New Phishing Scam Targets Apple iTunes Users

Scammers are at it again and this time they’re targeting iPhone users.

Better Business Bureau spokesperson Dottie Calina says scammers are targeting iTunes accounts with a phishing email.

“You receive an email supposedly from Apple Support notifying you of a recent purchase with your Apple ID. And if you don’t recognize the purchase they ask you to cancel the purchase,” she explained. “They also they attach document links asking you to click on the link to verify your credit card number and other personal information.  They’re going to hope you don’t notice and they’re going to steal your credit card and personal information and have a hey day with it.”

Calina said Apple told the Better Business Bureau the Company will never send you an email about your iTunes account.

But she said if you do receive an email that looks like it might be from Apple, there are certain red flags within the email that will let you know whether or not it’s legitmate.

“The biggest thing is there are usually a lot of grammatical and spelling errors. Additionally, they won’t use your name. They will address it to ‘Apple Customer,’ or ‘Dear Customer,’ or ‘Dear Sir,’ or ‘Dear Madam,'” Calina explained. “So it’s not coming from the real company. So, if you see something like this, go to the legitimate web site. A lot of times they are aware of these scams and they have posted an alert on their web site. And use the customer service number, call them and ask them if they did send you something,” Calina said.

Additionally, Apple iTunes receipts will always use your current billing address.  So, if you get an email and it doesn’t have your current mailing address it isn’t legitimate.

Calina says above all, don’t click on the email or any link inside the email.

“A lot of people think, ‘what’s the harm?’ The harm is if you give credit card or bank information they’re going to steal your money,” Calina said. “If you download something from that phishing email, they’re going to install malware or ransomware on your computer.”

Calina said Apple is not going to send you an email about any of their apps or services. You have to call Apple and they are going to verify it’s you by asking you questions, such as, ‘What’s the last four of your social.’

If you do think you’ve fallen for the iTunes phishing scam, you can report it to Apple and also to the Better Business Bureau’s via their Scam Tracker feature.  Just go to BBB Scam Tracker.