Armenian expert warns of fraudulent schemes to block iPhones in Telegram
YEREVAN, August 6. /ARКА/. Information security expert, co-founder of CyberHUB-AM Artur Papyan has warned of a fraudulent campaign to block iPhones in Telegram.
"Recently, there has been an increase in fraud targeting iPhone users, especially on the Telegram platform. Fraudsters can block your device, steal or delete data and demand ransom, accompanied by threats," Papyan wrote on his Facebook page.
Option 1 - love fraud
According to Papyan, this scheme is based on the imitation of romantic interest on the part of the fraudster. They contact users on Telegram, introducing themselves as potential acquaintances. After some communication and gaining trust, they make up a story about allegedly losing their phone and urgently need to log into their iCloud account to recover important photos or data.
“They ask you to sign in with their Apple ID from your iPhone. As soon as you do, the scammer immediately changes your Apple ID password, activates the Find My iPhone feature, and locks your device. Then they demand a ransom (in cases that I know of, the amount varies from $100 to $600 depending on the phone model) to unlock your device,” the expert warns.
Option 2 - a job offer
According to Papyan, in this scheme, scammers contact victims, often via Telegram, introducing themselves as company managers and offering a supposedly remote job as an app tester. They describe in detail the working conditions, schedule, and promised salary, creating an atmosphere of trust.
He explained that the main part of the scam begins when they ask the user to sign out of their iCloud account and sign in to the one provided by the scammers - supposedly to gain access to the apps being tested.
The victim, unaware of the deception, enters the provided login and password on their iPhone. Once these steps are completed, the phone is immediately locked with the message "Lost iPhone", followed by an attempt to extort ransom via Telegram.
Papyan said that in this scheme, the scammers contact victims, often via Telegram, posing as company managers and supposedly offering remote work as an app tester. They describe the working conditions, schedule, and promised salary in detail, creating an atmosphere of trust.
The main part of the scam begins when they ask the user to log out of their iCloud account and log into the iCloud provided by the scammers, explaining that this is necessary to gain access to the apps being tested.
"The victim, unaware of the deception, enters the provided login and password on their iPhone. Once these steps are completed, the phone is immediately locked with the message "Lost iPhone", followed by an attempt to extort ransom via Telegram.
Option 3 - Game fraud aimed at children
Even more alarming, as the expert notes, is that such schemes are now aimed at children. Fraudsters promise children free games, new themes (mods) for Roblox or other attractive bonuses. They ask children to sign in using their Apple ID or other accounts, allegedly to get this "free" content.
"Children, unaware of the danger, enter the scammers' iCloud data on their or their parents' iPhones/iPads, which gives the attackers the opportunity to block the device or steal personal data, photos and more," he writes.
How to protect yourself and what to do if you have already been deceived
The expert urged never to enter someone else's Apple ID on your device, emphasizing that this is the most important rule.
"Your iPhone is designed to work only with your personal Apple ID. You can only share your Apple ID with trusted family members. Talk to your children. Explain them the importance of online security. Teach them to never share passwords and account data for free games, mods or other promises. Warn them about suspicious links and strangers who promise something,” Papyan noted.
If your iPhone is locked
Papyan urged to immediately contact Apple Support. This is the only official way to unlock the device.
“Be prepared to provide proof of purchase of the device - the original packaging and receipt. This process can take up to a month, as it is reviewed by a special Apple department. Personally, I have never managed to unlock the phone, but other than this, I do not see any other option, I also categorically exclude the option of transferring the amount of money they demand to the scammers. Always be vigilant on online platforms. Your safety is in your hands. Share this information with friends and relatives so that they are protected too,” Papyan concluded.