FBI Warns iPhone Users: Dangerous Scam On the Rise During Holidays

(KMDL-FM) The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning targeted specifically at iPhone users and others who might conduct financial transactions via their mobile devices. There is a new scam that is on the rise, and the scammers are attempting to gain access to your important personal and financial information via your telephone.

In a statement issued on November 25th, the FBI warned that they have observed an uptick in reports of scams and attempted scams coming directly through mobile devices. The reason scammers are targeting iPhones in particular is the sheer number of users and the sheer number of users who maintain financial information via their mobile devices.

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What makes this particular scam so particularly dangerous is that the scammers are just attempting to take some of your money; they are attempting to take all of your money. In fact, the scam has resulted in millions of dollars in losses, and it usually starts with what appears to be an innocent text or an innocent phone call.

What Is The Name of the New and Dangerous iPhone Scam?

The scam has been given the acronym ATO or Account Takeover. The fraud works like this. You get a text or a phone call from someone claiming to be on staff at your financial institution. They have noticed fraudulent activity on your account, including the purchase of firearms.

They then encourage you, as a representative of your financial institution, to reveal important details about your account, including two-factor authentication codes. The scammers often work in teams, and while it might seem as if you're being transferred to your bank's "security department," you're actually being transferred to another scammer who is prepared to steal your identity and your money.

Remember, the scammers can target any account that you have that might have money in it. That includes your banking accounts, your savings accounts, or even your health savings account. Since January, FBI investigators have looked into more than 5,100 complaints connected with the ATO scam.

How Do Scammers Get Your Account Details?

The FBI says one way scammers get your details is via social media sites. They know your pet's name, your birthday, and your mother's maiden name, all because you've told them that via your Facebook or Instagram posts. So, stop doing that.

The FBI encourages you to monitor your accounts on a regular basis and watch for irregular transactions. You should also have two-factor authentication set up on all of your accounts. And if you ever get a call concerning your finances or financial situation from a bank or credit card company. You need to hang up and then call the number listed on the back of your bank card or credit card.

That way, you know exactly who you're talking to and you know that your information is safe.