That Apple ID disabled message? It is a dangerous scam.

Let’s talk about something that’s been popping up in inboxes lately – those fraudulent “Your Apple ID has been disabled” emails.

Many people who have contacted us may have found something that sounds legitimate, saying something like, “Your Apple ID is temporarily disabled, please verify your Apple ID information.”

Spoiler alert: It’s probably a hoax, and we understand why.

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The body of the fraud

So here’s how these cheats work. You get a perfectly legitimate-looking email with an Apple logo saying your Apple ID is in trouble, and it feels rushed. They say something like “If you don’t verify your account within 48 hours, it’s permanently locked.” right? That’s just what they want you to think. So, “Click the button below to confirm as soon as possible.” You’ll want to click on the “Go to Apple ID” option.

Once you do this, you will be redirected to a fake Apple website designed to resemble the real one. This scam site asks you to enter your username, password and other sensitive information, which the scammers can use to access your Apple account and steal your personal data or make unauthorized purchases.

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Let’s play detective and look for some red flags in these scam emails

Urgent language: They are trying to scare you into acting without thinking. A classic rogue move.

Unclear Claims: “Missing or wrong information”? It is deliberately unclear to make you doubt yourself.

Lockout Threats; Nothing like a good risk to get your heart racing, eh?

Terms of Service: They throw this into an official vote, but it’s just smoke and mirrors.

Grammar goofs: True Apple emails are born. Scammers? Not so much.

The address of the shipperAlways make sure it’s from @apple.com (spoiler: it probably isn’t). Any legitimate email from Apple comes from a domain ending in “@email.apple.com”. As you can see from the scam email below, it’s from a fake email, mfrasier@wavecable.com, not Apple.

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Why are fraudsters after Apple ID?

“Why are these scammers obsessed with Apple IDs?” Well, there are a few reasons.

• iCloud gold mine Your photos, contacts, and documents are valuable for identity theft or fraud.
• Purchasing power: Stored payment information means you can add costs to your coin.
• Financial Account Access: Many people link their bank account to their Apple ID. Jackpot for hackers.
• Dark Web Data Deals: Your personal information can fetch you a pretty penny on shady online marketplaces.

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How to keep these scammers

Follow these general steps to prevent fraudsters and keep your Apple ID secure:

1. Enable two-step verification (2FA):: This critical security feature adds an extra layer of protection to your Apple ID. Configure it by going to settings > (your name) > Check-in and security On your iPhone or iPad, or Apple menu> System settings > (your name) > Check-in and security On your Mac.

2. Use a strong passcode: Choose alphanumeric passcodes instead of simple PINs. When in public, use biometrics (Face ID or Touch ID) and be careful when entering your passcode.

3. Enable Stolen Device Protection: Turn it on if you’re using iOS 17.3 or later. This feature For additional protection from theft.

4. Keep software updated: Normally Update your operating system and apps to make sure you have the latest security patches.

5. Do not click on suspicious links, use strong anti-virus software: If the email asks you to click a link, don’t do it right away. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn’t look like the official Apple website (or any site you trust), don’t click it.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware is to install antivirus software on all your devices that can access your personal information. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets. Find my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

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6. Use a password manager: Generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts using a Password manager.

7. Enable Find My: turn on Find my iPhone To help you find your device if it’s lost or stolen.

8. Use the Personal Information Removal Service: Consider using a service that collects and removes your personal information from data broker sites. These services help reduce your digital footprint, making it harder for fraudsters to access your data to target you in the first place. Find a service that offers automatic removal from hundreds of data collectors and detailed verification of removals.

While no service can promise to remove all of your data from the Internet, if you want to automate the process of removing your data from hundreds of websites in a row over a long period of time, it’s best to have a removal service. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

9. Do not click on suspicious links: If the email asks you to click a link, don’t do it right away. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn’t look like the official Apple website (or any site you trust), don’t click it.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware is to install antivirus software on all your devices that can access your personal information. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets. Find my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

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How to get Apple right

Apple won’t email you or threaten to lock your account when it asks for your password. If there’s a real problem, you’ll usually get a notification on your trusted device or be prompted to log in directly to your Apple ID account page. Remember, Apple will never ask for your password via email, phone or text message. Always access your account through official Apple websites or apps.

Kurt’s key uses

These scammers are getting more cunning, but with knowledge and caution, you can keep your Apple ID (and all the goodies associated with it) safe and sound. Remember, if something feels fishy, ​​trust your gut. When in doubt, go directly to Apple’s official website or call their support team. Keep your digital life safe, and don’t let those crooks take a bite out of your Apple.

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