iPhone 12 Chatbot Scam Begins to Spread Through Text Messages
- Scammers are taking advantage of Apple users eager to purchase the iPhone 12 with a chatbot scam offering “a free trial” of the new device.
- Threat actors are looking to steal people’s credit card information and other identity information. They can use the information to commit financial identity theft.
- Consumers are urged to ignore any suspicious text messages and verify their validity by going directly to the source.
- Anyone who believes they are a victim of the phishing scam, or wants to learn more, can call the Identity Theft Resource Center toll-free at 888.400.5530, or live-chat with an expert advisor on our website.
The iPhone 12 is expected to be released in October, and many are restlessly awaiting the anticipated launch. Scammers are aware and are sending iPhone 12 chatbot scams via text message, hoping to steal people’s personal information like names, addresses, and financial information like credit card numbers and security codes. While the scam tries to convince people they have won a free trial of the iPhone 12, the only ones winning with the iPhone 12 chatbot scam are the scammers.
Who It Is Targeting
Apple product users
What It Is
It’s a mobile phishing campaign that is spreading through text messages. The text messages from the iPhone 12 chatbot scam appear to come from an Apple chatbot offering free trials for the iPhone 12 before its release. When people click on the link in the text message, it triggers multiple text messages, ending with one saying the user qualifies for a test group before taking them to a “payment” screen for shipping charges.
What They Are After
The iPhone 12 chatbot scam is ultimately after people’s credit card information. After people click through the questions and learn they are “eligible,” they are taken to the “payment” screen where they are asked to enter their credit card information because there is a “courier delivery charge.” Once victims give out their personally identifiable information (PII), scammers can then use it to commit identity theft.
What You Can Do
- If you receive a text message you are not expecting that requires you to act, ignore it. Instead, go directly to the source to verify the validity of the message.
- Look for grammatical errors and stylistic issues in the text message to spot the phishing scam.
- Remember, if the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do not enter any personal information or click on any links for an offer unless you confirm it is legitimate.
If you believe you have fallen victim to the iPhone 12 chatbot scam or have additional questions, you can call the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) toll-free at 888.400.5530. You can also live-chat with an expert advisor on the company website.
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