The AirTags are Apple's solution for users to keep track of their belongings, such as keys, luggage, and other day-to-day items. However, the accessory has also been known to be involved in vehicle thefts over the years, which made Apple announce a feature that notified users if an AirTag was traveling with them. In Montreal, Canada, reports state that thieves are using Apple's AirTag accessory for vehicle theft, and the Vermont authorities have taken note of the situation.
AirTags are being used by criminals in Montreal - Canada, to track and steal vehicles
Apple announced a feature for iPhone and Android users to notify them if an AirTag is following them. While the feature works perfectly, it still does not entirely prevent theft, and according to news publication sites WCAX and NBCS (via 9to5mac), the police in Burlington - Vermont, have issued a warning to drivers who recently visited Canada.
Two people from Burlington who were visiting Montreal discovered AirTags in their vehicle, and the authorities mentioned that these were not the first reports regarding the situation. Ethan Yang stated that he went to visit his family in Montreal, and after coming back, he received a notification on his phone saying that an AirTag was following him. Yang used his iPhone and Find My application to locate the AirTag traveling with him in his vehicle.
“They could be identifying vehicles that could be stolen and shipped abroad as part of a car theft ring,” said Ryan McLiverty a cyber analyst with the Vermont Intelligence Center. He says these incidents have been going on for a while but they’re noticing a new spike, where criminals in Montreal use the technology to track cars, steal them, and sell them.
“Criminals are increasingly using technology to target individuals and sometimes just knowing the basic security features of those devices can go a long way,” he said.
A cyber analyst in the Vermont Intelligence Center, Ryan McLiverty, states that there has been a spike in theft with the AirTag accessory involved, even though it has been happening for a while. Thieves place AirTags in the cars to track them later before stealing the vehicle and selling them abroad. If you are a traveler, be sure to keep an eye on your iPhone or Android notifications, as Apple has built a dedicated feature that detects AirTags that do not belong to you but are traveling with you. We will update you guys on the latest, as soon as further information is available.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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