How to avoid being tracked with Apple AirTags – and what you must do if you think you’re being stalked

AN EXPERT has warned of the actions to take to avoid being tracked by Apple AirTags and what to do if you think you are being stalked.

Abusers and stalkers are among those misusing Apple AirTags to track the locations and belongings of unwanted consumers, according to reports.

Apple AirTags are small tracking devices intended for people to locate their personal items like their keys or wallet.

Consumers are now being warned, however, that "bad actors" have been using the trackers to cause harm to unsuspecting people.

Customers that don't use Apple products are likely more at risk to be tracked by the coin-sized device because Apple users receive a notification after 72 hours if an unknown AirTag is nearby.

Morgan Wilson, an expert on the rise of sexual and domestic violence by the aid of technology at Northeastern’s Domestic Violence Institute, told The Sun that even if consumers do receive a notification, 72 hours is far too late.

"Think of all the things you would do in three days in the course of your normal life," Wilson said.

"Now this abusive party has GPS monitoring, to pinpoint the location as to where all of those things you are doing are."

Wilson says that in her experience, the people who have been targeted the most with this new technology are people in abusive relationships that are tracked by their partners, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

"I think one of the challenges of this technology is that not everybody will recognize that this sort of electronic stalking is abuse."

Wilson said that if you suspect you are being stalked or domestically abused, you should consider questions regarding your personal belongings.

Wilson said important questions to ask yourself include who owns your device or pays for it? Do they have access to it? Also, who pays for the Wi-Fi?

The expert also gave multiple tips to avoid being tracked with AirTags.

Wilson first advises to be aware of your surroundings and know when you think that someone is following you or tracking you, electronically or not.