Technology
Real Apple support emails used in new phishing scam
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A new phishing scam is getting a lot of attention because it uses real Apple Support tickets to trick people into giving up their accounts. Broadcom’s Eric Moret shared how he nearly lost his entire Apple account after trusting what looked like official communication. He described the full experience in a detailed post on Medium, where he walked through the scam step by step.
This scheme stands out because the scammers relied on Apple’s own support system to make their messages look legitimate. They created an experience that felt polished and professional from the first alert to the final phone call. Here’s how the scam unfolded.
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THE #1 GOOGLE SEARCH SCAM EVERYONE FALLS FOR
Scammers are exploiting real Apple Support tickets to trick users into handing over their accounts, experts warn. (Photo by STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
How the scam starts
Moret first received a flood of alerts. These included two-factor authentication notifications that claimed someone was trying to access his iCloud account. Within minutes, he got phone calls from calm, helpful callers who claimed to be Apple agents ready to fix the issue.
The twist is how convincing the entire setup felt. The scammers were able to exploit a flaw in Apple’s Support system that lets anyone create a genuine support ticket without verification. They opened a real Apple Support case in his name, which triggered official emails from an Apple domain. This built instant trust and lowered Moret’s guard.
How scammers gained access to the account
During a 25-minute call, the fake agents guided Moret through what they said would secure his account. They walked him through the steps to reset his iCloud password. They also told him a link would follow so he could close the case.
That link took him to a fake site called appeal apple dot com. The page looked official and claimed his account was being secured. It then told him to enter a six-digit code sent by text to finish the process.
When Moret entered that code, the scammers got exactly what they needed to sign into his account.
He then got an alert that his Apple ID had been used to sign into a Mac mini he did not own. That confirmed the takeover attempt. Even though the scammer on the phone said this was normal, he trusted his instinct. He reset his password again, which kicked them out and stopped the attack.
BEWARE FAKE CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT RESTRICTION SCAMS
A Broadcom executive says he nearly lost access to his Apple ID after trusting a fraudulent support call that looked legitimate. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
How to protect yourself from the Apple Support ticket scam
This type of scam works because it feels real. The messages look official, and the callers sound trained. Still, you can stay safer by watching out for signs that something is off.
1) Verify support tickets inside your Apple account
Scammers created a real-looking ticket to make the entire experience seem legitimate. You can confirm what’s real by checking directly with Apple. Sign in at appleid.apple.com or open the Apple Support app to view your recent cases. If the case number isn’t listed there, the message is fake, even if the email comes from an Apple domain.
2) Hang up and call Apple yourself
Never stay on a call that you did not initiate. Scammers rely on long conversations to build trust and pressure you into quick decisions. Hang up right away and call Apple Support directly at 1-800-275-2273 or through the Support app. A real agent will quickly confirm whether anything is wrong.
3) Check your Apple ID device list
If something feels off, look at the devices signed into your account. Go to Settings, tap your name and scroll to see all devices linked to your Apple ID. Remove anything you don’t recognize. This step can stop attackers fast if they’ve managed to get in.
4) Never share verification codes
No real support agent will ever ask for your two-factor authentication codes. Treat any request for these codes as a major warning.
5) Check every link carefully
Look closely at URLs. Fake sites often add extra words or change formatting to appear real. Apple will never send you to a site like appeal apple dot com.
SCAMMERS ARE ABUSING ICLOUD CALENDAR TO SEND PHISHING EMAILS
Criminals are using Apple’s own support system to generate real case emails that build false confidence with victims. (Photo by Fairfax Media via Getty Images via Getty Images)
6) Use strong antivirus software
Strong antivirus software can spot dangerous links, unsafe sites, and fake support messages before you tap them. Anti-phishing tools are especially important with scams like this one since the attackers used a fake site and real ticket emails to trick victims.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
7) Use a data removal service
Data brokers collect your phone number, home address, email, and other details that scammers use to personalize attacks. A data removal service can wipe much of that information from broker sites, which makes you a harder target for social engineering attempts like the one described in this article.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
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8) Turn on strong multi-layer protection
Keep two-factor authentication (2FA) on for every major account. This creates a barrier that quickly stops attackers.
