We have made it to another #FraudFriday!
How many Apple users do we have?? Apple has these nifty little things called AirTags, which when used correctly, are a really easy way to keep track of all your stuff. Unfortunately, there are those out there who are using these handy dandy devices for more nefarious reasons. In fact, AirTags are now being used for stalking people, tracking children, tracking police officers, and stealing cars. So, what is an AirTag, how does it work, and what should you do if you find one hiding somewhere? Let’s explore……
According to a Google search, an AirTag is a small, Bluetooth enabled tracking device from Apple that uses the Find My Network to help you locate lost things. They broadcast a signal that can be detected by a nearby Apple device which then relays the AirTag’s location to the owner’s device. AirTags are intended to track items such as keys, wallets, luggage, etc. and never for stalking people. Child predators are planting AirTags on children in order to track them. Imagine spending time at the park or the zoo or even Wal-Mart with your kids only to later discover one of these gadgets in a pocket. Worse yet, what if you don’t find it at all? Either way, you are home and now the stalker knows where you live. What stops them from showing up at your door fully prepared to rob you or take your child. All sorts of people have found unwanted or unknown AirTags in their backpacks, purses, pockets, even under their cars. How horrifying to know that people are that depraved.
Using AirTags to track people raises serious legal and ethical concerns. Stalking is illegal and this technology just adds another layer of complexity. In most cases, the victim doesn’t even know they are being followed until it is too late. Of course, the AirTag itself is not malicious, however any technology can be used as a weapon when it falls into the wrong hands. AirTags are small and highly affective at tracking. Mixing that with the widespread use of Apple products and criminal minds gives a whole new set of challenges for law enforcement and those of us who like our privacy. And, there are those jealous or controlling types who use them to track their partners every move, usually unbeknownst to the significant other.
If you find a hidden AirTag, push down and twist counterclockwise on the back of it to remove the cover and take out the battery. If you feel you are in danger, please get to a safe place and notify law enforcement immediately. Provide police with any information you may have about the AirTag and they can work with Apple to track the criminal down. Always be aware of your surroundings and never leave any of your belongings unattended in public. Let’s stay safe out there!
