Fake Apple Pages Turn Stolen iPhones into Cash

Cybercriminals are exploiting stolen iPhones with a sophisticated scam involving fake Apple webpages and deceptive texts. These tactics aim to trick unsuspecting owners into divulging their passcodes, thereby circumventing Apple's Activation Lock security feature. This allows thieves to erase the devices and resell them, undermining the intended purpose of anti-theft protections.

The research highlights that criminals are less interested in the data on the phone and more focused on its resale value. By obtaining the passcode, they can remove device protections and prepare it for sale. This underground market is accessible, with unlocking services costing as little as a few dollars.

This scam is particularly insidious because the fraudulent messages often appear shortly after the phone is lost. The fake pages may even display a seemingly accurate map of the device's location, making the deception more convincing. These fake domains have seen a substantial increase in traffic, with a 350% rise noted in 2025 compared to the previous year.

To stay safe, users are advised never to enter their iPhone passcode via a text link. Instead, they should always use official Apple applications like Find My or go directly to iCloud. The passcode is the critical piece of information thieves seek, as it directly enables them to unlock and profit from a stolen device.