- Scammers take advantage of hope and turn lost iPhones into gateways for identity theft
- All it takes is one fake Apple message to lose everything
- Cybercriminals exploit desperation by sending convincing “phone found” text messages that steal data.
Losing an iPhone is stressful enough, but cybercriminals have found ways to make the experience even worse.
The Swiss National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) has warned that a growing number of iPhone users are being targeted by phishing messages claiming to come from Apple’s “Find My” service.
These messages claim that the missing iPhone has been located, offering what appears to be a chance to recover the device.
How scammers exploit hope
In reality, this is a calculated attempt to steal Apple credentials and remove the built-in activation lock that keeps stolen devices inoperable.
When an iPhone is reported lost through the Find My app, owners can display a personalized message on the lock screen, often including a contact number or email.
This is intended to help honest people return the device, but unfortunately the same information can be misused as scammers use it to send realistic messages claiming that the missing phone has been found, sometimes months after the loss.
These messages often include specific details such as the device model and color, making them legitimate.
The message then directs victims to a convincing fake Apple website that asks for their login information.
Once in, scammers gain full access to the Apple account, allowing them to remove the activation lock and potentially resell the phone.
The fake notifications are sophisticated and often use language and design similar to official Apple messages.
They may even refer to the exact model, such as “iPhone 14 128GB Midnight”, and claim the phone was found overseas.
For victims who are still clinging to the hope of recovery, it can be difficult to resist this emotional manipulation.
This type of manipulation is why identity theft protection has become increasingly important for smartphone users.
If personal data or login data is exposed, the consequences go far beyond the loss of a device; they can lead to fraudulent purchases or unauthorized account access.
Apple reminded users that it never contacts via text or email to report a found device.
To stay protected, awareness remains the best form of defense, and the NCSC has made some recommendations to protect users.
Anyone receiving such a message should delete it immediately without clicking on any links.
Activating Lost Mode via iCloud or another Apple device remains the safest step after losing an iPhone.
Users should also secure their SIM cards with a PIN and avoid publicly displaying their personal details on their lock screens.
Using the best antivirus software can help detect malicious links or applications that may appear later in similar scams.
Additionally, keeping firewall protection enabled on your devices and networks reduces exposure to online threats.
The best identity theft protection for every budget
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