Warning - Fake Apple Email Messages - Don't Get Scammed
Hi <<First Name>>!
From time-to-time we have all received email communications directly from Apple. These emails may include receipts for purchases, security notices, educational content, and marketing messages.
That said, earlier this week, a client of mine forwarded an email communication that he received from Apple or at least he thought it might be from Apple.
Here is what my client wrote me...
"Hi Dave, I just got this email this morning. Is this a scam or did someone get my Apple ID? If you can help me out I'd appreciate it."
I am proud of my client because he did the right thing...he was not sure whether he received a legitimate Apple communication or whether he received a fraudulent email that might be trying to scam him. So my client decided to verify the authenticity of the message before he took action on it. (This proved to be a very wise decision!)
So that you can protect yourself from fraudulent, scamming, and imitation Apple emails that are trying to steal your personal and financial information and cause you long hours of frustration and big headaches, I am going to share my client's email and dissect it with you.
Let's first take a look at the email my client received...
On the surface, it looks like this email message is pretty legit because Apple will notify you when your Apple ID is used on a device not associated to your ID.
Also, the message does a good job striking fear in the recipient by causing him to believe his Apple ID was compromised. (Hmm...do you think the sender wants you to make a decision to act out of fear?)
But on closer examination of the email message, there are some some clues that really stand out...warning us that this email is a fraud or scam (you may have already noticed some too).
So, let's put our detective hat, grab our magnifying glass, and search for clues that this email is NOT from Apple and most definitely fraudulent...
- Notice the message "From:" tag at the top. You can see that the sender's email domain name is "@apl.com", not the official "@apple.com"...this is our first clue
- Next, Apple almost always inserts the Apple logo in the body of their email messages. The Apple logo is NOT displayed anywhere in this message...this is another clue
- In the third paragraph of the email message, the words iTunes Payment is an active link. That link actually points to a website domain name not event close to Apple's official "apple.com" domain name (note: iCloud.com is an official Apple domain too)...This is a HUGE clue, and you should never click a suspect link!
People who do click on these imitation links are usually brought to a knock-off site that looks legit, but really isn't. The sole purpose of these sites is to get you to enter in your personal information so they can rip you off! (I kind of sounded like Clark Howard there.)
Tip: To reveal the full address of a link when using your computer, simply mouse over (but don't click) any link in an email, and you will see a pop-up that shows you the actual URL that you will be taken to. Sometimes that pop-up appears right next to the link or sometimes it appears in a status bar in the lower section of your email browser.
If you are using a mobile device, hold your finger or stylus down on the link until a pop up appears. You will see the full link displayed at the top of the pop up.
Notice is the example below (computer), the actual link reveals a malicious URL that does not match the link shown.
Example of email link:
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Just imagine what would have happen if my client would have taken action out of fear and clicked the malicious link. There is a very good chance that his personal information would have been seriously violated.
Now Apple does a good job with providing helpful information for identifying fraudulent email and legitimate Apple email communications. I would
strongly suggest that you take the time to review the links below so you can educate yourself on how to protect your personable information...and yes, these are real official links ;-)
"Get Your Mobile On!"©
- iPad Expert Dave
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Dave Rebro
"iPad Expert Dave"
iPadExpertDave@drcs-solutions.com