Apple’s AirTag was supposed to help people find their lost keys or wallets, but some have turned this handy little device into something sinister.
This is the story of a man who escaped a cult, only to discover an AirTag hidden under his car, tracking his every move.
A tracking device under the car reveals a terrifying truth
This is what happened to Reddit user diamondhandsfordays. He found an AirTag stuck under his car and later learned it was from his ex-father-in-law. He freaked out and went online for advice, and people told him he should get involved with the police.
What started as a useful tool has turned sinister
At first, people were excited about Apple’s AirTag because it was cheap and could help them keep track of stuff like keys and wallets. Soon, however, it started being used by people with bad intentions to track others.
This kind of thing isn’t new, but AirTag works differently. It uses location data, not GPS, and sends out Bluetooth signals that owners can see.
An expert warned about this technology from the start
Eva Galperin, the director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told NPR that she was worried about AirTags even before their launch in the spring of 2021.
She said, “I was concerned ahead of their release as soon as I figured out how they worked. I was concerned very shortly after they were released when I started seeing reports of stalking and being contacted by people who were being stalked using these devices.”
Apple’s response to the misuse of AirTags
In 2022, after people used AirTags for unwanted tracking, Apple released a statement saying they started working more closely with law enforcement to handle misuse of their products. They explained that each AirTag has a special serial number tied to a person’s Apple ID account.
When the police request it, Apple can provide this information, helping them trace it back to the person responsible, who can then be arrested and charged.
Safety experts say not to go home if you’re being tracked
“If you have located the tracking device or have been notified that you’re being tracked, don’t go home!” information security professional James Nagle points out.
“If you feel in danger, go to the police or a public place and call 911 if you can’t reach a police station quickly. You don’t want the person tracking you to know any personal details about you, like where you live if you can help it.”
Gathering evidence is critical before contacting authorities
It’s also really important to gather evidence, like keeping the device safe, because messing with it could corrupt the proof.
“Take pictures of it and where you found it. Then, report it to the cops or talk to a tech lawyer for help on what to do next, like figuring out who put the tracker there and if it was lost or done on purpose,” says Star Kashman, legal scholar and founding partner of Cyber Law Firm.
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Staying vigilant can prevent dangerous situations
To stay safe and avoid getting tracked, we need to be aware of ourselves and our stuff, says Nagle. “If you’re at a bar or nightclub, trust your instincts and stay alert. If something feels off about someone, it probably is.”
“Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or the police for help if you feel unsafe. Remember, your personal safety is more important than anyone’s feelings you may hurt, so don’t feel compelled to be nice because you’re not sure.”
Regularly check your belongings for unwanted devices
“Regularly check your personal items for unfamiliar devices and learn how to detect trackers using apps like Find My,” recommends Kashman.
“Sometimes, an AirTag will make chirping noises to alert you. If you suspect you’re being tracked but haven’t been notified by your device, physically check your clothes, shoes, and car for a tracker. They can be sewn into clothes or hidden under your car,” says Nagle.
Technological safeguards are helpful but not foolproof
“Apple’s notification system is a good start after needing to add more measures, but there’s still much room for improvement across the industry to predict and prevent misuse of these technologies,” says Kashman.
She also warns us never to trust any technological device to be safe fully.
This chilling tale reminds us to prioritize our safety
If you think you’re being tracked, Kashman advises, “Call someone you trust and remain on the phone with them while you wait for the authorities to arrive. Use video calling if possible, and make it visibly clear that you are in a video call. Be sure to let them know your exact location.”
Please stay alert, trust your instincts, and always prioritize your safety — your well-being always comes first.
