Hackers and fraudsters have reportedly found a new way to scam people. A report has said that several Apple product owners have received emails and messages claiming “your iCloud storage is full”.
These messages warn that you have exceeded your plan, and subsequently your documents are no longer being backed up and your latest photos aren’t being uploaded to the cloud. This is a scam where thieves are trying to steal your personal and financial data.According to a report by The Guardian, if you ignore it, you may get a second email, claiming your iCloud account has been blocked and warning that your photos and videos will be deleted very soon unless you “upgrade” immediately.The emails include a professional-looking button to “Manage Storage”, which is a gateway to sophisticated scam impersonating Apple, and the criminals behind them are hoping you will click their malicious link in a moment of panic.
The iCloud ‘storage full’ trap
This scam is particularly effective because the scam emails often coincide with genuine alerts users receive from Apple when they actually reach their limits. Hackers are essentially weaponising a common digital frustration.
Once a victim clicks the link, they are taken to a phishing website designed to look exactly like an official Apple login or payment page. If you provide your bank details or Apple ID to “pay” for the extra space, the thieves harvest the data.The report said that with these details in hand, scammers may attempt to drain your bank account or sell your identity to other criminals on the “dark web.”
How to stay safe from iCloud scam
The most important rule for iPhone users is to never click a link inside an email regarding iCloud storage or billing. If you are concerned about your storage levels, the only safe way to check is through your device’s settings:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your Name at the top.
- Select iCloud to see your genuine status.
