A woman in Fort Wayne, Indiana, got a shock when her iPhone alerted her to an unknown GPS tracker following her movements. She discovered the device, an off-brand AirTag called a Loshell Tag, zip-tied under her front bumper after days of searching with police help.
The Alarming Discovery
The incident unfolded in the early hours of August 22, 2025, when the anonymous woman received a notification on her phone about a tracker tailing her. She felt uneasy right away and started looking for it on her own.
For three days, she checked her car but found nothing. She reached out to local police, who joined her in the search. Finally, using the phone’s ping feature, she located the device hidden under the front bumper.
This kind of alert from smartphones has become more common as tech companies add safety features to detect unwanted trackers. The woman described the experience as feeling like she was constantly watched, which heightened her anxiety.
How Trackers End Up on Vehicles
GPS trackers like the one found are often placed secretly for various reasons, from personal disputes to more sinister motives like stalking. In this case, the Loshell Tag was attached with a zip tie, a simple method that keeps it secure but hidden.
Experts note that these devices can be bought online easily and require little skill to install. They work by sending location data to the person who placed them, sometimes in real time.
Similar incidents have popped up across the U.S. in recent years, with reports of trackers found on cars in states like Michigan and Texas. In one 2024 case, a woman in Detroit discovered a device after her phone warned her, leading to an arrest.
The rise in such events ties to the growing availability of affordable tracking tech. Sales of personal GPS devices jumped 15 percent in 2024, according to industry reports, fueled by both legitimate uses and misuse.
Common Hiding Spots and Detection Tips
Trackers are sneaky because they can be tucked away in spots that are hard to spot during a quick glance. Knowing where to look can make a big difference in staying safe.
Here are some frequent places where these devices get hidden:
- Under or behind the license plate, where they blend in with dirt and grime.
- Inside the gas tank door, out of sight during regular use.
- Deep within the wheel well, protected from weather and easy to overlook.
- Under bumpers or chassis parts, like in this Fort Wayne case.
To check for trackers, iPhone users can rely on built-in alerts, while Android owners should go to settings, then safety and emergency, and scan for unknown devices. Regular visual inspections of your vehicle also help.
Police Response and Investigation
Fort Wayne police responded quickly when the woman called for help. Officers assisted in the search and confirmed the device once found. They stressed that while these cases are not everyday events, awareness is key.
An investigation is underway to find out who placed the tracker and why. No arrests have been made yet, but authorities are treating it seriously as potential stalking.
Local law enforcement has seen a slight uptick in reports related to tracking devices, with five similar complaints in Allen County over the past year. This mirrors a national trend, where the FBI reported over 10,000 stalking cases involving tech in 2024.
Police advise anyone who suspects a tracker to contact them immediately and avoid tampering with the device, as it could be evidence.
| Year | Reported Stalking Cases with Tech (U.S.) | Common Devices Involved |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8,500 | AirTags, GPS units |
| 2024 | 10,200 | Off-brand tags, apps |
| 2025 (so far) | 6,800 (projected to rise) | Loshell Tags, magnets |
This table shows the growing issue, based on federal data, highlighting how tech misuse is climbing.
Broader Implications for Personal Safety
This Fort Wayne story highlights a bigger problem with privacy in the age of smart devices. With trackers becoming cheaper and more advanced, people face new risks to their safety.
Women’s safety groups have pushed for better laws, noting that 1 in 6 women experience stalking at some point, per recent studies. In 2025, states like California and New York passed rules requiring tech firms to improve detection features.
The woman involved wants her experience to warn others. She said it is not just about women but anyone who might be targeted. Keeping car doors locked is a simple step to prevent easy access for placing devices inside.
Experts recommend combining tech alerts with old-school habits, like parking in well-lit areas and varying daily routes if you suspect foul play.
Raising Awareness and Next Steps
Events like this remind everyone to stay vigilant. As tracking tech evolves, so do the ways to counter it, from apps to community watch programs.
In Fort Wayne, local workshops on digital safety are gaining popularity, teaching people how to spot and report suspicious activity. This incident could spark more such efforts in the area.
Share your thoughts in the comments below or pass this article along to friends who might benefit from the tips. Staying informed could help prevent similar scares.
