Apple Phishing Scam

apple phishing example

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you an example of an Apple Phishing Scam that is doing the rounds at the moment. I thought it important as it very nearly caught me out. The example of the email can be seen in figure 1.

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”2795″ caption=”Figure 1: An Apple Phishing Example.” align=”center” icon=”zoom” size=”large” fitMobile=”true” autoHeight=”true” quality=”100″ lightbox=”true”]

It is very similar to the emails usually sent by Apple. The key thing to look for is your personal details (see figure 2): it is unlikely that the bogus emails will have these because they will be phishing for the details. I would still be wary even if they were there, the sophistication of these hackers is increasing by the day. My general rule is to never click on the links in emails but to visit the official site directly. If you hover over the link you can usually see where it is directing you (it should appear in the bottom left hand corner of your screen). This is more difficult if you are viewing the email on your phone or a tablet.

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”2796″ caption=”Figure 2: This demonstrates the missing data from the phishing email.” align=”center” icon=”zoom” size=”large” fitMobile=”true” autoHeight=”true” quality=”100″ lightbox=”true”]

It is not just the links you need to be concerned about, be very careful of attachments on the unfamiliar emails: they may also appear from someone you know, lookout for content that that seems odd.

If you do get a suspicious email you should send it to Apple at reportphishing@apple.com .

Hope this helps.

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Dr Alan Shaw is a Senior Lecturer and Marketing consultant focusing on a range of sectors. His main interests are in strategy development, social marketing, digital marketing, advertising, consumer behaviour and marketing application.
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