This week’s roundup of thefts and scams involving Apple gear highlights a troubling trend of opportunistic crime—from store lines to AirTag stalking.
From Waiting in Line to Getting Home Safe
A man waiting more than 40 hours in a Best Buy line in West Hollywood for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary cards had his iPhone 17 Plus stolen early in the morning of September 16. After tracking the device, authorities discovered the thief had dropped it, and the original owner got the phone back without pressing charges. The incident happened after he began waiting on the afternoon of September 14.
In Nevada, a customer at Nugget Casino lost an iPhone in mid-August. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man who allegedly took it from another patron, based on details like his purple sweatshirt and Nike shoes.
Employees, Impersonators & Exploitation
A Florida man in Hialeah was arrested after being fired and later accused of stealing 30 iPads from his former employer’s warehouse, allegedly pawning some of them for quick cash. The loss was pegged at roughly $12,000.
In Sarasota, Florida, a 42-year-old reportedly donned a Walmart vest to impersonate staff, gaining access enough to steal three Apple Watches. Police caught him with the watches and a firearm, resulting in multiple charges.
Scams Unravelled by Device Tracking
An elderly woman in Connecticut lost almost $28,000 in an “Apple Security” phone scam, where the perpetrator falsely claimed her Social Security number was under threat. Her case broke when a witness spotted a Porsche tied to the operation and the scammer’s abandoned iPhone was traced back to him, leading to his arrest.
In New Jersey, a stolen car was located after police followed the Bluetooth signal from stolen AirPods. The suspect was found with the stolen goods and arrested after making threats to an officer, facing charges including theft, receiving stolen property, and resisting arrest.
The Dark Side of Everyday Tech
A 19-year-old in North Carolina allegedly broke into a vehicle and stole an iPad Pro, AirPods, a wallet, purse, and medication. Police used pinged AirPods to trace the individual to his home. The man faces multiple felony charges including breaking and entering a motor vehicle.
In Ohio, a man was arrested for allegedly stalking a woman using an AirTag planted on her vehicle along with issuing threats. He was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for menacing by stalking.
Beyond the U.S.: Counterfeit Apple Devices in Georgia
Authorities in Georgia (the country) arrested a man allegedly distributing imitation iPhones to pawn shops. The case involves multiple fraud and forgery charges tied to manufacturing and selling fake devices.
These stories show a surge not only in high-profile tech thefts but also in scams, impersonations, and misuse of tracking devices. In many cases, finding stolen gear hinged on using device tracking or Bluetooth signals–tools that Apple builds tightly into its ecosystem. It’s a reminder that users should stay vigilant: secure your devices, know what monitoring tools they offer, and never trust urgent warnings claiming to be from Apple—or law enforcement.
Why It Matters This string of Apple-related crimes underscores a widening opportunity for criminals: exploiting the overlap of high-value tech and personal security. As devices become smarter and more connected, they’re also becoming focal points for theft, fraud, and stalking. Watch out for warning signs—imposter security alerts, unfamiliar tracking devices, suspicious activity in public—and know your rights: tracking your device and reporting crimes can make all the difference.
