Skip to main content
Best summer scents of 2026 by beauty editors.
Julia Roberts at First Amendment concert in Bermuda shorts.
Apps slowing down your iPhone performance.

Homepage

Tech Experts Warn Of The Sneaky iPhone Scam Thieves Are Using To Steal Your Personal Information: 'Don’t Do It'

November 12, 2024 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Homepage
Featured image

Let’s say you’ve lost your iPhone. You misplaced it in a public space, can’t find it, have grieved over it, and now it’s time to move on and decide if you want to buy a new phone and which model you should look into. Sounds typical so far, but the next scenario that could happen to you isn’t quite what it seems.

https://www.tiktok.com/@cathypedrayes/video/7371192570061393198?q=iphone%20scam&t=1730997806846

If your phone has gotten lost or stolen and you receive a mysterious text message from someone claiming they purchased your stolen phone (and the texts arrive under the guide of trying to be “helpful”), make sure you are on guard — it could be a sneaky iPhone scam that thieves are using to steal your personal information.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
two-iphones

The text message sender will begin by saying they’ve purchased your stolen phone and are able to see all of your text messages and credit cards, as well as more personal information. You gasp — this is bad, you think. But the next text will make you think the stranger doesn’t actually want anything from you — they just want to warn you to remove the stolen phone from your Apple ID. How lovely and helpful, right?

 


Wrong. Here’s why one text experts say “don’t do it.”

woman-texting-iphone

When your phone is set up on FindMy it’s also locked with Activation Lock, which can’t be undone with the factory reset. This is the entire reason why the thief is texting you out of “concern.” They’re not worried about your data, they’re trying to make it easier on themselves to gain access to your device and all of your personal data, which is incredibly valuable to a thief.

 


Report the theft to your phone carrier and log into your Apple ID account from another device so that you can change all of your passwords. Notify your bank and credit card companies of the theft and consider remote data wiping so that you can erase all of your data from your phone using Find My.

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

Kate Middleton and Prince George smiling together in public.
Aisle filled with various soda brands and flavors.
Gwyneth Paltrow at the Golden Globes in a glamorous outfit.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump together at an event.
Angelina Jolie attends AFI Fest film festival.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at a public appearance.
Makeup tips video by Nikol Johnson for a stunning look.
Ivanka Trump at Fontainebleau Las Vegas grand opening party.
Crofton cold brew maker and drinking glasses from Aldi.
Barron Trump at the inauguration of Donald Trump.
Ariana Grande attending the Oscars red carpet event.
Delicious bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Close-up of male hands using an Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Common skincare mistakes for women over 40 highlighting fine lines.
Hairstyles that enhance facial features and create a youthful look.
Meghan Markle during Day 4 of Invictus Games.
Gigi Hadid at Le Grand Diner du Louvre arrivals photocall.
User interacting with an iPhone for seamless app experience.
Holding an iPhone displaying multiple app icons on the screen.
Nate Bargatze at the 15th Annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit.
Kate Middleton and Prince George smiling together in public.
Aisle filled with various soda brands and flavors.
Gwyneth Paltrow at the Golden Globes in a glamorous outfit.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump together at an event.
Angelina Jolie attends AFI Fest film festival.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at a public appearance.
Makeup tips video by Nikol Johnson for a stunning look.
Ivanka Trump at Fontainebleau Las Vegas grand opening party.
Crofton cold brew maker and drinking glasses from Aldi.
Barron Trump at the inauguration of Donald Trump.
Ariana Grande attending the Oscars red carpet event.
Delicious bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Close-up of male hands using an Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Common skincare mistakes for women over 40 highlighting fine lines.
Hairstyles that enhance facial features and create a youthful look.
Meghan Markle during Day 4 of Invictus Games.
Gigi Hadid at Le Grand Diner du Louvre arrivals photocall.
User interacting with an iPhone for seamless app experience.
Holding an iPhone displaying multiple app icons on the screen.
Nate Bargatze at the 15th Annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit.