Phone theft is on the rise, with a significant increase in stolen smartphones reported in London last year, reaching 117,000 cases. This number is expected to grow even further in 2025, considering the high value of some iPhones, exceeding £1,200. Beyond the financial loss, the theft of these devices poses a threat due to the sensitive personal data stored on them, including photos, banking information, and private emails.
Fortunately, Apple has implemented robust security measures such as Stolen Device Protection to deter criminals from using stolen iPhones effectively. Despite these safeguards, some thieves attempt to circumvent the security features. If your iPhone is stolen, be cautious if you receive a message claiming that the device has been located suddenly.
According to the National Cyber Security Centre in Switzerland, criminals are devising deceptive methods to bypass security features like Activation Lock, which binds an iPhone to its owner’s Apple ID, rendering it useless and unsellable. These perpetrators are now sending personalized texts that appear to be from Apple, containing links to what seems like official Apple websites. If users fall for this trick, they may inadvertently provide access codes to criminals, enabling them to access personal data and wipe the device for resale.
The NCSC highlighted that the primary objective of scammers is to disable the Activation Lock. By sending convincing messages with accurate details of the stolen device, such as its model, color, and storage capacity, they aim to deceive users into disclosing critical information. While the method of obtaining users’ phone numbers remains unclear, it is speculated that information may be acquired through the SIM card or Apple’s Find My feature.
To safeguard iPhone users, the NCSC has issued essential guidelines to follow. It is crucial to remember that Apple will never initiate contact to request personal data or click on suspicious links unexpectedly. If your iPhone goes missing, it is recommended to:
– Disregard unsolicited messages, as Apple does not notify users via text or email about found devices.
– Avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages or sharing Apple ID credentials on linked websites.
– Immediately activate Lost Mode using the Find My app or iCloud.com/find to secure the device if it is lost.
– Exercise caution in displaying contact details on the lock screen of a lost device and use a dedicated email address. Do not remove the device from the Apple account to maintain Activation Lock functionality.
– Secure the SIM card with a PIN to prevent unauthorized access to the phone number.
By following these precautions, users can enhance the security of their devices and protect their personal information from malicious actors.