Majority of kids are permitted to utilize mobile phones by the age of seven
In the digital age, staying vigilant against online scams is more important than ever. Two recent developments highlight the need for users to be cautious: the surge in international scam calls and the proliferation of fake iCloud emails.
Vodafone's spam warning system has been activated millions of times in the past three months, with a significant portion of these alerts pointing towards potential scams. Among them is a type of digital call that has been suspected of involving scammers - the deceptive iCloud emails.
These emails, which are not originating from Apple, claim to warn of deleted photos and videos from iCloud storage. However, they are actually phishing scams designed to create urgency and panic. The emails typically claim that your iCloud storage is full or your account is suspended, and threaten that your photos, videos, contacts, and files will be deleted if you don’t act immediately. Often, they offer a fake "upgrade" for a small fee or ask you to reset your password through a provided link.
Key details about these scams include urgent warnings using alarming language, fake sender addresses from domains that look similar but are not legitimate Apple domains, false claims about security threats or full storage, and malicious links or phone numbers that connect you to scammers posing as Apple support agents.
Apple does not send unsolicited emails requesting sensitive information or urging users to call support for urgent account actions. The FBI and FTC warn users not to respond to such suspicious messages or call the numbers provided.
To protect yourself, always verify the sender’s email domain carefully. Do not click links or call numbers in unexpected emails. Check your iCloud storage status directly through official Apple device settings or the Apple website. And, of course, report suspicious emails to Apple and delete them promptly.
On a separate note, the EU has mandated transparency from AI model providers, requiring them to disclose the data they used to train their models. Non-compliance with these new guidelines may result in fines.
In summary, these fake iCloud emails warning of photo and video deletion are part of widespread phishing scams that misuse Apple’s branding to trick users into divulging personal info or payment details. They should be treated as fraudulent and ignored or reported. Stay safe online, and remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
[1] TechCrunch [2] FTC [3] FBI [4] Krebs on Security [5] Apple Support
- To bolster one's cybersecurity, it's crucial to be vigilant against phishing scams like the deceptive iCloud emails, as they often masquerade as official communications from Apple to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
- In the realm of technology, staying informed about the latest scams, such as the fake iCloud emails, is essential for maintaining robust cybersecurity and safeguarding sensitive data from online threats.
