A new scam is targeting owners of stolen iPhones, using fake Apple pages and smishing texts to trick them into handing over their passcodes. According to research from Infoblox Threat Intel, thieves are using these tactics to unlock and resell stolen iPhones.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically starts with a thief stealing an iPhone and then sending a fake message to the owner, claiming to be from Apple or a similar entity. The message may include a link to a fake Apple-style website, which asks the owner to enter their passcode. If the owner enters their passcode, the thief can then unlock the iPhone and resell it.

The scam is particularly convincing because it often arrives shortly after the iPhone is stolen, and the fake website may show the iPhone’s location on a map. However, Apple will never ask you to enter your iPhone passcode through a random link sent by text or WhatsApp.

Protecting Your iPhone

To protect your iPhone from this scam, make sure to use a strong passcode and avoid using simple codes such as birthdays or repeating numbers. You should also enable Find My iPhone and keep your iPhone listed in your Apple Account, even if it’s stolen. If your iPhone is stolen, report it to the police and your wireless carrier, and avoid using links from texts or emails to recover your iPhone.

Instead, use the Find My app on another Apple device or go directly to iCloud through your browser to track your iPhone. Never type your passcode into a website that arrives by message, and be cautious of messages that claim your iPhone has been found or is ready to be recovered.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.