iPhone users warned to be on alert for phishing attacks

Monday, 25 November 2019

Scammers are attempting to trick iPhone owners into disclosing their Apple user names and passwords by sending them scam texts that encourage them to click on a link to a fake website.

Cyber-safety organisation Netsafe said it received its first report of the scam on Sunday and a few further reports on Monday.

Spokeswoman Angela Boundy said the phishing attack was 'business as usual'.

The messages were being sent out in a blanket fashion, in the knowledge that some would by chance be received by iPhone owners, rather than being specifically targeted at iPhone users, she said.

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The number of scam texts was not huge at this stage and it was not a particularly sophisticated scam, she said.

'There is nothing 'super unique' about it.

'Often it is the timing that works. If they have caught someone off guard they could be successful, which is why I think they have taken this scatter-gun approach.'

Phone users should be alert and could report the attacks to either Netsafe or, if they were an iPhone user, to Apple, she said.

If Netsafe became aware the scam messages were sufficiently widespread it could take steps to raise awareness, she said.

'If people have given out any information, they should review their privacy and security settings.'

Spark spokeswoman Samantha Smith said it had also received a few reports about the scam from customers.

It had contacted the Telecommunications Forum in the hope it would be able to arrange a block on the source of the text messages.

Spark also was in the process of ensuring its customers would not be able to access the scam website if they were tricked into clicking on the link.

If iPhone users had already done that and shared any personal information, they might want to consider rebooting their phone or performing a factory reset, she said.