Airtag Stalking

I want to inform you of a rising issue: Airtag stalking.

The Apple Airtag is a coin-sized device that can help locate personal items that rolled out last year. While these devices were created with the intention of finding lost items, they are now frequently being used by stalkers to track the location of people.

The Airtags seem to be most often hidden in cars to track a person’s location. If an Airtag has been separated from its owner for 8-24 hours, it will chirp to alert bystanders that it is there. The Apple iPhones that can run iOS 14.5 have a built-in system for alerting the user when they have been followed by an Airtag that does not belong to them.

If you use an Android device and are worried about Airtag stalking, the Tracker Detect app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and allows you to track any unknown Airtags. While this app is helpful, it does not have the same capabilities as the iPhone and the user must enter the app and scan for Airtags manually, rather than automatically. Below are two links that describes how to locate an unknown Airtag and steps to follow to disable the tag and following up with law enforcement for both Apple and Android Devices.

Apple Devices: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227

Android Devices: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/android-users-get-this-apple-app-if-you-dont-want-airtags-tracking-you/

In the age of technology, it is important for you to know how to protect yourself from cyberstalking. Check out the infographic to learn more about the steps you can take to protect yourself online.

If you or someone you know is being stalked, contact Hands of Hope at 765-664-0701 and find out how we can help. #handsofhope