Level 1

22 points

My iPhone was stolen and I’m receiving spam/threats, is my information safe?

my phone was stolen a few weeks ago and I immediately activated the Lost mode and started erasing the device but since it’s been disconnected, it’s still pending on my end. Since then, I’ve been receiving various texts saying my information is about to be sold off and I even got a threatening message this morning. I’m just worried about my information, I changed my iCloud password too but I just want to make sure they won’t access any of my information.

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Dec 15, 2023 9:00 AM

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Level 10

193,498 points

Posted on Dec 15, 2023 9:13 AM

Assuming that you enabled a passcode on your phone, your data is safe. There is no way that anyone could guess your passcode in less than 10 tries.

The messages that you are seeing are trying to scare you and trick you into tapping on a link to provide the bad guys with your log on credentials so they can get into your phone. Do not respond or tap on any links in a message like this.

You might also receive a message from "Apple" or "Apple Support" that claims that your phone has been found. This message is trying to do the same thing. Apple will never send a message like this, so you know that this is a scam.

Also, do not remove the phone from your list of devices. If you do this, you give the bad guys open access to your phone.

It may not help, but I would contact the police regarding the threats.

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25 replies

shrebhan

Level 1

8 points

Mar 25, 2024 1:26 PM in response to mikaylalex

I had my phone stolen in SF in Jan, and I started getting messages saying, theyll hack into my phone and steal my data and only yesterday I received a horrible threat with the video of a gun and some really disturbing words but im not sure even if i remove my device will everything get erased for sure or if they might still have access to some content, i haven’t removed it but its not great getting these horrific texts

kalee148

Level 1

8 points

May 13, 2024 1:25 PM in response to mikaylalex

my iPhone was stolen back in February during Mardi Gras and it showed up in China a few days ago. I am now getting spam calls and texts, just like the ones you all have described (starting with Yo!). I got nervous but have changed my apple ID pass and other things, but will just ignore it as you all have mentioned.

elayna54

Level 1

8 points

Feb 28, 2024 12:15 PM in response to KiltedTim

The police were contacted. Unfortunately there's not much police or Apple can do.

KiltedTim

Level 10

235,006 points

Feb 28, 2024 12:41 PM in response to elayna54

Apple can’t do anything at all. Apple is not a law enforcement agency.

elayna54

Level 1

8 points

Feb 28, 2024 12:44 PM in response to KiltedTim

Yes that’s exactly what I just said. This person has contacted the police. They were trying to see if this has happened to anyone else.

KiltedTim

Level 10

235,006 points

Feb 28, 2024 12:47 PM in response to elayna54

No, it’s not what you said. And the police CAN do something about it.

Feb 28, 2024 2:32 PM in response to elayna54

I also got this same message this morning. I have decided not to reply same videos and everything and location.

Mar 19, 2024 5:57 PM in response to EB-17

I'm glad he didn't respond. They are on the other side of the world and all they have are threats. Don't let them intimidate you.

Sfs48

Level 1

14 points

Mar 20, 2024 6:15 PM in response to AnyaPLA

@AnyaPLA I have had that exact text word for word, was this in London? That’s where my phone was stolen from

AnyaPLA

Level 1

26 points

Mar 21, 2024 11:34 PM in response to Sfs48

mine was stollen in Los Angeles.

after that message i recived another one where they claim to be in china and that they bought the phone from black market for his daughter and begging to delete it,

next day i recived serious threats, very disturbing messages, and videos with some guy holding a gun! 🤯 but the messages don’t make any sence, they are claiming they know where i am in miami, and they are coming for me. very disturbing, yet i understand it is probably an automated message. anyways i reported them to police. and just now i recived an EMAIL from FIND MY : “activation lock is requesting your password…. “ it looks very legit but i am 100 % sure it is them again. not pressing any links . went to apple store today, showed them everything that’s happening and they are puzzled as well, no one has a clear understanding how are they able to reach me

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My iPhone was stolen and I’m receiving spam/threats, is my information safe?