New iPhone theft scam uses fake Apple pages to unlock stolen devices

A new scam is helping thieves turn stolen iPhones into cash by getting around Apple’s lock protections, according to a fresh cybercrime report. The scheme relies on fake Apple web pages, text messages and Telegram-based tools to trick victims into giving up their passcodes.

The research, by Infoblox Threat Intel, says criminals target the resale value of stolen phones rather than the data on them. In some cases, phishing messages arrive soon after the theft and may include what looks like a real map showing the device’s location, creating the impression that the message came from Apple.

Researchers also found Telegram groups offering stolen-phone unlocking services for between $5 and $50. Those services include “Find My iPhone Off” kits, fake Apple login pages and AI-based voice call tools. The attackers further personalize the phishing pages with the victim’s name and device details to make the scam more convincing.

Security experts say users should never enter an iPhone passcode through a link sent by text, email or WhatsApp. If a phone is lost, they advise using the Find My app on another Apple device or the official iCloud website. They also warn not to remove a stolen device from an Apple account too quickly, because doing so disables the lock mechanism.