A new, highly sophisticated scam targeting iPhone users has emerged, where fraudsters impersonate government or official entities. Their goal is to coerce individuals into installing malicious software or divulging sensitive personal information, according to security experts from Bi.Zone.
These cybercriminals are strategically leveraging recent legislative changes in Russia that mandate the pre-installation of the RuStore application store on Apple devices. Scammers are expected to initiate contact with Russians through phone calls and messages, falsely identifying themselves as representatives from well-known companies, state regulators, or service centers. Their primary objective will be to trick victims into `confirming` their Apple accounts.
The fraudsters will assert that this `confirmation` process is necessary for the installation of RuStore and will then demand an SMS verification code from the unsuspecting user. Should a victim comply and provide this code, they risk immediately losing access to their personal data and potentially full control over their device.
Beyond direct data theft, scammers might also persuade iPhone owners to download and install harmful software that is cleverly disguised as the legitimate RuStore application. Dmitry Kiryushkin, a security specialist, warns that criminals may intensify their pressure tactics by referencing alleged legal obligations and threatening victims with severe fines or the blocking of their device if they fail to comply with these fraudulent demands.
To safeguard against these fraudulent schemes, users are strongly advised to remain vigilant. It is recommended to routinely check if incoming calls are marked as `spam` by their phone provider. Extreme caution should always be exercised regarding any unsolicited requests to dictate verification codes or install new applications. Furthermore, individuals should proactively verify any critical information through official, trusted channels only and promptly report any suspicious calls to their mobile operator.
This concerning wave of scams follows the signing of a law by Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 7. This legislation specifically prohibits Apple from restricting the installation of RuStore and internal payments within the store, classifying non-compliance with these conditions as a product defect.
