A woman from Goshen, Connecticut started receiving strange notifications on her iPhone.
The alerts warned her that an unknown AirTag was traveling with her.
At first, she dismissed it, but the notifications kept coming.
Every time she drove somewhere, her phone detected the same unknown device following her.
Finally, after a month of alerts, she decided to search her vehicle.
Hidden deep inside her front driver’s side wheel rim was an Apple AirTag: a $29 tracking device the size of a quarter.
Someone had been tracking her location in real time for weeks.
Connecticut State Police traced the device’s serial number to Anthony Magro, a 33-year-old man from Bridgeport.
The victim confirmed she had never met him.
A complete stranger had been stalking her movements without her knowledge.
After nearly a year of investigation, police finally arrested Magro, on electronic stalking charges.
This woman was lucky.
Her iPhone detected the rogue AirTag and warned her.
But what if she had an Android phone?
Or the stalker used a different brand of tracker?
Worse, what if the stalker used her own phone against her?
You need to know how to protect yourself from digital predators.
So, let’s dig in.
How Your Phone Betrays Your Location:
Tracking Devices Like AirTags:
Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTags, Tile, and Samsung SmartTags were designed to help you find lost items.
But criminals have weaponized them for stalking.
These tiny devices can be hidden in cars, bags, jacket pockets, or even slipped into someone’s belongings without their knowledge.
They update their location every time they pass near another smartphone on the same network.
Apps With Location Access:
How many apps on your phone have access to your location?
Social media apps, weather apps, shopping apps, many request location permissions they don’t actually need.
Each one is a potential leak of your movements.
Some apps share or sell your location data to third parties.
Photo Metadata:
Every photo you take with your smartphone contains hidden data called EXIF information.
This includes the exact GPS coordinates where the photo was taken.
When you share photos online, you might be broadcasting your home address, workplace, or daily routine.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Scanning:
Even when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, your phone broadcasts signals looking for known networks.
This creates a digital fingerprint that can be used to track your movements.
Bluetooth does the same thing, constantly searching for devices to pair with.
How to Protect Yourself From Digital Stalking:
Scan for Unknown Trackers:
iPhones automatically alert you to unknown AirTags traveling with you.
Android users should download Apple’s “Tracker Detect” app or use third-party apps like “AirGuard.”
Physically inspect your vehicle, bags, and belongings regularly, especially after dates with new people or conflicts with ex-partners.
Listen for beeping sounds, as most trackers will chirp if separated from their owner for extended periods.
Audit Your App Permissions:
Go through every app on your phone and review its permissions.
Disable location access for any app that doesn’t absolutely need it.
Set remaining apps to “Only While Using” instead of “Always.”
Delete apps you don’t use anymore, they’re just a liability.
Strip Photo Metadata:
Before sharing photos online, strip the EXIF data.
Most social media platforms do this automatically, but email and messaging apps often don’t.
Use apps designed to remove metadata or adjust your camera settings to stop recording location.
Secure Your Accounts:
Use strong, unique passwords for every account.
Enable two-factor authentication everywhere it’s available.
Review which apps and services have access to your accounts.
Watch for signs that someone has accessed your accounts without permission.
Physical Security Matters Too:
Be aware of who has physical access to your phone, car, and belongings.
Don’t leave your phone unattended in public.
If you suspect you’re being stalked, have a professional sweep your vehicle and belongings for trackers.
Drawbacks to Digital Privacy Measures:
Convenience Trade-Offs:
Disabling location services means losing features like maps, local weather, and location-based reminders.
You’ll need to manually enter your location more often.
Some apps may not function properly without location access.
Constant Vigilance Required:
New apps and software updates can reset your privacy preferences.
You’ll need to regularly audit your settings to maintain protection.
It’s an ongoing effort, not a one-time fix.
Technology Keeps Changing:
New tracking methods are constantly being developed.
What protects you today may not be enough tomorrow.
Staying informed about emerging threats requires ongoing attention.
Social Pressure:
Friends and family may want you to share your location with them.
Some apps require location sharing to function in social features.
You’ll need to balance privacy with social expectations.
The reality is that technology designed to make life convenient has created new ways for predators to hunt their victims.
The woman in Connecticut was stalked by a complete stranger who used a $29 device to track her every movement.
But she caught him because she paid attention to the warning signs.
Don’t ignore those notifications. Your privacy is your safety.
