iPhone Scam

iPhone users are being targeted by scammers who aims to get hold of their Apple ID and other personal details.

19:50 20 April 2016

Many iPhone users have received a text message that their Apple ID is about to expire. Cybercriminals, who are sending the message from “Apple Inc” are trying to trick iPhone users into clicking a link and handing over their personal details.

 

The message reads: "[Name] Your Apple ID is due to be expire today. Prevent this by confirming your Apple ID at [link] - Apple Inc."

 

The link takes users to a fake website where they are asked to enter their username and password. After giving out the information, users will receive a message that their Apple ID has been “locked for security reasons.”

 

To unlock, users are asked to enter personal information including their telephone number, date of birth, address and credit card details in order to “unlock” their account.

 

Security expert Graham Cluley said that the scam can be deceiving. He said: "The scammers have chosen their words carefully - making the message appear urgent to encourage as many people as possible to click on the link without properly considering the potential pitfalls,"

 

Meanwhile, Apple’s support site warns customers not to provide personal information on spoof sites.

 

"'Phishers' create elaborate websites that look similar to iTunes, but their sole purpose is to collect your account information," it states.

 

"In general, all account-related activities will take place in the iTunes application directly, not through a web browser."