Watch out for Google alert on Android phones – it means someone may be stalking you

ANYONE with an Android phone should install an important app – or risk falling victim to a nefarious stalking tactic.

The app is totally free to download, and requires basically no effort to use.

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It's all linked to Apple AirTags: small electronic tags that can be attached to keys, backpacks, suitcases and more.

You can use Apple’s Find My app to locate these items if you ever lose them.

They tap into the Find My network of devices, which flags up if an AirTag is near one of the millions of gadgets in the ecosystem.

And when you’re near an AirTag, you can use  technology to accurately find the tag in a small space.

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But Apple has already faced a crisis with people using its AirTag trackers for stalking. Thankfully, your iPhone will alert you if you're being tracked.

But it's also possible to uncover AirTags using an Android phone.

How to find AirTag with Android phone

Apple has built an app for Android to help you uncover rogue AirTag trackers.

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It's called Tracker Detect, and will flag if a nearby AirTag is following you.

The standard alerting system on iPhone doesn't work on Android.

That's why Android users have to install Tracker Detect to find hidden AirTags.

It’s not a foolproof system, and sophisticated stalkers could still find ways to monitor you.

But ultimately, it’s possible that someone stalking you might prefer to use a third-party GPS tracker that has significantly fewer checks and balances than Apple’s gadget.

That's where Google's tracker-spotting feature would come in.

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You can also get advice from the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300, which operates Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm (except Wednesday 1pm to 4pm) in the UK.

In the US you can contact Victim Connect on 1-855-484-2846 for advice.

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