How to Tell if You’re Being Tracked: A Guide to Devices, Signs, and Safety

Several types of tracking devices are available on the market today, many of which are designed for legitimate uses. However, when used improperly, they can infringe on privacy or, worse, contribute to serious criminal activity.

Here are some common devices used for tracking:

1. Apple AirTags: Apple’s AirTags were introduced as a way to help people find lost items. These small devices can be attached to keys, bags, and other personal belongings. However, they have been misused for unwanted tracking, with reports of stalkers and thieves using AirTags to track individuals or vehicles without consent.
2. Tile Trackers: Similar to Apple AirTags, Tile Trackers allow users to locate lost items via Bluetooth. While their range is limited compared to GPS devices, they can be used for tracking when placed in an unsuspecting person’s belongings.
3. GPS Trackers: These devices use the global positioning system (GPS) to provide real-time location data. They are often used for legitimate purposes like tracking fleet vehicles or monitoring children, but they can also be easily hidden in cars, bags, or clothing to track someone without their knowledge.
4. Smartphones and Wearables: Modern smartphones and wearables, such as smartwatches, have GPS and location-tracking capabilities. With the right software or app, someone could be tracked without their knowledge if their device is compromised.

 

Being aware of the signs that you might be tracked is essential for maintaining your safety. Here are some indicators that you could be the target of unauthorized tracking:

1. Unfamiliar Devices: If you find an unfamiliar object, such as a small tag, USB, or electronic device in your bag, car, or personal belongings, it could be a tracking device. Apple AirTags, for example, are small, coin-shaped devices that can easily be hidden.
2. Strange Behavior from Your Phone: If your phone is being tracked, it may display unusual signs. These could include unusually rapid battery drain, overheating, or increased data usage. Someone may have installed tracking apps without your consent.
3. Unexpected Alerts: Apple AirTags, for example, have a built-in safety feature that alerts iPhone users if an unknown AirTag is following them. If you receive this notification and aren’t expecting it, it may be a sign that someone is tracking your location.
4. Noise from Tracking Devices: Apple AirTags and other similar devices may emit a sound when they have been separated from their owner for a prolonged period. If you hear an unfamiliar sound coming from your car or bag, investigate it.
5. Your Location History Seems Compromised: If you notice that someone seems to know where you have been without you telling them, or you receive unexpected visitors in places you haven’t shared, your location may be compromised.

 

While some tracking occurs in legitimate contexts, there are unfortunately more sinister motives behind unwanted tracking. Here are a few reasons someone may attempt to track another person:

1. Stalking: Stalkers may use tracking devices to monitor their victim’s movements, often without the victim’s knowledge. This behavior can cause significant emotional distress and fear.
2. Theft: Criminals may use tracking devices to follow a person’s location and target high-value possessions. For example, a thief might track a car’s location with a hidden GPS device.
3. Human Trafficking: Traffickers use technology to monitor and control victims. Tracking devices can be used to keep tabs on the location of individuals, making escape or reaching out for help more difficult. The use of tracking technology in human trafficking has become a growing concern in recent years.

 

Human trafficking remains a major global issue, and technology has played an increasingly significant role in facilitating it. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), human trafficking affects an estimated 27.6 million people globally in 2021, and that number has risen in the past few years. Tracking devices allow traffickers to monitor victims more effectively, further complicating efforts to rescue those being exploited.

In the U.S., Polaris, an organization that operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline, reported over 10,000 human trafficking cases in 2022 alone, with the majority of these cases involving the use of technology in some form. Additionally, stalking through the use of tracking technology is a rising concern. According to a 2021 study, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 13 men have experienced stalking in their lifetime, and many cases involve technology misuse, such as GPS or Bluetooth trackers.

 

If you suspect that you are being tracked, whether by an AirTag, GPS device, or other means, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are some steps to protect yourself:

1. Conduct a Physical Search: Check your personal belongings, vehicle, and home for any unknown devices. Be thorough, as these devices are often small and easy to hide.
2. Use Technology to Detect Devices: There are apps designed to detect Bluetooth-enabled devices like AirTags, including the Find My app on iOS and third-party apps for Android. These apps can alert you to nearby trackers.
3. Disable Tracking: If you locate a tracking device, turn it off if possible, or remove its battery. This can prevent further tracking. Additionally, ensure that location-sharing services on your phone are turned off unless absolutely necessary.
4. Report to Authorities: If you find a tracking device, especially if you suspect it may be part of a stalking or trafficking situation, contact law enforcement immediately. They can help investigate and provide protection.
5. Get Help from Experts: Organizations like Polaris and local support groups for victims of stalking or trafficking can provide resources, counseling, and legal assistance if needed.