The giant electronics corporation Apple Inc. is known for its popular iPods, iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. Millions across the globe utilize these products everyday.
Mississippi residents are no strangers to these products.
However, there is a phishing scam targeting Apple users, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood announced this week in a press release.
According to the release, this phishing scam targets a large group of potential victims.
Dictionary.com defines phishing as the act of trying to obtain financial or other confidential information from Internet users, typically by sending an email that resembles one sent from a legitimate organization, but contains a link to a fake website.
The scammers are using emails to falsely claim a person’s Apple ID, iCloud or iTunes account has been compromised, the release states. The user is then asked to provide personal information to solve the problem.
“Because there is a large percentage of Apple users, these cons are using the Apple name to cast a wide net to phish for potential victims,” Hood said in the release. “That’s why it is important to think twice about any action you take online asking you to provide personal information. Legitimate companies like Apple never ask you to provide such information to them through an email.”
The use of iCloud poses a particular threat because the service is used to back up cell phones, the release states. If the account is compromised, hackers could gain access to sensitive and personal information.
The attorney general suggests that in order to avoid this scam make sure to check or change account information through the iTunes application directly, not through a web browser. If asked to update account information, do so only through iTunes or through the Apple store.
Apple users who suspect their accounts have been compromised should change their password immediately and contact Apple to advise them the account’s security has been compromised. Upon receipt of a suspicious looking email, notify iTunes customer support at www.apple.com/support/itunes/store, the release states.
A sample of a phishing email contains the Apple ID name and a warning that a user’s Apple ID details need to be updated. The user is given three days to complete the verification or the iCloud will be deleted. A link is provided to login to Apple or iCloud ID. There is a resolution validation request number and the email is signed, Sincerely, iGenuis Helpteam.
The release suggests that users avoid clicking on the link included in the email.