Scam alert: Beware the dangerous 'Expiring Apple ID' phishing scam

By Rick Rouse
Rick’s Daily Tech Tips

Well, another very insidious phishing scam is making the rounds again.
 
This one won't show up in your Facebook Newsfeed or in an email.
 
Instead, you'll receive it in an SMS text message, and if you fall for the bait it could end up costing you dearly.

The scam works like this...
 
You receive a text message explaining that your Apple ID is due to expire today. You are then told that you must visit the Apple website to "confirm" your Apple ID.
 
The problem is the website at the link supplied isn't the real Apple website, but rather a very authentic-looking, but fake copy-cat site.
 
If you tap the link and visit the fraudulent website you'll be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password. If you comply by entering your Apple credentials, you'll then receive an error message stating that your Apple account has been "locked" for security reasons.
 
That "your account has been locked" message is just a ruse. You'll still be able to sign in to your real Apple account with no problems whatsoever.
 
The problem is, the hacker can too because you just gave him your Apple ID and password.

Just so you'll know what to look for, here's a screenshot of the fake text message:
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Bottom line: Apple will never send you a text message telling you that you need to "confirm" your Apple ID.

If you receive this malicious text message, DO NOT click the link in the message. Simply delete the message and forget about it.

If you have already received this text message and entered your Apple credentials on the fake website, you need to log into your Apple account at the real Apple website and change your password immediately.
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Stay safe out there folks. We're all living in the technological version of the wild, wild west.