How AirTags Are Being Misused to Track Cars in California

Apple AirTags were designed to help people locate misplaced items like keys, wallets, or luggage. They are small, lightweight, and easy to carry—making them convenient for legitimate purposes. But in recent years, AirTags have increasingly been misused to secretly track people, often by slipping a device into a vehicle. In California, where privacy protections are strong, this kind of tracking can raise serious legal and safety concerns. Understanding how AirTags work, the warning signs of unauthorized tracking, and the role a private investigator in California can play in detecting them is essential for anyone concerned about their privacy.

How AirTags Work

AirTags rely on Apple’s Find My network, which uses millions of iPhones and other Apple devices to detect the location of a nearby AirTag. When an AirTag is within range of an Apple device, it silently transmits its location to the device owner through iCloud. For lost keys or luggage, this feature is helpful—but in the wrong hands, it can become a tool for harassment or stalking.

The device doesn’t require a direct connection to your phone; it works passively in the background. This is what makes AirTags so effective—and so potentially dangerous when used to monitor someone without their consent.

How AirTags Are Being Used to Track Cars

Unfortunately, reports across California show AirTags being hidden in vehicles for nefarious purposes. Someone could slip an AirTag under a car seat, inside the trunk, or taped to the underside of the vehicle. Once in place, the device provides constant location updates to the person who planted it, allowing them to follow your movements without ever being physically present.

This misuse has appeared in several situations, including:

• Domestic disputes or divorces, where one spouse secretly tracks the other’s vehicle.

• Custody disputes, where parents may attempt to monitor the other’s movements.

• Stalking cases, where a stranger or acquaintance monitors someone’s daily routine.

• Theft schemes, where criminals use AirTags to track a car to a location where it can be stolen.

  
  

While Apple has introduced safety measures—such as alerts on iPhones when an unknown AirTag is detected—these notifications are not always reliable. Android users, for example, will not receive an automatic alert unless they download Apple’s “Tracker Detect” app, leaving many people unaware they are being tracked.

Warning Signs That You May Be Tracked

Detecting an AirTag in your vehicle can be difficult because the devices are small and discreet. However, there are several warning signs that may indicate you are being monitored:

• Your iPhone displays an alert such as “AirTag Found Moving With You”.

• You hear unexplained beeping noises coming from your car or personal belongings.

• You repeatedly notice small, unfamiliar objects in your car during routine cleaning.

• Your iPhone or other Bluetooth devices experience unexpected battery drains, which could indicate a nearby tracker transmitting data.

• People seem to know your location or routine without explanation, suggesting your movements are being monitored.

Paying attention to these signs can help you catch unauthorized tracking before it becomes a more serious safety or legal issue.

Legal Considerations in California

Using an AirTag to track someone without their knowledge can violate California privacy laws. Penal Code § 637.7 makes it illegal to use an electronic tracking device to determine another person’s location without consent.

Even if you own the vehicle, tracking a spouse, co-parent, or partner in family law situations can still be illegal. California courts have emphasized that individuals retain an expectation of privacy, even in a vehicle registered to someone else. In divorce or custody disputes, placing a tracking device on a car can backfire, potentially resulting in legal penalties or the evidence being excluded in court.

How GRI Investigative Group Can Help

Finding a hidden AirTag on your own is challenging. These devices are intentionally designed to blend in, and a casual inspection may not reveal their presence. That’s where GRI Investigative Group comes in. We specialize in Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) sweeps throughout California.

Our investigators use advanced Bluetooth and RF detection equipment to locate both active and passive trackers, even when they are cleverly concealed under seats, in trunks, or behind dashboards. With decades of law enforcement experience, our team knows the most common hiding spots and can safely remove suspicious devices.

Importantly, we also provide professional documentation of any devices found. This can be critical in family law cases, custody disputes, restraining orders, or other legal proceedings where proof of unauthorized tracking is needed.

Protect Your Privacy and Safety

If you suspect that someone may be using an AirTag or another hidden tracker to follow your car, it’s essential to take action quickly. Ignoring the signs can compromise your safety and privacy. By contacting GRI Investigative Group in California, you can have your vehicle professionally inspected, any hidden devices removed, and peace of mind restored.

Your privacy and safety are worth protecting. Don’t let a small device compromise your life. Schedule a confidential consultation with GRI Investigative Group today and let our experienced investigators ensure your vehicle is clear and secure.