Phone theft is on the rise, with a significant increase in stolen smartphones reported in London last year. The trend is expected to continue, with criminals targeting high-value devices like iPhones, some of which are valued at over £1,200. Aside from the financial loss, the theft of personal data stored on these devices, including photos, bank information, and emails, is a major concern.
Fortunately, Apple has implemented robust security features such as Stolen Device Protection to make it challenging for thieves to use stolen iPhones. Despite these security measures, criminals are attempting to bypass these protections. One tactic involves sending deceptive messages to the owners of stolen iPhones, claiming that the device has been found.
The Activation Lock feature by Apple links an iPhone to the owner’s Apple ID, making the device inoperable and unsellable to thieves. Criminals are now sending personalized messages with links to fake Apple websites in an attempt to deceive owners into revealing necessary codes that can unlock the device and grant access to sensitive data.
The National Cyber Security Centre in Switzerland has warned about this scam, where criminals use accurate details of the stolen device to make their messages appear legitimate. Though the exact method of obtaining users’ phone numbers is unclear, it is speculated that information may be acquired through the SIM card or Apple’s Find My feature.
To safeguard iPhone users, the NCSC has issued five essential tips, including not responding to suspicious messages claiming the recovery of lost devices, refraining from clicking on unknown links, activating Lost Mode immediately through the Find My app if a device is lost, being cautious about information displayed on the lock screen, and securing the SIM card with a PIN.
It is crucial for iPhone owners to remain vigilant and follow these guidelines to protect their devices and personal information from sophisticated scams.