Home Fraudsters using smishing scam to dupe Apple users

Fraudsters using smishing scam to dupe Apple users

Fraudsters are attempting to dismantle built-in scam protections by Apple on iOS by tricking users into accepting dangerous links. 

Given how much time we all spend on our mobile devices and how much of our lives are conducted online, including banking and paying bills, it is no surprise that threat actors are increasingly using smishing (SMS phishing) attacks on mobile numbers. 

As an effective first line of defense against this type of activity, Apple embeds different tools for protection, one of which is to disable links from unknown contacts, whether it is a mobile number or email address.

However, as conceded by Apple, if a person replies to a message or adds a contact, links will be enabled.

As detailed by Bleeping Computer, cyber attackers are using a sneaky method to entice recipients to follow the links.

Scammers are asking victims to reply to scam messages purporting to relate to delivery services or road toll charges. 

“Please reply Y, then exit the text message, reopen the text message activation link, or copy the link to Safari browser to open it.”

With many people very familiar with text prompt messages, the aim is to lure victims with the deception of a simple request and if accepted, the potentially dangerous links will be opened.

At worst for the fraudsters, they will find out which numbers are likely to reply to these smishing attempts, likely leading to future attempts. 

Be safe rather than sorry 

If in doubt, do not comply with a request from an unknown number on your Apple device, especially if it contains links that look unfamiliar. 

Don’t reply to such messages if it looks dubious, but if you are expecting contact from a delivery courier, contact them in a regular, safe way using official channels. 

This will give you peace of mind as well as confirm if the text contact you received is legitimate or not. 

Do not take a chance. Be safe, rather than sorry, and don’t encourage the fraudsters.

Image credit: Via Midjourney

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The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Graeme Hanna
Tech Journalist

Graeme Hanna is a full-time, freelance writer with significant experience in online news as well as content writing. Since January 2021, he has contributed as a football and news writer for several mainstream UK titles including The Glasgow Times, Rangers Review, Manchester Evening News, MyLondon, Give Me Sport, and the Belfast News Letter. Graeme has worked across several briefs including news and feature writing in addition to other significant work experience in professional services. Now a contributing news writer at ReadWrite.com, he is involved with pitching relevant content for publication as well as writing engaging tech news stories.

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