The "your iPhone was found" scam
Why these messages come
A stolen iPhone that's still locked to your account is hard to resell. If a thief can get your Apple Account password, they may be able to remove that lock. Messages like this try to get it from you while you're hoping for good news. If you put a contact number on the Lost Mode screen, that's one way it could reach you.
What it may look like
- A text or email saying your iPhone has been found, or was located on a map
- A link to a page that looks like Apple's sign-in or Find My
- A rush: sign in now, or the phone will be erased
- A sender address or web address that doesn't match Apple's real one
What to do
- Don't tap the link. To check on your phone, type icloud.com/find into the browser yourself.
- Don't share codes. Apple says it never asks for your password, device passcode or two-factor code to provide support.
- Report it. Take a screenshot first, because reporting in Messages can delete the message and you may want it for a police report. Forward emails, or send screenshots of texts, to reportphishing@apple.com. In Messages, tap Report Spam (Report Junk on some versions).
If you already entered your password
Change your Apple Account password right away and make sure two-factor authentication is on. Check your account for anything you don't recognise, including trusted devices.
Don't pay for help either
Be just as careful with anyone who offers to return your phone for a fee, or to track it by its IMEI. Treat paid "IMEI tracking" offers as a warning sign. In the Philippines, the NTC page we read offers to block phones, and doesn't offer to find them.
How FirstHour helps
The first-hour plan in Plan B includes a Don't list with this warning, because it's easy to forget when you're upset. FirstHour can't block these messages or tell you whether one is real.
Questions
Could the message be real if it knows my phone's model?
Knowing the model doesn't make it real. Details like these can be seen on or taken from the phone. Apple says it won't contact you to say your iPhone has been found.
Should I remove the phone from Find My if someone asks?
No. That removes Activation Lock and makes the phone easier to resell.
Sources
- Loss / Stolen Cellphone, National Telecommunications Commission
- How to find your lost iPhone or iPad, Apple Support
- Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes, Apple Support
- Report spam and block senders, Apple Support