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Alert pop up “your phone has been hacked”

I clicked on an add for shopping, and an alert said that my “phone has been hacked, 17% of something has been taken.” Then said I had a minute or something to download an app called “online barrier” like a VPN? Is this all a scam, even the app? I was scared so I downloaded the app and tried it. I looked up similar questions and people said it was a scam! How can I stop it

Posted on Mar 2, 2022 7:32 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 2, 2022 8:27 PM

Yes, it is a scam. What you received was a maliciously-crafted advertisement that uses fear and panic to force you to do something that you should never do. I highly recommend that you use an adblocker extension for your web browser from now on, you won’t be bothered by this kind of advertisement garbage ever again.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 2, 2022 8:27 PM in response to Hg1445

Yes, it is a scam. What you received was a maliciously-crafted advertisement that uses fear and panic to force you to do something that you should never do. I highly recommend that you use an adblocker extension for your web browser from now on, you won’t be bothered by this kind of advertisement garbage ever again.

Mar 2, 2022 7:35 PM in response to Hg1445

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.


Yes, this is a phishing attempt: Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support. Ignore it!


I also suggest you clear the history and cache for your web browser. If this is Safari, see: Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support.


Jack

Alert pop up “your phone has been hacked”

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