Cole County Sheriff’s Office warns of Apple ID phishing scam that uses fake legal threats

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Cole County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a new phishing scam that is targeting Apple users.

A press release from the sheriff’s office says text messages and emails are falsely claiming that “an Apple ID or Apple Pay account has been linked to money laundering or other illegal activity. The messages are designed to create panic and pressure recipients into taking immediate action.”

Scammers will tell their targets to call a fake support phone number or click “malicious” links, the release says.

“Many messages now include fabricated legal threats, falsely claiming that government agencies such as the FCC have been notified or that an arrest warrant has been issued. These claims are entirely false and are used solely to manipulate victims into compliance,” the press release says.

Scammers, if they successfully make contact with a victim, try to steal Apple ID credentials, banking information, security codes or ask for remote access to an electronic device, the release says.

The sheriff’s office included this list of safety steps to follow:

• Do not call any number provided in suspicious messages
• Do not click links or open attachments
• Do not share personal, financial, or account information
• Do report suspicious messages to Apple at reportphishing@apple.com
• Do verify account status only through official Apple settings or the Apple ID website