Phone theft is on the rise, with a significant increase reported in London last year, totaling 117,000 stolen smartphones. The trend is expected to continue growing in 2025, especially given the high value of some iPhones, which can exceed £1,200. Apart from the monetary loss, the theft of these devices raises concerns about the potential exposure of personal information like photos, banking details, and private emails.
Despite the security measures implemented by Apple, including features like Stolen Device Protection, thieves are still attempting to bypass these safeguards to make use of stolen iPhones. Criminals have devised a clever strategy to circumvent security features like Activation Lock, which permanently links an iPhone to its owner’s Apple ID, rendering it useless and unsellable.
According to the National Cyber Security Centre in Switzerland, scammers are now resorting to sending personalized texts to the rightful owners of stolen devices. These messages often contain links that mimic official Apple websites, tricking owners into providing access codes that enable the scammers to remove Activation Lock, access personal data, and wipe the device for resale.
The NCSC highlighted that the scammers’ tactics involve sending messages that appear to be from Apple, claiming that the lost iPhone has been located abroad. To add credibility, the messages include specific details about the missing device, such as its model, color, and storage capacity, which can be obtained directly from the stolen phone.
While the method of obtaining user phone numbers is not entirely clear, it is suspected that scammers may be acquiring this information through SIM cards or Apple’s Find My feature, which allows owners to display contact details on the lost device’s lock screen.
To enhance user safety, the NCSC has issued five essential tips for iPhone users to follow in case of theft. It is crucial to remember that Apple will never contact users out of the blue or request personal data via links.
If your iPhone is stolen, adhere to these guidelines:
– Disregard suspicious messages claiming to have found your lost device, as Apple does not communicate through text or email for such matters.
– Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or providing Apple ID credentials on unverified websites.
– Act promptly by activating Lost Mode using the Find My app to lock the device if it goes missing.
– Exercise caution with the contact details displayed on the lock screen of your lost device, using a dedicated email address. Do not remove the device from your Apple account to maintain the Activation Lock.
– Secure your SIM card with a PIN to prevent unauthorized access to your phone number.
By following these precautions, users can mitigate the risks associated with iPhone theft and safeguard their personal information effectively.