3 Locked Device Ransomware
This is, admittedly, more of a case of ransomware than an actual scam. Similarly, it’s less common than other scams on this list. But it is perhaps the most malicious attempt at getting money out of users that we’ve seen.
The scam relies on Apple’s Find My iPhone or Find My Mac feature. Essentially, attackers with access to a user’s Apple ID or iCloud login credentials can — theoretically — lock a Mac or iPhone, display a message, and demand payment to unlock the devices. The scammers can then threaten to wipe the device entirely if payment isn’t received.
It’s worth noting, at this point, that an Apple user can fall victim to this ransom scam if they’ve given out their login details in another scam on this list. Worse still, there’s little a user can do to fix the situation on their own — in most cases, contacting Apple is the only course of action.
The best way to avoid this scam is to use distinct and strong passwords for each and every internet service you use. Don’t re-use passwords. Similarly, it’s recommended that you enable two-factor authentication. If the unthinkable has already happened, then as stated above, contact Apple.