors misuse the AirTags keeps growing, including in local communities.
A Facebook post published earlier this week reveals that some people in the region have already found "some of these devices in or on their personal property," likely planted by criminals who wanted to track them.
Del Garcia explains that most often, AirTags facilitate stalking, car thefts, or other "sinister purposes." As a result, if you receive a notification that an AirTag is tracking you, the only option is to locate the device and immediately disable it, the sheriff says.
In his post, Del Garcia explains that you must find the AirTag's serial number, so you should write it down or take a screenshot. The serial numbers can be used as evidence for a potential investigation, as they help law enforcement find the AirTag owner. Police can request Apple to reveal the account associated with an AirTag, and from there, officers can obtain more information, including personal details, to track down a suspect.
The next mandatory step is to shut down the AirTag. Because the device uses a removable battery (not a built-in unit that requires recharging), the only way to do this is to remove the CR2032 battery. To do this, push down and twist counterclockwise on the white side of the AirTag. You should now be able to take the cover off and remove the battery.
However, the most important recommendation is aimed at people who feel they are at risk. AirTags can be used for stalking vulnerable targets, so the sheriff explains that you must call the police when you receive a notification that an AirTag tracks you. Do this if you feel at risk, the sheriff emphasizes.
Apple's pill-shaped tracker integrates anti-stalking protection, generating alerts displayed on nearby iPhones when moving with other smartphones. iPhone owners can make the AirTags emit sounds so they are easier to locate. Similar protections have also been integrated into Android after Google's operating system initially required users to download a stand-alone application from the Google Play Store for manual AirTag scanning.
Law enforcement in several US states recommend car owners to plant their own AirTags into vehicles in case they get stolen. AirTag location information can help police recover the vehicle faster, as they can track down the thief before they get a chance to remove the tracker.
A Facebook post published earlier this week reveals that some people in the region have already found "some of these devices in or on their personal property," likely planted by criminals who wanted to track them.
Del Garcia explains that most often, AirTags facilitate stalking, car thefts, or other "sinister purposes." As a result, if you receive a notification that an AirTag is tracking you, the only option is to locate the device and immediately disable it, the sheriff says.
In his post, Del Garcia explains that you must find the AirTag's serial number, so you should write it down or take a screenshot. The serial numbers can be used as evidence for a potential investigation, as they help law enforcement find the AirTag owner. Police can request Apple to reveal the account associated with an AirTag, and from there, officers can obtain more information, including personal details, to track down a suspect.
The next mandatory step is to shut down the AirTag. Because the device uses a removable battery (not a built-in unit that requires recharging), the only way to do this is to remove the CR2032 battery. To do this, push down and twist counterclockwise on the white side of the AirTag. You should now be able to take the cover off and remove the battery.
However, the most important recommendation is aimed at people who feel they are at risk. AirTags can be used for stalking vulnerable targets, so the sheriff explains that you must call the police when you receive a notification that an AirTag tracks you. Do this if you feel at risk, the sheriff emphasizes.
Apple's pill-shaped tracker integrates anti-stalking protection, generating alerts displayed on nearby iPhones when moving with other smartphones. iPhone owners can make the AirTags emit sounds so they are easier to locate. Similar protections have also been integrated into Android after Google's operating system initially required users to download a stand-alone application from the Google Play Store for manual AirTag scanning.
Law enforcement in several US states recommend car owners to plant their own AirTags into vehicles in case they get stolen. AirTag location information can help police recover the vehicle faster, as they can track down the thief before they get a chance to remove the tracker.
Google News