Apple has released new guidelines for iPhone users amid an alarming rise in deceptive phishing scams.
According to the tech giant, these schemes occur when hackers “use sophisticated tactics to trick you into providing them with personal information.”
Typically, scams come in the form of emails imitating real companies, fake pop-up ads, and convincing phone calls known as “spoofing.”
The latter usually appears to come from a credible phone number and may falsely warn you, for example, that your iCloud has been hacked and that an issue needs to be resolved urgently. In most cases, you will eventually be redirected to a fake website to share your passwords and sensitive information, Apple warned.
“Scammers use fake caller ID information to spoof phone numbers from companies like Apple and often pretend there is suspicious activity on your account or device to get your attention,” the company said in the new memo.
“They may also use flattery or threats to force you to give them information, money, and even Apple gift cards.”
Artificial intelligence has made fake voices much more believable, leading to a rise in voice scams, with perpetrators posing as family members. However, conventional email tactics, such as malware that steals money by impersonating Google Chrome and Microsoft Word, are also becoming much more stealthy.
Experts are very concerned that scams are raking in billions a year, particularly targeting the elderly.
“We are at a crisis level when it comes to fraud in society,” Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention at AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, said previously.
“A lot of people get into crime because it’s pretty easy to become a criminal. You don’t have to follow any rules. And you can make a lot of money, and there’s very little chance of getting caught.”
Phishing Prevention
Apple advises to pay attention to fine print that could reveal clues, such as sender information that doesn’t match that of a large company.
This includes Uniform Resource Locator (URL) links that don’t match a company’s website, messages that don’t match previous correspondence, and requests for sensitive information like a credit card or password.
It is also essential to never share personal information such as passwords or enter them on a web page that a suspicious person has asked you to follow.
Using two-factor authentication (where a second account or device is prompted to verify a login) is another secure measure. Again, these codes should not be shared.
The company also advises avoiding making payments with Apple gift cards and being careful when downloading software, receiving calendar invitations, and opening pop-ups.
News Source : nypost.com
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