Cyber scammers using fake Apple alerts to steal device passcodes, passwords and 2FA codes

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NEWS AGENCY KASHMIR NEWS TRUST #KNT

Srinagar, Sep 22, KNT: Cyber scammers are using fake Apple-branded messages claiming that a lost device has been located to trick users into surrendering sensitive information such as device passcodes, Apple ID passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

According to an awareness advisory issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) through Cyber Dost, scammers send messages such as “Your device has been found” and direct recipients to fake Apple-branded links that purportedly show the location of the device.

The advisory warns that scammers may then seek the device passcode, Apple ID password and 2FA code, using the information in an attempt to gain control of the victim’s account or access a stolen device.

The scam can also involve fake Apple Support calls, including calls using AI-generated voices, in which the caller attempts to obtain sensitive information from the victim.

Cybersecurity authorities have repeatedly advised users not to click suspicious links or provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal also allows citizens to report suspicious website URLs, phone numbers, email IDs, SMS headers and social media accounts.

The I4C advises citizens who become victims of cybercrime to report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. In cases of financial cyber fraud, the national helpline 1930 is available for immediate reporting.

Users should independently access the official service or application rather than following links received through unsolicited messages, and should never share passwords, device passcodes or 2FA codes with callers or unknown persons. [KNT]