Phone theft is on the rise, with recent data revealing that 117,000 smartphones were stolen in London last year, a number expected to increase in 2025. Given the high value of some iPhones, which can exceed £1,200, it is no surprise that criminals are targeting these devices. In addition to the financial loss, the theft of personal data stored on these phones, including sensitive information like photos, bank details, and emails, is a major concern.
Fortunately, Apple has implemented robust security features such as Stolen Device Protection, making it challenging for thieves to use stolen iPhones. However, some criminals are attempting to bypass these security measures. If an iPhone is stolen, owners should be wary of messages claiming that the device has been found, as scammers are now using deceptive tactics to trick users into providing access codes.
The Activation Lock feature by Apple is designed to prevent unauthorized use of stolen devices by linking them permanently to the owner’s Apple ID. This security measure ensures that a password is required to disable Find My, erase, or reactivate the device if it is lost or stolen. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned that cybercriminals are sending personalized texts containing links to fake Apple websites in an attempt to deceive owners into revealing access codes.
The NCSC reports that scammers are obtaining detailed information about stolen devices, including model, color, and storage capacity, which they use to make their messages appear authentic. While the exact method of obtaining users’ phone numbers remains unclear, it is suspected that information may be acquired through SIM cards or Apple’s Find My feature, which allows owners to display contact details on the lock screen when a device is marked as lost.
To protect iPhone users from falling victim to such scams, the NCSC has issued five crucial tips for safeguarding devices. Users are advised to ignore suspicious messages, avoid clicking on unknown links, act promptly if a device is lost, limit the display of contact information on the lock screen, and secure their SIM cards with a PIN. It is important to remember that Apple will never contact users unexpectedly or request personal data via unsolicited messages.
By following these guidelines, iPhone owners can enhance the security of their devices and reduce the risk of falling prey to fraudulent schemes.