Apple fans eagerly awaiting the release of the Apple Watch have been warned to exercise caution before clicking on enticing links, as hackers have taken advantage of the hype surrounding the launch with a deceptive phishing scam promising a fake giveaway.
According to a report by Computer Business Review, individuals were lured in on social media platforms with the offer of a complimentary Apple Watch. However, once they fell for the ploy, they were led to a series of questionable links and instructions that ultimately directed them to suspicious websites.
The intention behind these scams is suspected to be data collection, as evidenced by a Facebook event page that requested victims to provide their full names and Facebook handles. Additionally, those who followed through with the instructions were prompted to invite their friends to join the event in order to claim the supposed prize – 100 invites purportedly earned them an Apple Watch, 250 invitations a Apple Watch Sport, and 500 invites the high-end Apple Watch edition valued at $17,000 by Apple.
Further exacerbating the issue, Twitter users were also targeted by the scam, with fake accounts under the name ‘Apple Giveaways’ zeroing in on individuals discussing the smartwatch on the platform.
Phishing scams typically coincide with product launches and major news events, capitalizing on the eagerness or vulnerability of potential victims. In a similar scheme last month, cybercriminals preyed on individuals affected by the Anthem data breach, offering false victim support services and non-existent credit monitoring.
Instances such as this Apple Watch scam underscore the importance of maintaining vigilance while navigating social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. It is crucial to adhere to key safety measures outlined in the provided video to safeguard oneself from falling victim to such deceitful tactics. Stay informed and on guard against phishing scams and other malicious activities on the internet to ensure a secure online experience.