Beware of Phishing Scams Targeting Lost iPhone Owners: NCSC Warning
The Swiss National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning about a recent increase in phishing scams targeting individuals who have previously lost their iPhones. Victims are receiving deceptive messages claiming that their lost device has been found overseas, leading to credential theft and compromise of their Apple ID. These phishing attempts are particularly dangerous as they use genuine details from the stolen phone, like model and color, to appear credible. The messages, often sent via SMS or iMessage, seem to come from Apple and contain a link to a fake Apple login page.
The scammers' goal is to disable Apple's Activation Lock, a security feature that links the iPhone to the owner's Apple ID, making stolen devices unusable. By tricking victims into entering their credentials on the fake login page, attackers can gain full access to the Apple ID. The method used to obtain the victim's phone number is not clear, but possibilities include an active SIM card in the lost phone or the contact details displayed in Apple's "Lost Mode" on the Find My app, which can be exploited by scammers for personalized phishing attacks.
Apple has not officially commented on these incidents, but it is crucial to note that the company does not send notifications via text or email about the location of lost devices. The NCSC advises iPhone users to take precautions to safeguard themselves from such scams.
To protect against these phishing attempts, iPhone users should follow the NCSC's recommendations. Stay informed about cybersecurity threats and follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn for more exclusive content.