Beware of Falsified iCloud Emails Not Originating from Apple
In recent days, a wave of phishing emails has been targeting Apple users, aiming to obtain payment data from unsuspecting victims. These emails, disguised as genuine Apple communications, claim that iCloud storage is full and threaten data deletion if immediate action isn't taken.
Here's what you need to know to identify and avoid these scams:
- Be wary of unexpected emails or messages from Apple warning about iCloud storage limits. Legitimate communications from Apple will never pressure you to act immediately.
- Look out for links to reset your Apple ID password or upgrade storage, which often lead to suspicious URLs. Apple emails come from addresses ending with .
- Be vigilant for urgent or threatening language implying your data will be deleted or your account compromised if you don’t respond right away.
- Be cautious of requests to call a phone number or provide personal information. Apple never initiates unsolicited contact asking for personal information or passwords.
- Be aware of fake receipts or alerts about unauthorized purchases that prompt you to click links or share credentials.
To protect yourself:
- Do not click links or call phone numbers provided in these suspicious emails or texts.
- Always access your iCloud account directly through the official Apple website or device settings, never via links in emails.
- Check the sender’s email address carefully.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Apple ID for extra security.
- Keep your devices and software up to date.
- Use a trusted antivirus or security tool to scan for malware or phishing pop-ups if they appear persistently.
- If you receive a phishing pop-up or fake login screen demanding password entry, close it without inputting information and scan your device for malware.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and security experts warn that Apple never initiates unsolicited contact asking for personal information or passwords, nor do they threaten data deletion via messages. Legitimate storage alerts appear only in your device settings, not as alarming emails demanding immediate action or payment.
If you suspect a phishing scam, report it to Apple and delete the suspicious email or message without interacting with its links or phone numbers. Consistently accessing your account directly from Apple’s secure portals and maintaining strong security settings will help protect your data and prevent scams targeting iCloud users.
The consumer protection portal "Watchlist Internet" has issued a warning about these emails, reminding users to be vigilant and careful when managing their iCloud accounts.
To identify and avoid these phishing scams, be aware that Apple will never pressure you to act immediately or threaten data deletion via emails. Moreover, cybersecurity measures such as enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Apple ID, keeping your devices and software up to date, and using a trusted antivirus or security tool can help protect your technology and data.
