iPhone users must watch out for dangerous iCloud storage email that breaks into your Apple account
IPHONE owners have been warned about a vicious iCloud scam doing the rounds via email.
Fraudsters appear to be jumping on the iPhone‘s popularity – and right on time with the release of the new iPhone 16 too.
Action Fraud says it has received more than 1,800 reports of fake emails claiming that the recipient’s iCloud storage is about to run out.
Urgency is a common tactic used by fraudsters, designed to make people act without thinking.
Of course, fears of having no storage to back-up photos and videos could have this exact effect.
The emails urge users to upgrade their iCloud storage to avoid back-up issues.
When you open the link it takes you to a website that looks like a genuine Apple platform.
But it’s actually a fake that extracts your Apple ID login information as soon as you type it in and attempt to login.
“We’ve received over 1,800 reports about FAKE emails claiming that your iCloud storage is about to run out,” Action Fraud says.
“The emails are designed to lure people to genuine-looking websites that steal your Apple ID login details, as well as other personal and financial information.”
If you spot an email like this, the best thing to do is forward it to the UK’s scam checker service at report@phishing.gov.uk.
That way experts can investigate, block the sender and avoid others potentially falling victim to it.
Then you can delete the email.
Apple also advises customers to contact them directly, not via any emails or calls, if they’re unsure about any communications they’ve received.
“If you’re suspicious about an unexpected message, call or request for personal information, such as your email address, phone number, password, security code or money, it’s safer to presume that it’s a scam – contact that company directly if you need to,” the company says.
How to protect yourself from scams
BY keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid getting caught up in a scam:
- Firstly, remember that if something seems too good to be true, it normally is.
- Check brands are “verified” on Facebook and Twitter pages – this means the company will have a blue tick on its profile.
- Look for grammatical and spelling errors; fraudsters are notoriously bad at writing proper English. If you receive a message from a “friend” informing you of a freebie, consider whether it’s written in your friend’s normal style.
- If you’re invited to click on a URL, hover over the link to see the address it will take you to – does it look genuine?
- To be on the really safe side, don’t click on unsolicited links in messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted contact.
- Be careful when opening email attachments too. Fraudsters are increasingly attaching files, usually PDFs or spreadsheets, which contain dangerous malware.
- If you receive a suspicious message then report it to the company, block the sender and delete it.
- If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its online fraud reporting tool.