9) Slow down before reacting
Scammers want you to panic. Pause before you act. Trust your instinct when something feels rushed or strange. A short delay could save your entire account.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
This scam shows how convincing criminals can be when they exploit real systems. Even careful users can fall for messages that look official and calls that sound professional. The best defense is to stay alert and take a moment before responding to anything unexpected. When you slow down, double-check support tickets, and never share verification codes, you make yourself far harder to fool. Adding layers like antivirus protection and data removal services also gives you more control over what attackers can access. These simple habits can stop even the most polished scams before they get to your accounts.
What would you do if you got a support call that felt real but didn’t seem right? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
YouTube’s mobile app finally lets you share timestamped videos
YouTube is making some changes that might affect how you share videos from the mobile app. From the app, you can finally share videos from a specific timestamp, which will make it easier to point someone to a part of a video you might want them to see while you’re on your phone. However, this change will replace the Clips feature that lets you make a shareable clip from a video.
You’ll still be able to watch any Clips that you’ve already made. But moving forward, “the ability to set an end time or include a custom description when sharing will no longer be available,” YouTube says. The company notes that while clipping is “important way for creators to reach new audiences,” it says that “a number of third-party tools with advanced clipping features and authorized creator programs are now available to do this across different video platforms.”
The company originally introduced the Clips feature in 2021.
Technology
Meta employee accused of accessing private images
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When you upload a photo to Facebook, you expect it to stay private unless you decide otherwise. That expectation just took a hit after a former employee of Meta was accused of accessing thousands of private images.
According to details confirmed by the company, the London-based employee allegedly created a program to bypass internal safeguards. Investigators say this may have allowed access to about 30,000 private Facebook images that were not meant to be viewed.
The individual is now under criminal investigation and is out on bail as authorities continue to review the case. Here’s how investigators say the access may have happened.
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META SMART GLASSES PRIVACY CONCERNS GROW
A former Meta employee is accused of accessing thousands of private Facebook images, raising new concerns about how user data is protected. (Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images)
How the Meta employee allegedly accessed private images
Authorities believe the employee may have written a script to get around Meta’s internal detection systems. In simple terms, the system that should flag unusual behavior may not have caught the activity right away. This detail matters because large tech platforms rely on monitoring tools to detect suspicious access patterns. When those checks are bypassed, it raises questions about how internal access is controlled.
The investigation is being handled by the cybercrime unit of the Metropolitan Police in London. At the same time, security experts often point out that insider threats are difficult to eliminate. Even strong systems can be tested when someone inside the company misuses access.
What Meta says about the employee investigation
Meta says it discovered the improper access more than a year ago and took action after identifying the issue.
“Protecting user data is our top priority,” a Meta spokesperson told CyberGuy. “After discovering improper access by an employee over a year ago, we immediately terminated the individual, notified users, referred the matter to law enforcement and enhanced our security measures. We are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.”
Legal risks in the Meta private images case
Data protection experts say cases like this often come down to both intent and safeguards. If an employee accesses personal data without authorization, that can lead to criminal charges under data protection and computer misuse laws. However, the company’s responsibility depends on the protections it had in place. If proper safeguards existed, the focus usually remains on the individual.
If not, regulators may consider penalties or legal claims against the company. The Information Commissioner’s Office, the U.K.’s data privacy watchdog, has acknowledged the incident. The agency stressed that social media users should be able to trust how their personal information is handled.
Why the Meta investigation is drawing attention now
This case is unfolding at a time when scrutiny of major tech platforms is already high. Recent legal challenges have raised broader concerns about how companies protect users and manage risk. That context adds weight to this investigation. It reflects a larger conversation about privacy and accountability in the tech industry. As more people rely on digital platforms, expectations of data protection continue to rise. Incidents like this tend to reinforce those concerns.
META REPORTEDLY BUILDING AN AI VERSION OF MARK ZUCKERBERG TO INTERACT WITH COMPANY EMPLOYEES
Mark Zuckerberg walks through the U.S. Capitol after a meeting on March 26, 2026. Investigators in London say a former Meta employee may have used a script to bypass safeguards and view about 30,000 private Facebook images. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Simple ways to protect your private photos
Even though this case involves an insider, there are still simple steps you can take to better protect your photos and limit who can see them.
1) Check your Facebook privacy settings
You cannot control what happens inside a company, but you can limit how much of your personal content is exposed. Start by reviewing your Facebook privacy settings.
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibility > Posts > Who can see your future posts > select Friends (or a custom audience) > Save
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibility section > Posts > Who can see your future posts > select Friends (or a custom audience) > Done
2) Review older photos and albums
Next, go through older photos and albums. Many people forget that photos shared years ago may still be visible under outdated settings.
