New Scam Targets iPhone Users with Fake ‘Find My’ Messages

Losing an iPhone can be stressful, but receiving a message saying it has been found could lead to an even bigger problem. Cybersecurity experts have warned iPhone users about a new phishing scam where fraudsters pretend to be from Apple and trick victims into sharing their Apple ID.

According to the Swiss National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), scammers are exploiting Apple’s Find My feature to target people who have reported their iPhones lost or stolen. When users mark their device as lost, they can display a message on the lock screen with their contact information — hoping someone honest will return it. Unfortunately, criminals are using this feature to their advantage.

The scammers send text messages or iMessages that appear to come from Apple’s Find My team. These messages often include accurate details about the missing device, such as its model, colour, and storage capacity, making them look genuine. The message typically says something like:

“We are pleased to inform you that your lost iPhone 14 128GB Midnight has been successfully located. To view the current location of your device, please click the link below…”

When the victim clicks the link, they are redirected to a fake Apple login page that looks almost identical to the real one. If they enter their Apple ID and password, the information goes straight to the scammers. This allows the criminals to unlock and resell stolen iPhones.

The NCSC has urged users not to click on links from unknown sources. If you receive such a message, double-check the website address carefully before entering any login details. Experts also suggest using a separate email ID on the lost-device message and setting up a SIM card PIN for extra protection.

If you believe your Apple ID or personal data has been compromised, immediately report the incident to your local police station or file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).

Staying cautious and verifying every message could save you from becoming the next victim of this clever phishing scam.