Latest statistics say 80% of stalker victims are being tracked using Tech. What is one of the most popular ways to do it? A GPS tracker like AirTag. They are small enough to slip into a bag, pocket, or a car that is not detected by your car.
“Kim, this won't affect me.” I wish that was true. Maybe you have ex- or friends who don't make a fuss, or you've met strangers at bars or shops that were acting creepy. You are at risk. Did you drive along the US border? Yes, scammers are also targeting tourists.
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The good news is that your phone can alert you when it's with you. If everything else fails, the good old detective will work too. I'll show you how.
The biggest wi-fi mistake you didn't know you were making
The clock is ticking
Airtag will begin beeping 24 hours away from the owner. It gives stalkers plenty of time to contact you, especially if you're local. If a carjacker tag your vehicle, they can learn your routine and follow your home before you even know what's going on.
Rumors say Apple's Airtags 2 is scheduled for later this year and will have assembly technology. With modern air tags, you can rip the built-in speakers by tech-savvy stalkers, so you won't get alerts, but new ones should make it harder.
For now, you need to do everything you can to stay safe.
Apple Airtags don't have any strong technology yet. Other GPS trackers have similar issues. Read on and see what you can do to protect yourself. (Washington Post via Melina Mara/Getty Images)
Related: Creep is not the only airtag. I always throw one in my luggage.
Make sure that some settings are enabled on your iPhone.
- open setting > Privacy and security > Location Services. I'll switch from there Location Services and Find my iPhone. Next, head to System Services Turn on the power Important Places.
- Next, I'll go setting > bluetooth Toggle on bluetooth.
- I'm going setting > notification > Tracking notifications Toggle on Allow notifications.
- I'll open you now Find my app Tap item At the bottom of the screen. Tap Identifies the found items.
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On Android, the process is similar as long as your phone is running Android 6.0 or later. If not, you really need a new phone!
- open setting > position Toggle on Use the location, Wi-Fi Scan or Bluetooth scan. Go and turn on Bluetooth setting > bluetooth Switch to bluetooth.
- To verify that alerts are enabled, go to setting > Safety and emergency > Find unknown tracker alerts. Toggle on Allow alerts.
Alerts are not innocent
It's not just about tearing the speakers. Older tracking devices may not cause alerts, and savvy creep can reconfigure new trackers to keep them from being detected for months.
Bad actors can easily use GPS trackers against you. Here's how to check your car for the presence of these unwanted devices and remove what you find: (istock)
So, it's important to check your car from time to time, even if you haven't heard that telltale tail beep. First, grab the flashlight and mirror.
- Start outside your car. Look for spots where the tracker can be magnetically mounted, like a wheel well. Grill; Underside; Bumper; Around the exhaust pipe, roof or hood. Engine and battery terminals.
- In the car, check the seat gaps and pockets, dashboard, steering wheel, glove compartment and trunk. Look under the driver's spare tire and dashboard inside the in-flight diagnostic port.
If you can't find anything but feel uneasy, try a bug detector. This well-rated option ($37) Works in cars, houses, bags, etc.
The small hidden camera is now popular for creep. Here is my guide to camera spotting Rentals, dressing rooms, private spaces in the gym, or places you expect privacy.
I'm a technical expert: 10 AI prompts Prompts you always use
“I found a tracker. What's it now?”
Do not crush it or disable it. You want to give the police all the information they need to catch the person who planted it.
First, hold your iPhone or NFC device on the white side of the Airtag. Tap the notification that pops up to see information about the owner. Write down your serial number and phone number so you can share it with the officer.
If you find an unwanted tracker, you will resist the temptation to destroy unwanted trackers. Police need them to get valuable information about stalkers. (James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
Next, make an aluminum foil envelope. Wrap the tracker inside to make sure there are no gaps or holes. This blocks any signal, so the person who installed it appears to be out of range. Take the tracker wrapped in foil to the police station. They will know how to pin who put it there.
Are you sneaking up or just fantasizing? It's a fine line. Read this if you can't shake the feeling “someone is watching.”
I've heard too many stories from the victim stalkers. I don't want you or your loved one to be another. Share this with the people in your life.
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