AN APPLE memo has warned all phone users to be on high alert for a dangerous type of scam.
If you fall for it, you’ll find your money in the hands of criminals in a matter of seconds.
1
The scam involves you handing cash to scammers via an Apple Gift Card.
It might sound farfetched, but it’s surprisingly easy to become a victim.
The scam strikes via phone call, but can also turn up on your iPhone or Android in a text or email.
“A string of scams are taking place asking people to make payments over the phone for things such as taxes, hospital bills, bail money, debt collection, and utility bills,” Apple explained.
“The scams are committed using many methods, including gift cards.
“As the fraudsters are sometimes requesting codes from Apple Gift Cards, App Store & iTunes Gift Cards, or Apple Store Gift Cards, we want to make sure our customers are aware of these scams.”
Apple said that Gift Card scams tend to follow the same formula.
It typically involves a phone call to the victim “instilling panic and urgency” to make a payment using an Apple Gift Card.
Most read in News Tech
Once you’ve purchased the card, you’ll be asked to pay by sharing the code on the back.
But it’s a fraudulent request designed to steal your money.
Thankfully, it’s extremely easy to stay safe from this type of scam.
Apple said you must never provide the numbers on the back of a Gift Card to someone you don’t know.
As soon as you provide the numbers to the scammers, they’ll likely spend the funds before you can contact Apple or the police.
But if you never hand over the number, you’ll be safe.
“If you are not purchasing an item from Apple, do not make a payment with an Apple Gift Card,” Apple advised.
“There’s no other instance in which you’ll be asked to make a payment with either of these gift cards.
“Do not provide the numbers on the back of the gift card to anyone that you don’t know.
“Immediately report potential scams to your local police department as well as the FTC.”
If you think you’re being scammed in this way, it’s possible to call Apple directly on 800-275-2273 in the US, or contact Apple Support online.
Don’t use contact details given in the original phone call asking for Gift Card payments – they are likely to be fraudulent.
