iCloud scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with unsuspecting users targeting urgent messages about their accounts. Our team recently received two suspicious iCloud emails. We want to share our experiences and provide comprehensive steps on how to identify and protect ourselves from these scams.
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iCloud Email Scam (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
iCloud fraud anatomy
iCloud scams usually follow patterns designed to create a sense of urgency and fear. Let’s break down the two emails the team received below: Emergency language used by scammers: “iCloud storage update payment failure” and “iCloud has stopped. Please correct it on Monday, January 13, 2025.” Both emails include emergency language, We share common characteristics of phishing attempts, such as account termination or data loss threats, requests to update payment information, links to external websites, and vague or incorrect account details. These emails are designed to look legal and often mimic Apple’s branding and tone. However, it contains some red flags that indicate it is a scam.
iCloud Email Scam (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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How to identify iCloud scams
To protect yourself from victims of these frauds, look for these Telltail signs:
- Please check the sender’s email address: Legitimate Apple emails always come from the “@Apple.com” or “@icloud.com” domain. It doesn’t even have a scam email address.
iCloud email scam showing the sender’s fake email address (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
- Look for spelling and grammar errors: Scam emails often contain mistakes that official communications don’t have.
- Beware of emergency deadlines: The con man creates any deadline to pressure him to act quickly without thinking.
- Please check your account details: If your email mentions your account information, check if it matches your actual iCloud details.
- Hover over the link without clicking: This allows you to preview the URL and see if it’s legal, like the example below: As you can see, this is not Apple’s.
iCloud email scam showing URL preview is fake (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Steps to protect yourself
If you receive a suspicious email claiming it is from Apple or iCloud, follow these steps:
- Do not click on the link or download attachments. These can lead to Fishing Site Alternatively, install malware on your device.
- Use powerful antivirus software: Consider installing reputable antivirus software that will help protect you from malware. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links to install malware is to install antivirus software on all devices, as it may access your personal information. This protection can also warn you that it will phish email and ransomware scams and keep your personal information and digital assets safe. Get the best 2025 Antivirus Protection Winners picks for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
- Please check your account directly: Instead of using a link in your email, go directly to AppleID.Apple.com or check your device settings.
- Update your Apple ID password: If you believe your account is damaged, please change your password immediately.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an additional layer of security to your Apple ID.
- Report a phishing attempt: We will forward any suspicious emails to Reportphishing@apple.com.
iCloud Email Scam (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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What if you are scammed
If you think you might have dropped due to an iCloud scam, follow these steps:
1) Change your Apple ID password immediately. Create a strong and unique password that you don’t use with other accounts.
2) Check for unauthorized changes to your account settings or payment information. Visit account.apple.com to see your device, personal information, or security settings that may not be familiar to you.
3) Please contact Apple Support directly via the official channel for assistance. We’ll help Apple track and block these scams by forwarding any suspicious emails to Reportphishing@apple.com or abstracted@icloud.com.
4) Monitor your financial account for suspicious activities. If you provide payment information, please cancel and exchange your credit card immediately and be careful of even small fraudulent charges.
5) Consider putting fraud warnings on your credit reports. Report a scam Federal Trade Commission and Internet Crime Complaint Center To help combat these fraudulent activities.
6) Use Personal Information Theft Protection Services. Personal information theft companies can monitor personal information such as social security numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or used to open an account. They can also help freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent further fraudulent use by criminals. See my tips and best choices on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
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Important takeouts for your cart
Remember, Apple will never ask you to provide your personal information, password, or security code via email, text message or phone. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of communications from Apple, always be careful and contact Apple directly via the official website or support channel. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from iCloud scams and keep your personal information safe. Don’t the urgency of these messages cloud your judgment. Take some time to check before you act. It’ll be much safer in the long run.
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