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Key Takeaways:
- If you suspect an email about your iCloud account is a scam, there are some simple signs to look for. Specifically, watch for bad spelling/grammar, similar but not-quite-right email addresses, and details that don’t make sense for the context.
- The most common Apple scams include password reset notifications, fake receipts for orders made with your Apple ID, storage limit alerts, and fake Apple Pay suspensions.
- You can take control of your online security by reporting scams, changing your passwords periodically, and using a Burner phone number for online accounts.
If you use the internet or have a phone number, you’ve encountered a scam at one point or another. The more connected we are to our devices, the easier it is for fraudsters and other third parties to gain access to our personal information, which means that these malicious schemes are becoming more and more common.
While these scams are increasingly common and sophisticated, you don’t need to panic. All you need to defend yourself against phishing and hacking attempts is to learn more about them — how to identify them, what to do when you spot them, and how a Burner phone can protect you from them in the future.
What Are the Signs of a Fake Email or Text?
Scam emails and texts can be extremely convincing. Especially when it comes to emails about your iCloud or Apple account, you likely get all kinds of notifications about your devices, app store purchases, and storage capacity that are totally legitimate, which makes you less likely to read these things closely.
If you suspect an email about your iCloud account is a scam, there are some simple signs to look for.
- Bad spelling and grammar. Apple isn’t sending out emails riddled with typos, grammatical mistakes, and inconsistent formatting. They have Siri on their side. If you spot these issues, you’re most likely looking at a scam.
- Similar but not-quite-right addresses. At first glance, the email address that sent you this message about your iCloud account might look legit. But look again, and then double-check it against Apple’s website or your previous communications. It’s common for scammers to have domains that are similar but not exactly the same as the organization they’re impersonating.
- Details that don’t make sense. As mentioned, you probably get lots of legitimate emails from Apple if you’re in their ecosystem. But if the email is talking about a purchase you didn’t make or a lack of storage that makes no sense, that’s another sign you’re looking at a scam.
What Are the Most Common Apple Scams?
iCloud scam emails come in different forms. Your iCloud account is connected to everything you use within Apple’s ecosystem — computers, phones, iPads, watches, app store accounts, iCloud storage and back-ups, and Apple Pay. Even random website accounts you signed up for using your Apple ID.
Because of this, a successful phishing attempt that gives a scammer access to your iCloud account is a goldmine of exploitable information. These are the most common scams around your Apple ID and iCloud accounts.
- Password reset notifications. An email or text notifies you that you need to reset your Apple ID password with a link to follow to do so.
- Orders made with your Apple ID. When you make a purchase with Apple, they send you a receipt. This scam preys on that expectation by sending you a fake receipt for a purchase you didn’t make, and a link to cancel or report the charge.
- Storage limit alerts. You’ll receive an email warning you that your iCloud storage is full and requesting that you upgrade your capacity.
- Fake Apple Pay suspensions. One of the most convenient Apple features is the ability to use Apple Pay. But it’s also one of the most vulnerable to exploitation. In this scam, you’ll get an email telling you that your card has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
Ultimately, all of these iCloud scam emails have the same goal: they want you to panic, click the provided link, and share your account or credit card information.
What Do You Do If You’re Getting These Emails?
If you think you’ve been getting iCloud scam emails, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself, protect others, and prevent these kinds of scams from targeting you in the future.
Report Scams Whenever You See Them
Report any fraudulent activity to the FTC as soon as possible. You can report scam emails, texts, or calls. Provide as much specific information as you can. This not only helps to protect you if you have fallen victim to a phishing attempt, but it also helps to protect other people from these scams in the future.
Change Your Password the Right Way
If you’re noticing a lot of suspicious activity related to your iCloud account, it’s worth taking the precaution of changing your password. Even if you’re looking out for these scams, it’s easy to follow a convincing link without realizing it. If you do reset your password, make sure you do it through the website directly to ensure your attempt to protect yourself doesn’t do the opposite.
Prevent It From Happening Again
Reporting fraud attempts to the FTC is step one of preventing this from happening in the future. Step two is ensuring that third parties don’t gain access to your personal contact information ever again, starting with your phone number.
By creating a custom phone number to attach to accounts, you separate your online activity from personal, identifiable information.
Burner allows you to have multiple phone numbers on a single device, which means you can control who has access to your information at all times, blocking malicious emails or texts with greater accuracy. If your second number is compromised by scammers — or worse, telemarketers — you can simply delete that number and create a new one.
It’s a simple way to protect yourself and to prevent scammers from getting the one thing they’re after: access to your personal details.
FAQs
How do I know if an iCloud email is real?
Official Apple email addresses end in “@email.apple.com.” Anything else is a scam. For example, if the email is from “@applestorepayment.com” it is designed to trick you. Sign in to your account via official methods and don't use links in emails.
What is the most common iCloud scam right now?
Scammers are taking advantage of the trust placed in Apple's ecosystem by sending scam emails warning users that their Apple ID has been suspended. These emails usually use a similar tone and appearance to mimic official Apple communications, tricking users into clicking malicious links.
What do fake Apple security alerts look like?
These scams appear as pop-ups, emails, or phone calls claiming your iPhone, iPad, or Apple ID has been hacked. They look and sound authentic, often saying things like “A virus has been detected on your iPhone” or “Your Apple ID has been compromised” to scare you.
Protect Yourself and Your Information With Burner
The best way to protect yourself from scammers is to pay attention to privacy on and offline. The more distance you put between the information you share and your personal details, the safer you’ll be.
Try Burner today for peace of mind — and peace in general, because you can kiss those endless scam calls goodbye.
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