- Scammers prey on hope and turn lost iPhones into gateways for identity theft
- One fake Apple message is all it takes to lose everything
- Cybercriminals take advantage of desperation and send convincing “found phone” texts that steal data
Losing an iPhone is stressful enough, but cybercriminals have found ways to make the experience even worse.
The Swiss National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) has warned that an increasing number of iPhone users are being targeted by phishing messages pretending to come from Apple’s “Find My” service.
These messages claim that the missing iPhone has been located, offering what appears to be a chance to recover the device.
How scammers exploit hope
In reality, it’s a calculated attempt to steal Apple ID credentials and remove the built-in Activation Lock that keeps stolen devices unusable.
When an iPhone is reported lost through the Find My app, owners can display a custom message on the lock screen, often including a contact number or email.
This is meant to help honest finders return the device, but unfortunately the same information can be misused as scammers use it to send realistic-looking messages claiming that the lost phone has been found, sometimes months after it was lost.
These messages often include accurate details such as the device model and color, making them appear legitimate.
The message then directs victims to a convincing fake Apple website that asks for their login information.
Once entered, fraudsters gain full access to the Apple account, allowing them to remove the activation lock and potentially resell the phone.
The fake notifications are sophisticated and often use language and design similar to Apple’s official messages.
They may even reference the exact model, such as “iPhone 14 128GB Midnight”, and claim that the phone has been found overseas.
For victims still clinging to the hope of recovery, this emotional manipulation can be hard to resist.
This kind of manipulation is why protection against identity theft has become increasingly important for smartphone users.
If personal information or login data is exposed, the consequences go far beyond losing a device; they may lead to fraudulent purchases or unauthorized account access.
Apple has reminded users it never contacts via text or email to report a found device.
To stay protected, awareness remains the best form of defense and the NCSC has made some recommendations to protect users.
Anyone who receives such a message should delete it immediately without clicking on any links.
Enabling lost mode via iCloud or another Apple device remains the safest step after losing an iPhone.
Users should also keep their SIM cards secured with a PIN and avoid displaying personal contact information publicly on their lock screens.
Using the best antivirus software can help detect malicious links or apps that may later appear as part of similar scams.
By keeping firewall protection enabled on your devices and network, you also reduce your exposure to online threats.
The best protection against identity theft for all budgets
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