Two attorneys general, New York and Pennsylvania, have issued warnings to protect consumers from bad actors who are using Apple Airtags to track individuals and/or their belongings for harmful purposes.  Individuals have reported finding unknown AirTags attached to their cars, and in their purses, coat pockets, and other personal property.  Apple AirTags are small tracking devices intended to act as a key finder to help people locate their personal items. However, malicious individuals have been placing the small devices on people’s personal property, without their awareness, to track them.  This is particularly dangerous for women who are all too often the victims of stalking and violence.

The following are steps authorities suggest you take to protect yourself and your belongings:

• First of all DO NOT DESTROY THE DEVICE.  It could have been lost by its’ owner and/or be evidence for your police report.

1. Listen for unfamiliar beeping. When an AirTag is separated from a familiar device for at least 24 hours, the AirTag will start to make a beeping noise. If you hear this beeping noise, try to locate its source. AirTags can be stuck in various places including in bags and pockets, under cars, inside of bumpers, and the back of license plates. If you find an  AirTag, hold your smartphone up to it to receive information about the AirTag including its serial number. Write down this information, then disable the AirTag by using the instructions on the screen or by removing the AirTag’s battery.  Then report the incident to your local police
2. Watch for “Item Detected Near You” notifications on iPhones. If your iPhone has been close to an unfamiliar AirTag or other accessory for a prolonged period of time, you may receive a notification on the Find My application stating, “Item Detected Near You.” Tap this message and it will allow you to play a sound on the AirTag in order to find it. You will also be able to use the app to receive information about the AirTag and disable it. Be sure to write down any information you learn about the AirTag before disabling it and call your local police.  Apple is implementing new safety measures, so make sure you update your Apple device’s operating system regularly.
3. If you have an Android device, download Tracker Detect  or  AirGuard.  If you hear unfamiliar beeping, either of those apps will help you locate any unfamiliar AirTags within your Bluetooth range. Please note that you will have to manually scan the area using the app, it will not scan for devices automatically.
4. Check for updated guidance. Apple has issued guidance on how to deal with unknown AirTags or Find My alerts. If you come across any issues, check with Apple for updated guidance.