Greg's Corner

“You have my iPhone” scam sparks warning

By Greg Collier

In the age of social media, viral content isn’t always about dance challenges or cute animal videos. Sometimes, it serves a more critical purpose – like spreading awareness about scams that could potentially harm or rob unsuspecting individuals. Recently, a TikTok video did just that, warning viewers about an iPhone scam that’s been circulating and gaining traction.

The video details an encounter where two women attempted to scam the content creator while he was parked at a grocery store. The scam involved the women accusing him of having their lost iPhone, a ploy commonly used by scammers to gain access to someone’s property or vehicle.

Although the man recognized the scam and drove away from the parking lot, the scammers persisted and followed him. Fortunately, the situation didn’t escalate, and the man emerged unharmed.

The scam starts when the scammers approach their target, claiming that their lost iPhone is inside the victim’s home or vehicle. The scammers often show the location on the “Find My iPhone” app as supposed proof. In some cases, they may try to coax the victim into letting them inside their home or leaving the safety of their residence.

What makes this scam particularly dangerous is its potential to escalate into violence if the victim resists or refuses to comply. When the initial attempt fails, scammers might become more aggressive, putting the victim’s safety at risk.

Although some Android users may assume they’re safe from this scam as it primarily targets iPhone users, the type of phone isn’t the critical factor; rather, it’s the scammer’s intent to gain access to your property. It’s crucial for individuals not to attempt to assist the scammers in locating their phone.

In response to this alarming trend, law enforcement agencies have issued warnings, urging people to remain cautious and vigilant. It’s crucial to prioritize personal safety and not to engage with or assist the scammers in any way. Instead, individuals should contact the authorities if they encounter suspicious behavior.