New iPhone "Reset Password" Pop-up Scam: Beware of Fake System Prompts to Avoid Financial Loss

New iPhone "Reset Password" Pop-up Scam: Beware of Fake System Prompts to Avoid Financial LossRecently, a significant number of iPhone users have fallen victim to a new type of phishing scam. Fraudsters are using fake system pop-ups to trick users into changing their Apple ID passwords, leading to compromised phone lock screen passwords and even the theft of funds from bank accounts and Alipay

New iPhone "Reset Password" Pop-up Scam: Beware of Fake System Prompts to Avoid Financial Loss

Recently, a significant number of iPhone users have fallen victim to a new type of phishing scam. Fraudsters are using fake system pop-ups to trick users into changing their Apple ID passwords, leading to compromised phone lock screen passwords and even the theft of funds from bank accounts and Alipay. This article will detail the scam, provide preventative measures, and offer solutions.

Many iPhone users report receiving a pop-up prompting them to "reset their password" while using their phones. This pop-up typically contains wording such as "You must change your iPhone unlock password now," "Reset your Apple account password using this iPhone," or "Reset your Apple ID password using this device." The realistic system-level design of the pop-up is highly deceptive. Many users, out of habit, click "Allow," falling prey to the scam.

Worrisingly, after changing their password, users often find their phone lock screen passwords rendered useless, unable to unlock their phones with either the old or new password. This forces them to erase their phone data. Even more seriously, some users have reported fraudulent withdrawals from their bank accounts and Alipay. One user reported multiple deductions totaling 1888 yuan from their bank card, suspected to be used for purchasing game cards. Another user stated that their sibling had 299 yuan stolen from their Alipay account after clicking "Allow," though they managed to recover the funds through Alipay.

These incidents indicate this is not a simple system malfunction but a carefully orchestrated and planned phishing scam. Fraudsters cleverly exploit users' trust in system pop-ups, tricking them into changing their passwords to steal account information.

Apple's official customer service confirmed that scams mimicking Apple system pop-ups do exist and explicitly stated that the aforementioned pop-ups are fraudulent. Customer service representatives warn users never to click "Allow" on such pop-ups to avoid financial loss. Apple also revealed that they received a warning about this scam several days prior and are working diligently to fix the issue and eliminate this security vulnerability.

Apple support suggests that if the origin of the pop-up is unclear, users should select "Don't Allow" and avoid clicking any links. If concerned about account security, they can change their password through device settings. However, some users report that the pop-up reappears repeatedly even after selecting "Don't Allow," causing significant inconvenience.

To prevent these pop-ups from appearing again, users can take the following steps: Go to "Settings" -> "Screen Time" -> "Content & Privacy Restrictions," then scroll down to find "Passwords & Face ID" (for iOS 18 and later) or "Password Changes" (for older systems) and select "Don't Allow." After setting this, turn off "Content & Privacy Restrictions." (Similar steps apply to iOS 16).

If you unfortunately clicked "Allow," don't panic. Immediately open "Settings," locate your Apple ID, tap "Password & Security," and select "Change Password." It's also recommended to enable two-factor authentication and add trusted devices, then log back into your Apple ID to unlock your phone.

Apple support emphasizes that as long as the password is changed promptly and the account and password haven't been shared, no actual loss will occur even if login attempts are made.

If your Apple ID is compromised, immediately visit the Apple website, locate "Manage your Apple ID" at the bottom of the page, and click it. Select "Forgot Password" and follow the instructions. Enter the Apple ID and phone number used during registration; the system will send a verification text message with a link. Click this link to access the password reset page, enter your current unlock password, and set a new Apple ID password.

In conclusion, this new iPhone "reset password" pop-up scam is highly deceptive. Users must remain vigilant and never trust pop-ups from unknown sources. Remember Apple's official customer service advice: proceed cautiously to effectively prevent financial loss. Developing good cybersecurity habits, regularly checking account security settings, and enabling two-factor authentication are crucial for protecting personal information. If you have any questions, contact Apple's official customer service or relevant financial institutions for assistance. Don't let a moment's carelessness lead to irreversible losses.