FBI issues warning to iPhone users about a dangerous scam

• The FBI issued a warning about an iPhone scam.
• It matters because cybercriminals are stealing money and sensitive information.
• Users must now strengthen digital-security habits.

The FBI warned consumers about a sophisticated digital scam affecting iPhone users and other device owners.

The attackers use advanced impersonation techniques to gain unauthorized access to banking and financial accounts.

The main recommendation is to avoid sharing sensitive information and to adopt stricter security measures.

Details of the FBI warning and how the iPhone scam works

The FBI alert warns of an increase in Account Takeover (ATO) cases, a type of fraud in which cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to bank accounts, payroll systems, or health accounts.

Since January 2025, the IC3 has received more than 5,100 complaints with losses exceeding $262 million.

Criminals pose as banks through calls, emails, or text messages, requesting credentials or multifactor authentication codes.

Once obtained, they reset the password and take control of the account, transferring funds to other accounts linked to cryptocurrency wallets.

How banking impersonation is executed

Banking impersonation is carried out through social engineering.

• Cybercriminals deceive victims by posing as bank staff or technical support, claiming that fraudulent transactions have occurred.
• They also use phishing websites that mimic legitimate banking platforms.

A growing tactic is SEO poisoning, where attackers purchase ads that appear official so that victims click and are redirected to fake portals where they unknowingly hand over their credentials.

Once criminals gain access, they quickly transfer funds and lock the account owner out, making it difficult to recover the money.

How to stay protected from these digital scams

The FBI recommends adopting strong security practices:

• Limit the personal information you share on social media.
• Monitor your financial accounts regularly.
• Use unique, complex passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication and never disable it.
• Use Bookmarks or Favorites to access your online bank.
• Avoid clicking on ads or search-engine results.
• Check sender addresses, spelling errors, and suspicious URLs.

What comes next

With the rise of digital fraud, authorities will continue monitoring trends and issuing alerts.

For users, education and constant vigilance are the best defense.

The FBI will continue warning about new tactics, but the responsibility to protect financial information ultimately lies with each user.