AirTag Stalking On The Rise In California, Shoppers Cyberfollowed

CALIFORNIA — Two women shopping at a south Orange County Target learned they were being cyberfollowed by unknown people using an Apple AirTag, according to news reports.

An AirTag intuitive alert feature saying that someone was following their movements, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Apple believes a safety feature on the tags could have saved them and others from unknown trouble, according to a statement from that organization.

Orange County resident Adrianna Ballesteros told ABC7 that she realized the device was tracking her because she received an alert on her iPhone when she and her unidentified friend parted ways after a day of shopping.

When Ballesteros was dropped off, the separation from the AirTag was noted on her iPhone, startling her.

The alert read:

"Unknown accessory detected. This item has been moving with you for a while. The owner can see its location."

The notification showed a map outlining everywhere she had been with her friend, including her home.

The two deduced the AirTag was likely inside the car they just exited and the two women called 911.

Orange County sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene and searched the car but were unable to find the AirTag device, nor could it be located in any of their belongings, Orange County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Ryan Anderson told Patch.

This isn't the first time an AirTag was used for the purpose of cyberfollowing someone, as reported by "Good Morning America" Friday.

The tiny wireless device no larger than a button was slipped into the bag of Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooks Nader.

"I was at a bar in Tribeca [in New York City], with a coat on the chair behind me," she told "GMA." Nader received the same notification that an "unknown accessory was detected" by her iPhone. The device was in her coat pocket, unbeknownst to Nader.

"Check your belongings. Check your surroundings," she said.

Apple released a statement about the incident, touting AirTag's "set of proactive features to discourage unwanted tracking." The company said that this is "a first in the industry."

Apple said its device informs users if an unknown AirTag might be with them and should "deter bad actors from using an AirTag for nefarious purposes."

A History Of AirTag Cyberfollowing

Since the AirTag was released for public consumption, TikTok, Twitter and Reddit followers have shared stories of unusual tracking messages.

Los Angeles resident Ashley Estrada shared over TikTok her experience when her iPhone alerted that an AirTag was following her. As reported by the New York Times, Estrada was running errands when she received the notification.

"I felt so violated," she told the Times. "I just felt like, 'who's tracking me? What was their intent with me?' It was scary."

Estrada is not alone. TikTok is ripe with people sharing how they have found AirTags behind license plate frames, under car seats or tucked inside personal items. The concern is a new type of stalking for "follow home" crimes.

The Bluetooth technology is the key to how the devices are both detected and found, according to authorities. When the message from Apple appears, you can alert the device into making a sound, users say. Following the sound will lead to the tiny device. Then, according to a helpful TikTok tip, from @ios15trendytips, be sure to "be far away from your home" and simply remove the device's battery. Consider doing this at your local police or sheriff's station.

Tracking devices do have their purpose.

They can help you find lost items, remind you where you parked your car or locate the remote control in the couch cushions, in our experience.

However, at their worst, they can be used by people with criminal or other intentions, Anderson told Patch.

"It is important for community members to remain aware of their surroundings, keep bags, clothing and other items under close supervision to ensure a tracking device has not been surreptitiously placed on their person, vehicles or in other items," he said.

Ballesteros and her friend did the right thing in calling 911 upon realizing they were being cyberfollowed, Anderson said. "Anyone who believes they are being tracked without their express permission should contact their local law enforcement agency."

Related:

Novi Man Finds Apple AirTag Tracker On Car: Report