iPhone SMS Scam Alert: Don't Trust Unsolicited 'Package Has Arrived' Messages. Your Personal Data Could Get Leaked

It is advised to exercise caution with any SMS-based communication claiming to be from Apple, or any other company for that matter.

If you receive a message, even if it appears to be from Apple, avoid clicking on any links.

Source : 巻（Maki)/Pixabay; Pete Linforth/Pixabay

Apple iPhone users are being targeted by a new scam involving fraudulent messages about undelivered parcels at India Post warehouses. These messages, sent from random accounts, are part of a transnational scam that aims to deceive recipients into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information.

The Ministry of Home Affairs' Cyber Dost, a cybersafety and cybersecurity awareness initiative, has issued a warning on X (formerly Twitter) to iPhone users about this scam. The fraudulent messages often display signs of urgency, poor grammar, suspicious links, and unusual sender addresses.

🚨New Transnational #Scam Alert:#iPhone users are learnt to be receiving scam messages via #iMessage regarding package / courier from random accounts. Clicking on suspicious links may be avoided and read receipts may be disabled for such messages.@Apple @AppleSupport @GoI_MeitY pic.twitter.com/IsMJj0ogiS

— Cyber Dost (@Cyberdost) July 9, 2024

How To Avoid Falling Victim To iPhone SMS Scams

As reported by Forbes, hackers targeting iPhone users are employing more sophisticated tactics. These attackers are using urgent language like “act now” and “important” to manipulate recipients into immediate action.

The report cited Jake Moore, a global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, who said, "This can often force people to act with greater success, so users need to remain mindful of any link embedded in a text message, especially from unsolicited locations."

It is advised to exercise caution with any communication claiming to be from Apple. Enabling multi-factor authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, on your accounts can add an extra layer of security.

The report further suggested that if you receive a text asking you to log into iCloud, verify the source. Messages from random phone numbers are unlikely to be legitimate. Always access iCloud login pages through trusted sources and locations.

If you receive a message, even if it appears to be from Apple, avoid clicking on any links. Instead, log into your account directly through the official URL or via your iPhone settings to ensure the security of your information.