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibility > Posts > Limit who can see past posts > Limit who can see past posts > Limit past posts > confirm
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture > Settings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibility section > Posts > Limit who can see past posts > Limit past posts > confirm
And check individual albums:
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Go to your profile > Photos > Albums > select an album > tap Edit (top right) > Who can see this? > choose who can see it > Done
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: click your name on the left > Photos > Albums > select an album > click the three dots > Edit album > choose who can see it > Done
Not all albums can be changed, and some system albums have limited privacy options.
3) Be careful what you upload
It also helps to limit what you upload in the first place. Sensitive images, documents or anything you would not want widely seen may be better kept off social platforms entirely.
META AI EDITS YOUR CAMERA ROLL FOR BETTER FACEBOOK POSTS
Authorities are investigating whether a former Meta employee improperly accessed private Facebook photos that users never intended to share. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
4) Turn on account activity alerts and two-factor authentication
You can also enable alerts for unusual account activity. While this case involves an insider, account alerts still help you spot unauthorized access to your own profile. You can also turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to add another layer of protection to your account.
How to turn on account activity alerts
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Security Checkup > review and complete recommended security steps
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Security Checkup > review and complete recommended security steps
How to turn on two-factor authentication
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Password and security > Two-factor authentication > choose text message or authentication app > follow prompts
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture > Settings & privacy > Settings > Password and security > Two-factor authentication > choose text message or authentication app > follow prompts
5) Check third-party app access
Take a few minutes to review which apps have access to your Facebook account. Third-party apps can sometimes hold more access than you expect.
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Apps and websites > Active > tap an app > Remove
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacy > Settings > Apps and websites > Active > click an app > Remove
If you don’t see any apps listed or options like “Active,” it likely means you don’t have any connected apps to review.
What this means to you
If you use Facebook or similar platforms, this situation highlights something many people overlook. Even with strong safeguards, insider access still exists. Employees often need certain permissions to keep systems running. That creates a level of trust between users and the company.
When that trust is broken, it can feel personal. At the same time, there are still steps you can take on your end. Reviewing your privacy settings, limiting what you share and enabling security features can reduce how much of your content is exposed. It also shows why detection and response matter.
In this case, Meta says it identified the issue, removed the employee and notified users. Those steps can limit damage, but they do not erase the concern. The bigger takeaway is that privacy depends on both technology and human behavior. Systems can reduce risk, but they cannot remove it completely.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
This case is still under investigation, and no final legal outcome has been announced. Even so, it highlights a risk many people rarely think about. Most privacy conversations focus on hackers. This situation is different. It shows how access from inside a company can create its own set of risks. Meta says it acted quickly by removing the employee, notifying users and strengthening its systems. Those steps matter, but they also show how much trust users place in the platforms they use every day. The reality is simple. Once you upload something online, you are trusting more than just the technology behind it.
If someone inside a company can access private data, how much control do you really have over what you share online? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Govee’s new LED Lightwall comes with its own self-standing frame
Govee has announced an upgraded version of its hanging Curtain Lights Pro that can instead be used nearly anywhere you have access to an outlet or large battery. At $449.99, Govee’s new Lightwall is more than twice as expensive as the $199.99 Curtain Lights Pro, but comes with more LEDs in a denser array and a self-standing aluminum frame that can be assembled in 10 to 15 minutes without the need for any tools.
When hung from its stand the Lightwall measures 7.9 feet wide and 5.3 feet tall and features 1,536 color-changing LEDs spaced about 1.96 inches apart in a 48 x 32 grid. It’s water-resistant, and with the ability to refresh at up to 35fps the Lightwall almost sounds like it could be used as a personal backyard Jumbotron, but it’s not designed for watching TV or movies.
The Lightwall instead connects to Govee’s Home app where you can select from over 200 preset scenes and simple animations, choose from 10 different music modes that generate lighting patterns matched to beats, or synchronize its colors to other Govee lighting products to create a cohesive mood.
The app can also use AI to create custom animated GIFs from simple text prompts, or you can take matters into your own hands and create custom designs by sketching in the app with your finger and stacking up to 30 layers of doodles. The Lightwall is smart home compatible and supports Matter, too, so in addition to managing it through Govee’s app you can control it using voice commands through smart devices with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
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