A woman has horrified the internet after opening a small package that she found attached to her car, only to discover that it’s a Bluetooth tracking device.
Melanie Beaudet posted a video on TikTok (@miss_melanie_dance) of the moment she opened the tightly wrapped object that had been placed inside the trailer hitch of her car. After unraveling the layers of tape and plastic, she was distraught to find an Apple AirTag, a tracking device to help people find personal items.
Beaudet, of Montreal, Canada, explained to Newsweek that she took the original hitch cover off her car on August 20, and it wasn’t replaced straight away. By August 25, she realized the mistake and went to put the hitch cover back on, only to find that “there was another cap there, which wasn’t ours.”
After taking the new cover off and inspecting it, she found the small object inside and began to fear the worst.
Melanie Beaudet unwrapping the Apple AirTag she discovered on her car on August 25.
@miss_melanie_dance / TikTok
“I could see a metal pencil sharpener in the package, and there was a beeping, but I wasn’t sure it came from the package. So, I decided to open it up. Only after removing the electrical tape did I confirm it was an AirTag,” Beaudet said.
“I was terrified and so confused. We have four children, including a son who uses this car, so we thought it might have happened when he parked somewhere without us.”
Beaudet reviewed footage from the security camera outside her home, which uncovered two shocking moments.
“We found two videos of a guy. The first video is him walking down our driveway and looking around. Then the second, 20 minutes later, is him walking to the hitch, popping it in and running away,” she told Newsweek.
Beaudet reported the device and the security footage to local police, who are now in possession of the AirTag. Newsweek has contacted local police for comment.
The motive is not clear, but Beaudet believes it could have been for car theft, or perhaps to know when the car is gone so they knew when the house was empty.
“I never imagined that I would find an AirTag on our family vehicle. It has definitely opened my eyes to our new reality,” she added.
Apple AirTag Safety
In a statement released in 2022, Apple announced that it “condemn[ed] in the strongest possible terms” any misuse of its products. It added that the AirTag was designed to help people locate personal items, such as a wallet or luggage, and not for tracking other people or their property. Newsweek has contacted Apple for comment regarding this particular case.
The statement reads: “We have been actively working with law enforcement on all AirTag-related requests we’ve received. Based on our knowledge and on discussions with law enforcement, incidents of AirTag misuse are rare; however, each instance is one too many.”
Each AirTag has a unique serial number and is associated with an Apple ID, meaning that Apple can provide account information when requested under subpoena or by law enforcement.
Gene Petrino, co-founder of Survival Response LLC and retired SWAT Commander told Newsweek that experiences like Beaudet’s are “alarming” and shouldn’t be taken lightly. He suggested that the cheap price of an AirTag makes them highly accessible, and their small size makes them easy to hide.
“It’s a modern issue that innovations meant to make our lives easier can be twisted into something harmful,” Petrino said. “You could stick one under a car, slip it into a bag, or attach it to something without the person ever noticing. Unless you’re actively looking for it, you’d never know it’s there.”
However, there are ample ways for people to protect themselves. The first step, Petrino explained, is to be aware of the possibility and look out for any potential dangers. He recommended habitually searching inside cars, bags and homes to look for anything unusual or new.
Petrino said: “One of the best habits is regularly checking personal belongings. It doesn’t have to be a huge effort, just a quick look under your car, in your bag, or around your home. Making this a routine can go a long way.
“There are apps that are designed to help you scan for unfamiliar devices that might be lurking nearby. They can alert you if there’s something suspicious in your vicinity, giving you the chance to take action. And there are also specific devices that can help you locate a hidden AirTag or similar tracker.”
Staying one step ahead is the key, according to Petrino, who urges people to report any misuse of tracking devices to law enforcement as quickly as possible.
The Social Media Response
After posting about her ordeal on TikTok, Beaudet has been amazed by the response. She initially shared the video as she had so many questions about what to do, but she received an overwhelming amount of support and advice from internet users.
She hopes this will educate people on the potential safety risks that are out there and encourage them to stay vigilant.
Beaudet told Newsweek: “People have been very supportive and have shared their own experiences with me. I am answering questions daily to try to help everyone get caught up. We still have so many questions, especially as to why there was a pencil sharpener in there.”
In just a matter of days, the viral TikTok post has already generated over 4,300 comments from shocked social media users. One comment reads: “Omg!!!! Police. Immediately.”
Another TikToker wrote: “Not me screaming the entire time GLOVES!”
“Someone is tracking you, please go to the police,” added another person.
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