- Scammers take advantage of hope and turn lost iPhones into gateways for identity theft
- One fake message from Apple is enough to lose everything
- Cybercriminals take advantage of desperation and send convincing “found phone” text messages 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 a growing number of iPhone users are being targeted by phishing messages purporting to come from Apple’s “Find My” service.
These messages claim that the lost iPhone has been located, offering what appears to be an opportunity to recover the device.
How scammers exploit hope
In reality, it is 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 personalized message on the lock screen, often including a contact number or email.
This is intended to help honest finders return the device, but unfortunately, the same information can be abused as scammers use it to send realistic-looking messages claiming that the lost phone has been found, sometimes months after the loss.
These messages usually include precise details such as the model and color of the device, making them appear legitimate.
The message then directs victims to a convincing fake Apple website that asks for their login details.
Once logged in, scammers 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 similar language and design to official Apple messages.
They may even reference the exact model, such as “iPhone 14 128GB Midnight,” and claim that the phone was found abroad.
For victims still clinging to hope for recovery, this emotional manipulation can be difficult to resist.
This type of manipulation is why identity theft protection has become increasingly important for smartphone users.
If personal data or login details are exposed, the consequences go far beyond losing a device; may lead to fraudulent purchases or unauthorized account access.
Apple has reminded users that it never contacts by text message 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 any links.
Turning on Lost Mode through iCloud or another Apple device remains the safest step after losing an iPhone.
Users should also keep their SIM cards protected with a PIN and avoid publicly displaying personal contact details on their lock screens.
Using the best antivirus software can help detect malicious links or apps that could later appear as part of similar scams.
Additionally, keeping firewall protection enabled on your devices and networks reduces exposure to online threats.
The best identity theft protection for every budget
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