We all know that iPhones are valuable items, making them attractive targets for thieves. Unfortunately, it’s becoming increasingly common for thieves to gain access to an iPhone using nothing but your passcode.
This article will discuss how this latest passcode scam works and how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Read on to learn more about this disturbing new trend!
How Does the Passcode Scam Work?
Beware of the latest scam thieves are using to swipe people’s iPhones and steal their money.
The thieves often work in groups. For the attack to be successful, they must not only gain physical access to your iPhone but also learn its lock screen passcode.
With just a few taps, criminals can easily change the passcode linked to an Apple ID in almost no time and remotely sign out from any of your connected Macs or iPads.
Once stolen, these phones can easily be exploited to withdraw funds from financial applications, then sold on the black market.
Sadly, many victims have been scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars.
The scam often happens late at night in bars or parties where the victim’s guard is down.
Sometimes the scammer will simply look over your shoulder and memorize the passcode. Then a second accomplice will come along later and snatch your phone.
What if I Use FaceID?
If the mark uses FaceID to open their phone, the thieves may take a different approach.
First, one of the scammers will befriend the victim, asking to borrow their phone for a photo.
Then they’ll subtly restart it so that the passcode is required when it turns back on.
Or they may suggest you download a new social app to stay in touch with them.
Then they’ll watch as you enter your passcode.
Again, a second accomplice usually physically snatches the phone later in the evening, so the victim doesn’t suspect their new “friend.”
How to Protect Yourself from the Passcode Scam
To protect yourself from these scams, you should always use Face ID or Touch ID instead of typing in your passcode in public places where someone could be watching you.
Also, cover your screen if you find yourself in a situation where you are forced to type in your passcode.
If an attacker has your phone with the correct passcode, they can reset your Apple ID password and access your device’s data.
You can also set up an Apple ID Recovery Key. An Apple ID Recovery Key is a 28-character code that will help protect your account if someone else gets hold of it. But be aware if you lose this 28-character code, you could find yourself permanently locked out.
Most importantly, be aware of suspicious behavior or people who seem overly friendly when asking to borrow your phone. Take caution before giving it away just to take a photo.
Sadly, this type of scam also leads to victims losing precious photos and memories that can’t be replaced.
If you are unfortunate enough to have someone steal your iPhone, call your bank and other finance apps immediately. They will usually refund your money if it’s accessed illegally.
Use an iPhone Privacy Case
Finally, you can protect your passcode by using an iPhone Privacy Case.
These cases have tinted glass that prevents those nearby from seeing what’s on the screen when you are entering your passcode.
Looking straight on, you can view your iPhone like usual.
But, if someone tries to view your screen from a side angle, it will be darkened, concealing whatever you have on it.
And the case covers your iPhone screen using magnets, so there’s no sticky mess.
We have these iPhone Privacy Cases available in our store in all the latest iPhone sizes.
My Thoughts
My thoughts on the latest passcode scam are that it’s a despicable crime that can have long-term consequences for victims.
Having your phone stolen and all your information compromised, including personal photos & videos, notes, and text conversations, is more than just a monetary loss.
It can also leave victims feeling violated personally and emotionally.
Everyone should take steps to protect their phones, such as using Face ID or Touch ID instead of typing in a passcode in public places, setting up an Apple ID recovery key, being aware of suspicious behavior around you, and investing in an iPhone Privacy Case.
This will help to ensure that criminals are unable to gain access to your phone and keep you and your information safe.
By taking these simple precautions, we can all rest a little bit easier, knowing our phones and memories are secure.
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