In a shocking turn of events, criminals in Montreal, Canada, have been using Apple AirTags to track and steal vehicles, with reports of a recent surge in such incidents. Vermont Police officers have issued a warning after two residents discovered AirTags attached to their cars following trips to Montreal.
One of the victims, Ethan Yang, found an AirTag attached to his car’s grille after returning from a visit to Montreal. Using his phone, Yang was able to make the AirTag beep and locate the device, which had been discreetly placed in the front grille of his vehicle.
According to Ryan McLiverty, a cyber analyst at the Vermont Intelligence Center, there has been an increase in criminal activity involving the use of AirTags to track and steal cars in Montreal, with the stolen vehicles being sold overseas.
Moreover, there are concerns that these AirTags may also be utilized for tagging vehicles involved in drug trafficking across the border. This alarming trend has raised fears among residents and law enforcement agencies about the potential misuse of AirTags for criminal activities.
To address these concerns, Apple has incorporated built-in safety features in AirTags, including alerts if the device gets too far from its owner’s iPhone. Additionally, Android phones can detect unknown Bluetooth trackers like AirTags, and Apple offers a Tracker Detect app to locate them.
As the authorities work to combat this new wave of vehicle theft using AirTags, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from being tracked and targeted by criminals using this technology.