Apple’s robust security measures are pushing text scammers to get more creative in their attempts to trick iMessage users into clicking on phishing links. Hackers are increasingly leveraging a sense of urgency to bypass Apple’s built-in protection, which prevents users from opening links from unknown senders unless they have added them to contacts or interacted with them. This protection complicates scammers’ efforts to steal personal information from malware-laden links, so cybercriminals are turning to increasingly frantic text messages to catch unsuspecting users off guard.
One example of this scam, shared by BleepingComputer, involved a message claiming: “Please pay toll on January 6, 2025, to avoid excessive late fees and possible lawsuits over your bill, please pay in a timely manner. Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy your vacation.” The strange phrasing might appear odd to most, but it is designed to provoke a quick reaction, urging users to act fast to avoid an imagined penalty. These types of messages often rely on urgency, such as unpaid bills or missed shipments, to elicit a response.
Cybersecurity experts are warning users not to engage with messages from unknown numbers, even if it’s a simple reply like “stop.” Replying to such texts can confirm your number is active, which may lead to further spam or scam attempts. Moreover, responding to these messages can also activate malicious links, exposing your device to malware. Some messages even include instructions, such as “Please reply Y, then exit the text message and open it again to activate the link,” which further encourages users to click on dangerous links.
If you’ve recently made an online purchase and receive a message claiming to be about your order, experts recommend avoiding any responses. Instead, visit the store’s official website or contact the shipping provider directly to check the status of your order and avoid falling for phishing attempts.
