Bluetooth security risks

In a discussion about Air Tags, one neighbor said not to leave Air Tags in a car because thieves could scan for it. Another neighbor replied,

In terms of the concern of leaving an AirTag in a purse in a car, that is not something thieves can determine. It is expensive devices like laptops which emit Bluetooth that thieves are scanning cars for (which is why hiding a laptop in a car is not a good idea).

 

Both of these statements seem inaccurate to me, but I thought I would check here to make sure.

1. Air Tags do emit Bluetooth signals. That's how they signal their existence. Correct?

2. A laptop that is turned off does not emit anything. Correct? Mine says it does not emit any signals, Bluetooth or WiFi, in sleep mode. Is that true of all laptops? If so, then leaving a laptop that is turned off or in sleep mode in a car is no theft risk as long as it is also not visible. Correct?

I'd appreciate any clarifying facts or comments.

Yes you can scan for Air Tags.

Have a read of this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227

There is a section at the bottom of that page entitled: Check for nearby AirTag or Find My network accessories with an Android device

Yes you can scan for Air Tags.

Have a read of this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227

There is a section at the bottom of that page entitled: Check for nearby AirTag or Find My network accessories with an Android device

Thanks. Very helpful.

In answer to your second question - what I have read is that some laptops still have Bluetooth/WiFi enabled in sleep mode. So it is best to turn it off if you are worried about someone scanning for it.

Best not to leave valuables in your car at all if you can help it.