Let's talk about something that was It's been popping up in your inboxes lately – “Your Apple ID has been disabled” phishing emails.
Like many of the people who've reached out to us, you've probably got an account that looks somewhat legitimate, saying something like, “Your Apple ID has been temporarily disabled. Verify your account Apple ID information“.
Spoiler alert: It's likely a scam, and we'll explain why.
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Apple ID fraudulent email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
Anatomy of a scam
So, here's how these scammers work. You'll receive a completely legitimate-looking email that contains the Apple logo and creates a sense of urgency, claiming that your Apple ID is in trouble. They'll say something like, “If you don't verify your account within 48 hours, it will be permanently locked.” Yes, right? This is exactly what they want you to think. Therefore, you should click the button below to check as soon as possible. They want you to click where it says “Go to Apple ID.”
Once you do this, you will be directed to a fake Apple website designed to look almost identical to the real one. This scam site asks you to enter your username, password, and other sensitive information, which scammers can then use to access your Apple account and possibly Stealing your personal data Or make unauthorized purchases.
Apple ID fraudulent email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
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Let's play detective and take a look at some of the red flags in these scam emails
Urgent language: They are trying to scare you into acting without thinking. Classic hustler move.
Vague claims: “Missing or invalid information”? This is intentionally unclear to make you doubt yourself.
Lockdown threats: There's nothing like a good threat to get your heart racing, right?
Modern terms of service: They make this sound official, but it's just smoke and mirrors.
Grammatical idiots: Real Apple emails are polished. Scammers? Not much.
Suspicious sender address: Always check if it's actually from @apple.com (spoiler: it probably isn't). Any legitimate email from Apple will come from a domain that ends with “@email.apple.com. As you can see from the scam email below, it's from a fake email: mfrasier@wavecable.com, not Apple.
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Apple ID fraudulent email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
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Why are scammers searching for your Apple ID?
You may be wondering: “Why are these scammers so obsessed with Apple IDs?” Well, there are several reasons:
- iCloud goldmine: Your photos, contacts and documents are valuable to identity theft or blackmail.
- Quick shopping possibility: Stored payment information means they can keep spending on your dime.
- Access to the financial account: Many people link their bank accounts to their Apple ID. Pirate jackpot.
- Dark web data deals: Your personal information can fetch a pretty penny on shady online markets.
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How to keep these scammers at bay
To keep scammers away and secure your Apple ID, follow these comprehensive steps:
1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This important security feature adds an extra layer of protection to your Apple ID. Set it up by going to Settings > (your name) > Login and security On your iPhone, iPad, or Apple menu> System settings > (your name) > Login and security on your Mac.
2. Use strong passcodes: Choose alphanumeric passcodes instead of simple PINs. When in public, use biometrics (Face ID or Touch ID) and be careful when entering your passcode.
3. Enable stolen device protection: If you're using iOS 17.3 or later, turn it on This feature For greater security against theft.
4. Keep software updated: regularly Update your operating system and applications to ensure you have the latest security patches.
5. Do not click on suspicious links, and use powerful anti-virus software: If an email asks you to click a link, don't do so right away. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn't look like an official Apple website (or any site you trust), don't click on it.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, and potentially access your private information, is to install antivirus software on all of your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
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6. Use a password manager: Create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts with Password manager.
7. Enable Find Me: employment Find my iPhone To help locate your device if it is lost or stolen.
8. Use the personal data removal service: Consider using a service that searches for and removes your personal information from data broker sites. These services can help reduce your digital footprint, making it harder for scammers to get your data to target you in the first place. Look for a service that offers automated removals from hundreds of data collectors and provides detailed verification of removals.
Although no service promises to remove all your data from the Internet, getting a removal service is great if you want to continuously monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
9. Do not click on suspicious links: If an email asks you to click a link, don't do so right away. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn't look like an official Apple website (or any site you trust), don't click on it.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, and potentially access your private information, is to install antivirus software on all of your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Apple ID fraudulent email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
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How to actually reach Apple
Apple will never email you asking for your password or threatening to lock your account. If there's a real issue, you'll usually receive a notification on your trusted device or be asked to sign in directly to your Apple ID account page. Remember, Apple will never ask you for your password via email, phone, or text. Always access your account through official Apple websites or apps.
Key takeaways for Kurt
These scammers are becoming more skilled, but with a little knowledge and caution, you can keep your Apple ID (and all the goodies associated with it) safe and sound. Remember, if something seems fishy, trust your gut. When in doubt, go directly to Apple's official website or contact their support team. Keep your digital life safe, and don't let these scammers take a bite out of your Apple device.
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