Apple Phishing Email: your guide to spotting & avoiding scams

Why VeePN is the key to blocking phishing threats

Phishing isn’t just about clicking on the wrong link, it starts with how visible and vulnerable you are online. VeePN adds a vital layer of security that makes it harder for cybercrooks to pinpoint you:

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🛡️Blocks dodgy websites often used in phishing schemes
🛡️Secures your data when you’re on public Wi-Fi where phishing attacks are rife
🛡️Reduces exposure to tracking cookies and injected ads used by scammers
🛡️Helps block spam and unwanted emails, reducing the number of unwanted and potentially dodgy messages you get

Pair VeePN with some smart digital habits and it’ll drastically reduce your risk of falling for phishing emails or visiting fake Apple sites.

How Apple Phishing Emails Work

Phishing emails pretending to be from Apple are designed to look official. They might claim that:

• Your Apple ID has been locked due to dodgy activity
• Or that a new device has been logged into your iCloud account
• Or that a payment method has been declined
• Or that you’ve bought or subscribed to something you don’t even remember
• Or that you need to verify your account or click a link to get access back
• Or that you have some urgent message about your account status or security – like threats of suspension or unauthorized access

These emails usually include logos, fake Apple email addresses and urgent calls to action to trick you into clicking on a link or handing over personal info. Phishing emails may also ask you to log in to a fake website that looks like an official Apple page.

If you fall for these scams you could end up with your account getting compromised – or even lost – and that would leave your personal data and security in the lurch.

Understanding Apple Support: what real messages look like

Protecting your Apple account and Apple device from phishing scams starts by knowing exactly what genuine Apple Support messages look and sound like. Scammers commonly try to mimic official comms but there are tell-tale signs that can help you spot a real message from Apple and avoid falling for dodgy emails or scam phone calls.

First of all, Apple Support will never ask you to tap ‘Accept’ on a 2-factor auth prompt, nor will they ever ask for your password, device passcode or verification codes via email, texts or phone calls. If you get a suspicious email or unexpected message asking for this sensitive info, that’s your red flag.

Always check the sender’s email address — legit Apple emails will always end with @apple.com. For phone calls, check the number against the official Apple Support contact info found on their website. Be wary of messages with dodgy grammar, strange formatting or a sense of urgency to confirm your account info – that’s all pretty common in phishing scams.

If you ever get a message that seems dodgy, don’t respond or click on any suspicious links. Get in touch with Apple Support directly via their official support page or app to verify the request. Never hand over your Apple ID, password or security code in response to a cold email, and don’t create a new password or share verification codes unless you’ve initiated the process yourself.

To further safeguard your Apple account, enable two-factor authentication and consider using a hardware security key for some extra security. Stay on the lookout for any unexpected messages, calls or requests for personal data and always check the source before taking any action.

How to spot a fake Apple Email

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

1. Suspicious sender address. Real Apple emails come from @apple.com email addresses. Phishing emails may use dodgy domains like @appleverify.com or @icloudsupport.com

2. Generic greetings. Phishing messages often say ‘Dear Customer’ instead of using your real name. Apple usually uses personal greetings though

3. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes. Poor language, weird spacing, or formatting issues are a definite no-no. If it looks dodgy, it probably is

4. Urgent Language. The Scare Tactic Scam emails are trying to freak you out with phrases like “Your account is going to be suspended in 24 hours… or else!”.

5. Links to Non-Apple Websites. Before you click, roll over any links (but don’t just click!) and take a look at where they’re actually taking you – if it’s not an apple.com address, it’s almost certainly a fake.

6. Requests for Personal Info. Apple never, ever asks you to send your password, credit card number, or security questions via email.

7. Unexpected Attachments. Be super wary of emails that throw in an unexpected attachment – these can be loaded with malware or just designed to swip your info.

8. Suspicious or Inconsistent Dates. Check the date on the email and see if it adds up – is the timing way off or does it match anything you’ve done recently? Either way, could be a phishing attempt

What to Do If You Get a Phishing Email

• Don’t click on any links or download any attachments.
• Don’t reply – and don’t give them any personal info either.
• Report it by forwarding the whole email – including any attachments or screenshots – to [email protected]. If you get a scam call, report it just like you would an email, with details like the date, time and caller ID to apple or whoever needs to know. You can send any dodgy messages or call details to help apple block the bad guys.
• You can also report phishing and scam incidents to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their official website.
• If Apple Support gives you a case number keep it on hand – you might need it later.
• Bin the email from your inbox and trash and make a change to your Apple ID password if you might have clicked on a dodgy link.

Some Extra Safety Tips

• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Apple ID – it’s a lifesaver\
• Keep a close eye on your devices in your iCloud settings – and keep them up to date\
• Choose a password that’s not a million miles from a dictionary for your Apple account – and for all your other accounts, for that matter\
• Get some reliable antivirus software and make sure it’s all up to date\
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to block phishing sites before they even load\
• Don’t give out your bank details or home address in response to any funny messages or emails – not even if they look super legit.
• Keep in mind that phishing scams can hit any Apple device, including Mac, Mac mini, iPad, iPhone and all the others – so if you’re an iOS user you particularly need to watch out and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
• Keep all your Apple devices and operating systems, like iOS, updated to get the latest security protections

Final Thoughts: Don’t fall for the Apple Phishing Scam

Scammers are counting on making you scared and stressed so that you’ll click on the wrong thing – and with millions of Apple devices out there, these fake emails aren’t going away any time soon. But by learning how to spot them and using the right tools, like a VPN, you can browse and shop online with confidence.

Get a VPN today and build a digital shield against phishing, scams and online threats – before they even reach your inbox

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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