GETTY – EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS
Apple users are being hit by this devious new scam
Apple customers have been warned to up their security protection following the detection of a new SMS text message scam targeting users of its iTunes and iCloud services.
Criminals are attempting to steal user information through text messages claiming that their accounts have been compromised.
However following through on the message could leave customers at risk of having valuable details stolen – here’s all you need to know.
Users told Express.co.uk that they are being targeted by messages claiming that their Apple account has been suspended “due to security reasons”.
The victims are told that in order to unlock their accounts, they need to click on a link included in the message.
The message uses the bit.ly URL shortener to hide the identity of the link, meaning users may be fooled into thinking it’s a legitimate Apple address.
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The text message targeted users of both iOS and Android devices
However, doing so redirects them to a fake login page, where they are prompted to entering their username and password.
But doing this will just give the hackers access to your information, which can then be used to access your account and leave you with a huge bill.
The scam isn’t just targeting iPhone or iOS devices, as Android users have also reported receiving the texts.
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The scam is the latest to affect smartphone users in recent months.
Apple users have proved unfortunately popular targets, as hackers look to take advantage of fears surrounding user accounts.
A major attack recently targeting users of the company’s iCloud service took a similar tactic to today’s scam, telling users that their account had been suspended, “due to unauthorised login attempts".
Another recent scam told iTunes users that there had been a problem processing a recent purchase, and that they needed to click on a link to update their account information.
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Another recent scam targeted users of Apple's iCloud service
Apple has warned users about fake emails and texts which often appear legitimate.
A message on the US technology firm's website explains the dangers of these malicious emails, stating: "The iTunes Store will never ask you to provide personal information or sensitive account information (such as passwords or credit card numbers) via email.
"Email messages that contain attachments or links to non-Apple websites are from sources other than Apple, although they may appear to be from the iTunes Store.
"Most often, these attachments are malicious and should not be opened.
"You should never enter your Apple account information on any non-Apple website."
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This recent WhatsApp scam targeted users with the promise of a free Sainsbury's voucher
Elsewhere, criminals also targeted users of popular messaging service WhatsApp using a similar scam.
The hackers would send legitimate-looking Word documents sent inside WhatsApp chats, but once opened, these documents were able to steal sensitive information from users, including online banking credentials and other personal data.
Last year, WhatsApp users in the UK were also warned about a new scam message that claimed to offer users a free £100 voucher from supermarket firm Sainsbury's.
Worse still, the scam message appeared as if it was forwarded by someone within your contacts – such as a friend or family member.
However the recipient name was actually a fake designed to trick WhatsApp users into trusting the web address for the alleged £100 Sainsbury's voucher.
If you think you have been tricked into clicking on any of these links – Express.co.uk has an in-depth guide of what steps to take next.
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