Stalking has never been easier.
With the newly released Apple AirTag, tracking someone’s location has never been easier. This new product allows Apple users to track anyone and anything. Reports of unwanted tracking are sprouting up everywhere AirTags are available. Car theft, burglary, and even stalking have begun to emerge as a result.
AirTags are very small devices that use an already existing technology known as Bluetooth LE, a more optimized version of Bluetooth. Unlike its cousin GPS, Bluetooth has no need for satellites to track your position. Apple devices use NFC technology, which can ping the location of an AirTag to alert users of their location. For example, if you are driving down a highway, everyone within your approximate radius can ping your location to the owner of the AirTag. Granted, this device depends heavily on NFC technology being present within other devices.
Apple’s advanced technology is also cheap and affordable. Starting prices for the device are $25. Apple also sells the device in packages of four for $99. AirTags comes with Apple’s signature logo of a bitten apple. The device is fairly thin; it is almost the shape and size of an American dollar coin. The device is bright white in color and features a shiny metal piece on its back. Because of its small form factor, the device can fit between most surfaces. For instance, car rims, clothing pockets, purses, and many other places.
Though Apple has failed to stop many would-be criminals, they have found some success working with law enforcement all over the world. Whether you know the perpetrator or not, Apple can not disclose the private information of its customers. While you have limited options, it’s wise to contact a Tulsa protective order attorney to seek help obtaining a restraining order in the meantime. Exes and thieves may try to harm you or steal your property – act before it is too late.
How to Discover Unwanted AirTags
For those wanting to search for AirTags near them, Apple has a feature that alerts users of nearby AirTags. While you would think this should make finding AirTags easy, that is far from the truth. First, Android users have no built-in features that detect AirTags in their vicinity. Secondly, users can experience false positive alerts of unknown devices following them. Any product using Bluetooth LE technology may appear as an alert when traveling.
Devices that belong to other users are no exception. Apple Airpods have an exclusive bug that falsely alerts Apple products of a device following its users. An upcoming update plans to resolve this issue. Even non-Apple devices may interfere with the NFC chip as they show up as unknown devices since iPhones may not recognize the product. iPhone users may receive an alert notifying them that a device has been following them.
IOS 12 and below does not support Apple’s Find My feature, so there is no way of identifying the device tracking you with built- infeatures. Android users must use an external app to determine if there is AirTag or any other tracking device near them. If none of these options are available, you can stop AirTag tracking you by manually searching for the device in your car.
Susceptible places include:
- Headrest,
- Door pockets,
- Beneath the car seat
- Car trunk
- Wheels and hubcaps
- Armrest
- Sun visor or pull-down mirror
AirTags emit a beeping noise if a device is away from its owner for an extended period of time. Some reports state that this can happen after 3 days. However, if someone follows you or tracks your location without your termination, call a Tulsa divorce attorney immediately. Attorneys can assist you in contacting the police and setting up a protective order to prevent your stalker from contacting you.
Reporting and Stop AirTag Tracking
Once you discover the AirTag, you can turn it in to the authorities to have them search NFC ID and locate the culprit via their tracking technology. Calling an attorney is also a wise decision as they can help you establish a protective order. An ex or former significant other tracking you without your permission is an invasion of privacy. A well-equipped lawyer can assist people who feel threatened by the prospect of a stalker.
If you plan on placing a tracking device on your spouse without their permission, think again. Apple and law enforcement agencies all over the world are working together to prevent would-be stalkers from tracking people anonymously. If you or anyone you know plans on tracking a former significant other, consider calling an attorney for advice on the legality of your actions.
Those wanting to stop AirTag tracking can do so immediately upon finding the AirTag. Apple created instructions that explain how to disable the device without completely destroying it. To disable it, place the AirTag into your left hand and place your right hand on top of the device, then press down firmly and rotate the shiny backpiece. While still applying pressure, turn the back of the AirTag counterclockwise until the cover comes off. With the cover removed, users can take out the battery, rendering the device inactive.
Users should understand that tampering with the device could alert the owner. Law enforcement may not use the device as evidence if you tamper with it. Call an attorney immediately if you plan on seeking legal action. By calling a divorce attorney in Tulsa, you can gain contact with law enforcement without alerting your ex.
Initial Consultation With a Restraining Order Attorney
If someone is tracking you, or you want to track someone else, call a legal professional who knows what is legal and what is not. You may find legal ways to keep an eye on your former significant other. Divorce of Tulsa Law Office offers you a low-cost consultation on how to stop AirTag tracking.
Call 918-924-5526 to set up your initial consultation. You can also click here to submit questions.