Recently, many users have been receiving notifications from Apple indicating that their iCloud storage is at capacity. These alerts inform users that they have surpassed their storage limits, resulting in the suspension of document backups and the failure to upload new photos.
Despite Apple’s repeated suggestions to upgrade to a storage plan starting at 99p per month, many have chosen to ignore these prompts. However, recent emails have escalated the situation, warning users that their iCloud accounts have been suspended and that photos and videos are at risk of deletion unless an immediate upgrade is completed.
The following day, another message reiterates the urgency, stating that failure to act will lead to total data loss by a specified date.
These emails contain a link that claims to facilitate an upgrade of the iCloud storage. However, this is a fraudulent scheme masquerading as Apple’s legitimate service, aimed at tricking users into clicking a harmful link.
Clicking the link might redirect users to a site that appears authentic but is actually a phishing platform designed to collect personal and banking information.
If users inadvertently provide their financial details or make a payment, the scammers may attempt to extract further funds or sell the acquired information on the dark web.
This scam can be particularly convincing as it often aligns with genuine notifications from Apple about storage limitations and upgrade prompts.
The UK consumer organization Which? has recently issued a warning on Facebook about this malicious scam, emphasizing the need for Apple users to stay informed.
Various iterations of this scam exist. One email reported by the Guardian features a subject line stating, “We’ve blocked your account! Your photos and videos will be deleted on [date].” It is labeled as an “iCloud Storage Alert” and claims that the user has reached their storage limit.
Another variant states, “Your payment method has expired! Your cloud service has been disabled.” Some emails are less alarming, such as one titled “Payment failed for your Cloud storage renewal.”
Most of these scam emails include a button for users to “update” their payment information or “manage” their storage.
If users do not respond, the scammers may intensify their threats with a “final warning” email. One example seen by the Guardian carried the subject line, “We have tried to contact you several times before, but we have not received any response. If you have not resolved your issue today, all your data will be completely deleted on [date], including your photos and videos.”
As with many scams, the sender’s email address often contains discrepancies. For example, some may include domains related to Ecuador or feature “.biz.ua,” a domain typically associated with Ukrainian businesses, while Apple’s official domains are based in California and Ireland.
Another indicator of a scam is poor spelling and grammar in the emails, such as one email that incorrectly stated, “Your account may expires today.”
It is advisable to delete or disregard these emails without clicking any links. If a link is clicked, refrain from entering any personal information.
Users can report scam emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk, and emails impersonating iCloud should be sent to reportphishing@apple.com and/or abuse@icloud.com.
When contacted for a statement, Apple directed us to a webpage that provides guidance on avoiding scams targeting user accounts and devices.
If you inadvertently disclose your account information, it is crucial to contact your bank as soon as possible.
For those wanting to check their iCloud storage, it is simple to do so manually. On an iPhone, navigate to Settings and then iCloud.
If your storage is indeed full and you wish to purchase more, you can simply click the “Upgrade” button, and Apple will be more than willing to assist you with the transaction.
