Apple devices are known for their high-end data security. The tech giant has made its device smart enough to detect unauthorised login and block access to prevent data loss. However, all the devices are synced with each other in real-time, creating an environment known as the Apple ecosystem. Since all the devices within the ecosystem use the same Apple ID and password thus, users should remember both. But what to do if you don’t remember your Apple ID or password? You will reset it, right? That’s it! You’re trapped. iForgot Apple is the official site for resetting the Apple ID and password, but scammers use it for hacking your account. Here you will know all the details about the iForgot Apple scam and how to stay safe from it.
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What Is iForgot Apple?
iForgot Apple is Apple’s official support website for helping its users to find their Apple IDs and reset their passwords. Moreover, using the same site, users can also get help if they’re facing any other issue with the Apple ID and password. The web-based portal is owned and managed by Apple’s own in-house customer support team to fix all the issues under their supervision. As an iOS user, you can visit the platform for a faster and safer resolution of all the issues you are facing with iCloud ID without indulging in any complex process.
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iForgot Apple – The Scam
Wait? iForgot Apple is an official web portal managed and operated by Apple, then what is the scam here? The iForgot Apple scam is used by cybercriminals and online fraudsters to steal the Apple ID and passwords of iOS users. They send a fake email full of phishing links and malware, portraying themselves as the Apple support team. When the user clicks on the scamming links and enters the credentials or downloads the attached file full of viruses, the scammer access all the details. The email looks like this, ignore the email since it is not associated with Apple company in any manner.
Overview Of The Scam
The email informs the recipient about the recent sign-in of their Apple ID on a new browser – potentially indicating that their ID was used to log in on any other Apple device. Furthermore, the message also states that the user ID has been temporarily disabled for security reasons.
To enable it, users are encouraged to go to iForgot Apple website and sign in using their password. But the catch is the website mentioned in the email is a fake one. Note that the URL says “iforgot.apple.com”, which is a genuine website, however, there is a hyperlink redirecting you to a different phishing site that looks like iForgot Apple.
The “iforgot.apple.com” is just the text pointing to a URL of a fake Apple support website used for stealing the credentials. Users are asked to sign in within 24 hours else, their accounts will be disabled permanently. However, clicking on any link mentioned in the email and logging in is not recommended because it will enable the scammer to access your credentials.
If the scammers got your Apple ID and password, they might use it to access the App Store (purchase something), iMessage(scam your contacts), iCloud (access your files) and do several other fraudulent activities. Use of the website from the email may result in Apple account loss, privacy concerns, and even financial loss.
These scams usually occur on unsecured websites or portals. Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a reliable and effective solution to this issue. Canadian VPN provides amazing features such as auto ad blocking along with end-to-end data encryption.
Spam Campaigns Identification
Scammers use spam campaigns like iForgot Apple to extract your personal data. The emails start with “Don’t You Know Me? I Am Your Friend”, “Hi, It’s Me! Your Friend”, and “I Know Someone From The Darkweb”
All such email campaigns are used to send malicious attachments to the users and if opened they have high-risk viruses like LokiBot, Emotet, Adwind etc.
These emails may have PDFs files, MS Word files, MS Excel files, JavaScript files, documents, archives (ZIP, RAR) or other harmful material.
If opened, files affect your device with malicious programs that can steal your personal details like login ID, passwords etc.
How To Avoid Malware Installation?
To avoid malware infection from iForgot Apple, immediately delete them, especially the ones with links and attachments. Ensure to download the software from official websites and platforms instead of any third-party website. Moreover, never use torrents, peer-to-peer networks, cracked software etc.
Apart from this, always use trusted and authentic anti-virus or anti-spyware software to detect potential threats in any form. Always keep it enabled and scan your device periodically to remove all malware and viruses present in the system.
Types Of Malicious Emails
The scammers use the following types of emails to trick you –
Emails With Malicious Attachments
An email with malicious attachments affects your device with a script or a program that runs in the background and steals your password, bank information and other sensitive data.
Emails With Scammy Links
One of the most common tricks that is also used in fake iForgot Apple emails is to get private information by redirecting the user to a different website that looks genuine.
Sextortion Emails
In this type of email, cybercriminals access the user’s webcam and record an obscene video. Later, that video is used for blackmailing and asking for money in the form of cryptocurrency.
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How To Find Whether The Email Is Genuine Or Fake?
Here are some ways to check the genuineness of an email –
Check for greetings – If the email starts with “Dear User”, “Hi Dear” or “Dear @youremail.com” then it is fake because most companies call you by your name.
Check the links in the email – Hover the mouse on the link or long press on the link, if the link seems to be suspicious, do not click on any link. It is a scam email.
Check the sender’s email – The email should be sent by @apple.com and not something like @aplle.com, @appple.com or @account-security-noreply.com etc.
Example of a scam email –
Wrapping Up
Be very careful while using the iForgot Apple portal. Either access it using Chrome, Safari or any other trusted browser and go to “iforgot.apple.com” to reset your Apple ID and password. Also, if the email looks suspicious, do not open it, immediately delete it. Use two-factor authentication or an authenticator application to add an extra layer of security to your account.
