Apple’s AirTag device is recognized for averting significant problems, yet it can also be exploited, as revealed by a Florida couple. In Tampa, a couple fell victim to an attempted kidnapping after suspects reportedly attached an AirTag to their SUV to follow them home, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (as reported by the New York Post). Suspects Odardy Maldonado-Rodriguez and Luis Charles confronted the couple at gunpoint as they got out of their vehicle, compelling them into the garage. Luckily, a home security alarm went off, prompting the suspects to escape. Police subsequently discovered the AirTag hidden underneath the SUV. Both suspects were apprehended and charged with armed kidnapping, armed burglary, and illegal installation of a tracking device.

How to determine if an unwanted AirTag has been placed near you

This scenario is concerning, but Apple provides a solution:

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
2. Enable Location Services
3. Scroll down to System Services and activate Significant Locations
4. Turn on Bluetooth
5. Navigate to Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications
6. Enable Allow Notifications

Upon completing these actions, you will receive a notification if an unidentified AirTag is in your vicinity. Tapping the notification will launch Find My to assist in locating and removing the AirTag.

For Android users, follow these instructions to get alerts about unwanted tracking devices:

1. Navigate to Settings > Safety & emergency > Unknown tracker alerts
2. Enable Allow Alerts if it isn’t already activated.