PA Issues Apple AirTag Warning: How To Avoid Being Tracked

HARRISBURG — Apple AirTags were introduced last year as a way to deter theft and locate missing items, but there have been instances of the tracking device being used for stalking purposes.

The malicious use of the AirTags can result in a person's location and belongings without their knowledge or consent. AirTags can be placed in various places including in bags and pockets, under cars, inside of bumpers and the back of license plates.

That's prompted Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro to issue recommendations on how to avoid falling victim to inappropriate AirTag use.

"It’s vital all Pennsylvanians, especially women and survivors of sexual assault and abuse know about how these devices can be misused and turned into a threat,” Shapiro said in a statement. “In the wrong hands, these tracking devices could lead to disaster. Pennsylvanians should know what to watch out for and how to protect themselves.”

Shapiro advised people to take the following steps as safeguards:

• Listen for unfamiliar beeping. When an AirTag is separated from a familiar device for some time, the AirTag will start to make a beeping sound.

• If you find an unfamiliar AirTag, hold your smartphone up to it to receive information about the AirTag including its serial number. Write down the information, then disable the AirTag by using the instructions on the screen or by removing its battery before contacting police.

• If you have an Android device, download Tracker Detect from the Google Play Store. If you hear unfamiliar beeping, you can use Tracker Detect on your Android device to find any unfamiliar AirTags within your Bluetooth range. You will have to manually scan the area using the app, it will not scan for devices automatically.

• Tile, GPS Trackers, and similar products could potentially pose a similar risk. Check your personal belongings if you received any suspicious notifications of your location being tracked.

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