BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) New concern over Apple Air Tags, small devices about the size of a quarter, that can be used to keep track of a backpack, or any object in which it is placed. While they are useful in finding a lost purse or misplaced wallet, we're also learning they come with a downside.
Some people are using these tags, to track other individuals without their permission. It can be done as simply as placing an Air Tag in someone's car or slipping one into their bag when they're not looking.
"They have tremendous legitimate purposes. You can attach them to a key chain, slide it into a wallet or purse," said Michael McCartney, National Director of Security for Avalon Cyber. "It's very easy to conceal one of these, anywhere, including a vehicle."
McCartney adds, it's extremely easy to use these for nefarious purposes. "You could be at a Christmas party and someone could drop one in your purse, or in your vehicle."
West Seneca Police are investigating two separate cases in which two women received messages on their phones indicating that an unknown accessory was detected near them, and could see their location.
McCartney, a former member of law enforcement, reminds us that the devices have serial numbers and have to be registered in order for the GPS location information to be transmitted back to the person who wants to get it.
"It's important to have the serial number so Apple can track it back to the person who registered it, with the help of police," he said.
Air Tags, also known as Tiles, would likely show up as a notification on your phone or on your vehicle's dashboard.
"The opportunity is right there, for bad guys" said McCartney. "They're so easy to conceal. But you're running afoul of the law. There is significant criminal liability. Stalking, for one. And depending on what other information gets transmitted back to the registrant, there are other types of felony charges that could be levied."
n most cases, McCartney said these tags are being used for legitimate purposes. But he says, in rare cases, it's the ex-husband, ex-wife,
ex-girlfriend or boyfriend, when they are used the wrong way and things can get kind of creepy and scary.
West Seneca Police issued this statement about recent incidents:
This is not widespread in our area but if you get an alert like this on your phone, you should immediately contact the police or drive to your nearest police station. The tags are small and can be hidden almost anywhere on a car, slipped into a purse, etc.
Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings! Worse than a car being stolen are the obvious potential nefarious uses of these devices to stalk or track someone. The use of such devices typically falls under NYS stalking laws which prohibit their use and which were signed into legislation as "Jackie's Law", named after a domestic violence victim and West Seneca resident.
