Amid a surge in deceptive phishing scams, Apple has issued new guidelines for iPhone users.
The ploy is carried out when hackers “use sophisticated tactics to trick you into handing over personal information.” According to the tech giant.
The scams typically take the form of emails pretending to be from real companies, fake pop-up ads, and convincing phone calls known as “spoofing.”
The latter usually appear to come from a trusted phone number and may send false warnings, for example that your iCloud has been hacked and needs to be fixed urgently. In most cases, you end up being sent to a fake website where you end up sharing your passwords and sensitive information, Apple warns.
“Scammers often use fake caller ID information to spoof phone numbers from companies like Apple, claiming there is suspicious activity on your account or device in order to get your attention,” the company said in a new note.
“Or they may use flattery or threats to pressure you into handing over information, money, or even Apple gift cards.”
AI has made fake voices far more believable, leading to an increase in voice scams posing as family members, but older methods via email, such as money-stealing malware disguised as Google Chrome or Microsoft Word, are also becoming much more stealthy than before.
Experts are extremely concerned that scams, particularly those targeting seniors, are raking in billions of dollars a year.
“We’re at a fraud crisis point in society,” Cathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, previously said.
“A lot of people get into this fray because it’s so easy to be a criminal. They don’t have to follow the rules. And they can make a lot of money and have very little chance of getting caught.”
Phishing Prevention
Apple advises to be wary of perks written in the fine print, such as sender information that doesn’t match that of major companies.
This includes Uniform Resource Locator (URL) links that do not match the company’s site, messages that do not match previous communications, or requests for sensitive information such as credit cards or passwords.
It is also important to never share personal information such as passwords and never enter them into web pages directed to you by suspicious people.
Using two-factor authentication (requiring a second account or device to verify your login) is another safe method. Again, do not share these codes.
The company also advises people to avoid paying with Apple gift cards and to be careful about downloading software, calendar invites, and viewing pop-ups.
