2 weeks Ago By Arshi Qureshi
APPLE users are being warned about a sick scam that wiped out a woman's savings and stole decades' worth of her memories. The iPhone owner lost $2,200 and now 20 years worth of her photos and contacts have been exposed. Kristi Fabregas said the scam started with a message about a declined transaction on her Apple account.
"Somebody tried to take almost $13,000 on my Apple card and it was declined," Fabregas told ABC local affiliate WSOC . Minutes later, her phone rang and the caller ID showed "Apple." A man introduced himself as "Mr Williams from Apple fraud support" and told her he was there to help protect her account.
READ MORE ON TECH But instead, he led her straight into a trap. Fabregas said the scammer gave her instructions, tricking her into giving him access to her account, other apps, and her bank. She knew something was wrong when she saw $1,400 disappear from her bank account - but the thief didn't stop there.
A total of $2,200 was stolen along with years' worth of data that she held close to her heart. Most read in News Tech "They have all my contacts, all my pictures, for the last 20-plus years," Fabregas said. "Very frustrating.
I’m like, ‘I’m smarter than this.’ I’m like, ‘I know better." WSOC looked into the scam after a TV station employee was targeted using similar tactics.
The worker got a text claiming her iCloud account was used to make a $143 Apple Pay purchase. The scammer urged her to call a number or click a link to halt the transaction, which WSOC referred to as a "stop the bleeding" message. As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam: Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions - be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you. Chase Bank warns customers to "never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first." Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam.
Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device. Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals. Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.
Source: Chase.com While the TV station employee didn't fall victim, it was a sign of the growing prevalence of phishing scams. These sick schemes involve a cybercriminal tricking someone into handing over their personal information.
A scammer then often goes on a wild spending spree, racking up hundreds or thousands in purchases on their victim's card. There are several ways you can protect yourself from such scams. First, stay vigilant.
Companies don't often call their customers so if any company calls or messages you unexpectedly, be suspicious. If you get a random alert, don't respond - and be aware that scammers often create a sense of urgency, pushing victims to act fast. Instead, hang up and look up the official number yourself.
Read More on The US Sun And if someone tries to stop you from verifying, that will be your red flag. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment by The U.S.
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