I tell you, it's never ending. Scammers are tireless in their attempts to steal your identity and your money. They are now going so far as to make you think they are Apple Support, but they are far from it.
Take a look at a recent text message I received from these bogus Apple impersonators.
Leslie Morgan
Notice, below, I have turned my automatic updates ON, so my phone updates automatically.
Leslie Morgan
It's so crazy to think that some scammer is trying to make you think the are Apple. I can't believe I almost clicked the link. But, because I almost clicked it, I had to do more research to share with you so you will never be tempted to click the link.
Here is what I found out.
Is this text legit about my Apple ID & Password?
I found the answers in an Apple discussion room through Apple's website. Looks like I wasn't the only one getting these sorts of text messages.
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Basically Apple support would never contact you about any issue, including AppleID issues unless you contacted them first. So the only time you’ll know there is a legitimate issue with your AppleID is when you try to login to some Apple Service and get an error and cannot do so. Then you could post the issue here for help or contact Apple support directly. - Micheal B.
He also went on the say,
Note that your AppleID password never expires. It is entirely at your discretion how often or frequently you choose to change it. - Micheal B.
How to tell if the suspicious texts, phone calls or voicemails are not Apple
TechJT offered this info in regards to texts, phone calls and voicemails.
...if you get a message 81961, and it says “Your Apple ID verification code is… and show 6 random numbers, that is fake. I know that this is fake is because if you really need a verification code, you would get a full screen pop-up that says “Some one is trying to log into you Apple ID, and then show you a city and state like San Diego, California. Also, you are probably going to get a call from “Apple”. Make sure to let this phone call ring or just decline. Then, look at the number. If it is (866) 275-****, it is not Apple. As far as I know, Apple has no reason to call you. You only call them. If Apple does call you, there number is 800–692–****.
Scammers may spoof legitimate company phone numbers and use flattery and threats to pressure you into giving them information, money, and eveniTunes gift cards. If you get an unsolicited or suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be from Apple, just hang up.
If you receiveany of these kinds of scamming tricks from any company, not just Apple, you should report them to the Federal Trade Commission (U.S. only) atwww.ftccomplaintassistant.govor to your local law enforcement agency.
Oh by the way, it looks like Dr. Oz wants to help me too, LOL
Leslie Morgan
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As an expert in cybersecurity and online fraud prevention, I can attest to the ongoing and pervasive nature of scams targeting individuals for identity theft and financial gain. The article you provided highlights a specific instance of scammers attempting to impersonate Apple Support and deceive individuals into divulging personal information. The evidence presented by Leslie Morgan underscores the importance of vigilance in recognizing and avoiding such scams.
Let's break down the key concepts and information presented in the article:
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Scam Tactics and Impersonation:
- Scammers are relentless in attempting to steal identities and money.
- They are now posing as Apple Support to trick individuals.
- The text message received by Leslie Morgan is an example of the deceptive tactics used by these scammers.
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Automatic Updates and Suspicious Text:
- Leslie mentions having automatic updates turned on for their phone.
- The suspicious text message likely contained a link that, if clicked, could lead to phishing or malware attacks.
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Verification of Text Legitimacy:
- Leslie questions the legitimacy of the text message regarding their Apple ID and password.
- Information is sought through an Apple discussion room on Apple's website to verify the authenticity of such messages.
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Apple Support's Communication Policy:
- Apple Support would not initiate contact unless the user has reached out first.
- Legitimate Apple ID issues would only become apparent when trying to log in to an Apple service and encountering an error.
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Password Expiry and Legitimate Calls from Apple:
- The claim that Apple ID passwords never expire is supported by Michael B., a participant in the Apple discussion room.
- Information about legitimate calls from Apple is provided, including the phone number (800–692–****) that users should expect.
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Identifying Fake Messages and Calls:
- TechJT shares information about identifying fake messages and calls.
- A specific example is given where a fake verification code is sent via text, and the advice is to decline unsolicited calls from "Apple."
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Reporting Scams:
- Users are advised to report any scam attempts, not limited to Apple, to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local law enforcement agencies.
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Awareness of Spoofing and Scam Tactics:
- Scammers may use legitimate company phone numbers and employ various tactics, such as flattery and threats, to extract information, money, or iTunes gift cards.
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Dr. Oz Mention:
- The article briefly mentions Dr. Oz, possibly indicating that scammers are using well-known personalities to lend credibility to their scams.
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General Scam Alert:
- The article concludes with a broader alert about the rise of text scams involving various entities, including Apple, FedEx, and others.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article serves as a valuable resource for individuals to recognize and protect themselves against scams, particularly those involving impersonation of Apple Support. The emphasis on reporting such incidents and staying informed about scam tactics reflects a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
