Lost your iPhone? That wave of relief you feel upon receiving a “found” message might be the crest of a phishing scam. The Swiss National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) is sounding the alarm on fake SMS and iMessages designed to snatch your Apple ID, all under the guise of reuniting you with your beloved device. Don’t let hope cloud your judgment. Learn how to spot this trap and safeguard your digital life.
Tired of Forgetting to Call Back? Master iPhone Callback Reminders!
Never drop the ball on important calls again. Discover the simple iPhone trick to set callback reminders and reclaim your peace of mind. Learn how now!
How this Phishing Scheme Plays Out
Your phone vanishes. Panic sets in. But how does the digital underworldknowyou’re vulnerable? The answer lies in that seemingly innocent “Lost Phone” message plastered across your lock screen. That plea for help, often accompanied by your phone number or email, acts like a digital beacon, alerting savvy scammers that you’re ripe for the picking. A well-intentioned act can inadvertently paint a target on your back.
Beware: Scammers are now weaponizing Apple’s “Find My” feature! They’re preying on your hope, sending convincing messages that your lost iPhone has surfaced overseas. These digital vultures use your stolen contact info and even mimic Apple’s “Find My Support Team” signature. They might even know your phone’s model, color, and other details – making their trap incredibly believable. Don’t fall for it! That link leads to a scam, not your phone.
One wrong tap, and you’re not on Apple’s “Find My” page – you’re trapped in a hacker’s web. This clever fake mimics the real deal, but instead of locating your lost device, it’s after your Apple ID and password. Why? To unlock your iPhone, bypassing Apple’s Activation Lock. Think of it as digital grand theft auto: they steal your credentials, they steal your phone’s future.
Another possible that scammers can find your phone number is through the SIM card, provided it hasn’t been blocked already.
Tip : check our tips on how to recognize and avoid deepfake live videos.
Ready to turn the tables on phishing scams? Let’s arm you with the knowledge to spot and stop them dead in their tracks.
Found your phone? Maybe. But click with caution! A “found” message popping up? Red flag! A genuinely good Samaritan likely wouldn’t include a link. Think about it: would YOU need a link to return something? That link? It screams “Danger Zone.” Trust your gut, not suspicious URLs.
Think you’ve found a lost iPhone because of an email claiming to be from Apple? Stop! Appleneversends messages about found devices. And consider this your official alert: Apple willneverask for your Apple ID or password out of the blue. Giving away that information is like handing over the keys to your digital kingdom.
Think of links as a scammer’s secret weapon. Your best bet? Treat every link from an unknown sender like a ticking time bomb – don’t click!
2. Don’t Engage with the Sender
That enticing email in your inbox? Delete it. Don’t bite. One click and they could be reeling you in with promises and threats. No questions asked, straight to the trash. Consider it a close call and move on. Your digital safety depends on it.
3. Turn Lost Mode On
Device vanished? Don’t panic. Activate Lost Mode through Find My, ASAP. Grab your laptop or a friend’s phone, open the app, and lock that device down.
Select the lost device from the menu on the top left.
Tap theLost Devicebutton. This will lock your device immediately and also suspend your Apple Pay payments and credentials.
Enable Lost Mode and personalize your iPhone’s lock screen with a message – your contact details and return instructions. For added security, use an alternate email, shielding your primary account from potential phishing attempts.
4. Don’t Remove the Device from Apple Account
Lost cause? Think twice before hitting that “remove device” button in your Apple account. Yanking your device too soon could be a fatal mistake, like pulling the plug on life support. Why? You might inadvertently disable Activation Lock, your device’s first line of defense against thieves. This silent guardian, powered by Find My, links your device to Apple’s fortress-like activation servers. Remove it prematurely, and you’re essentially unlocking the gates for anyone to waltz in.
Got another Apple device handy? Use it to confirm your lost device is still securely connected to your account.
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap on your name at the top.
Lost your iPhone? Don’t panic! Scroll down, and you’ll find a list of devices connected to your account. Give it a peek – is your missing iPhone hanging out there?
In addition, keep in mind that you shouldn’t remove your lost device from Find My either.
5. Use Two-Factor Authentication on your Apple ID
Next up in our protection playbook: Fortify your Apple ID with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Think of it as a digital double-lock. Even if a would-be intruder somehow cracks your password and email, they’ll still face an impenetrable barrier: that unique, time-sensitive verification code sent directly to your trusted devices.
Go to Settings and press on your Apple ID at the top. SelectSign-in and Security.
TapTwo-Factor Authentication.
Select another phone number as your verification method. If you have a physical Security Key, you can also use that.
6. Turn on Apple’s Stolen Device Protection
Headed into a bustling city or crowded event? Re-arm your iPhone’s defenses! Stolen Device Protection might be off, but a few taps can reactivate it, shielding your most sensitive info from prying eyes. Think of it as your digital bodyguard. Need a quick refresher on how to turn it on? Our guide’s got you covered.
7. Change your SIM PIN
Your SIM card’s default PIN likely ‘0000’ or ‘1234’ is practically an open invitation to hackers. Don’t leave your calls, texts, and sensitive data vulnerable! Fortify your digital fortress by changing your SIM PIN to something only YOU know. iPhone user? Lock down your privacy now.
Level Up Your Defense: Gamers, Don’t Get Phished!
Phishing scams are evolving faster than your favorite character. They’re not just annoying; they’re a real threat to your accounts, your gear, and your hard-earned progress. Knowledge is your ultimate power-up. Ready to defend your digital kingdom? Dive into the must-know phishing attacks targeting gamers and equip yourself against these digital predators.
Thanks for reading Think Someone Found Your Lost iPhone? Read This Before You Reply
