Apple has released a guide to account protection

[Carding Forum]

Learn how to recognize fake messages and secure your devices.

Recently, cases of fraud using social engineering aimed at users of Apple products have become more frequent. The company has released a detailed guide on how to detect fraud attempts and protect your data.

The tips provided by Apple are in line with the general guidelines for protecting against phishing and other fraudulent activities. The company reminds that users should never share personal data, such as passwords or security codes, and avoid entering such data on unknown sites to which they were redirected by outsiders.

Here are the main recommendations listed on the site:

1. Enable two-factor authentication: This will add an extra layer of protection to your Apple ID account. Update your contact details regularly and keep them in a safe place. Never share your password or verification codes, as Apple support never asks for this information.
2. Download software only from trusted sources: Install apps only from the official App Store or from trusted developer sites to avoid installing malware.
3. Avoid suspicious links and attachments: Do not click on links or open attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages, as they may contain viruses or other threats.
4. Do not respond to suspicious calls: If you receive a call or message from someone claiming to represent Apple, do not enter into a dialogue and contact Apple directly through official support channels.

What to do if you receive a suspicious message or call
Apple offers users several steps to report suspicious activity:

• Suspicious FaceTime calls: Take a screenshot of the call information and send it to the address reportfacetimefraud@apple.com. To find information about a call, open FaceTime and click the "Learn More" button next to the suspicious call.
• Suspicious Links: If you receive a suspicious link to a FaceTime call in the Messages or Mail app, please send a screenshot with the link to reportfacetimefraud@apple.com. The snapshot must contain the sender's phone number or email address.
• Fraudulent SMS: Take a screenshot of the suspicious message and send it to the address reportphishing@apple.com.
• Spam in iCloud: Mark suspicious emails as spam or move them to the appropriate folder on the site iCloud.com, me.com or mac.com.
• Unwanted messages in "Messages": Click the "Report Spam" button under the suspicious message. You can also block unwanted messages and calls.

How to detect fraud
Apple warns that scammers using social engineering techniques often mimic trusted companies and organizations. They may call from fake numbers similar to official Apple numbers and use your personal information to gain trust.

Signs of fraudulent messages:

• The sender's email address or phone number does not match the name of the company that they identified themselves as an employee of.
• The email address or phone number that the sender used to contact you is different from the one you gave to this company.
• The link in the message looks plausible, but the URL doesn't match the company's website.2
• This message is significantly different from the previous messages you received from this company.
• The message asks you to provide personal information, such as your credit card number or account password.
• The message was received without a prior request from you and contains an attachment.

Actions when receiving a suspicious call or message
If you receive a suspicious call or message, Apple recommends that you do not respond to it and do not click on the links. Fraudulent messages should be ignored: close the tab or page and report the case to Apple.

Following these guidelines will help Apple users protect their data and avoid fraudulent attacks.

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