Need help restoring access to my iPhone after being scammed

Start an Activation Lock support request here: https://al-support.apple.com/#/

If the scammer has put your iPhone into Lost Mode, you may be out of luck.

This Apple Support document will get you started.

https://al-support.apple.com/#/kbase

Unfortunately in some cases.....depending on actions that the scammer might have taken....it may not be possible to recover the use of your phone.

If you bought the phone from Apple or an Apple Authorized Seller, and have a acceptable receipt – but the scammer has placed the phone into Lost Mode – Apple might also reject the request to unlock the phone.

Unfortunately, placing the phone into Lost Mode is one of the first things that these scammers tend to do if a victim logs his or her phone into the scammer's Apple Account.

Paying the ransom would be a bad idea because

• You would be rewarding criminals.
• Having successfully blackmailed you once, the scammers might demand more payments to release their hold on your phone.
• There is no guarantee that the scammers would ever release their hold on your phone.

If Apple will not unlock the phone, you may be forced to settle for tossing it into a recycling bin, and taking this as a very expensive lesson in what not to fall for, with your next phone.

danil151 wrote:

Hello everyone,

I really need help and advice.

Recently I became a victim of a scam. I was misled and ended up signing my iPhone into someone else’s Apple ID. After that, my device stopped working properly and I no longer have normal access to it.

The iPhone is legally mine, and I have full proof of purchase and ownership. I also have all other documents and information that might be required (IMEI / Serial Number, purchase receipt, owner information, etc.).

Has anyone experienced something similar? Is there any way to restore full access to the device and unlink it from the fraudulent Apple ID? What steps should I take, and is Apple Support able to help in such cases?

Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

You say you have full proof of ownership? The only proof of ownership acceptable to Apple would be if you purchased the phone from Apple or an actual Apple Authorized Seller. If you didn't buy it from Apple directly or an Authorized Seller, don't be surprised if Apple rejects your request to unlock the phone. I realize this may not be good news to you, but you should be prepared for disappointment if you don't qualify for help from Apple.

You also asked if this has happened to others and the answer is yes. We often see this from people in countries like Russia or other countries where there is no official Apple Support available to them. You didn't say where you are located in the world, but hopefully, NOT a country where there is no support available to you.

Just don't pay the ransom.