Technology
Scammers’ sneaky new tactic preying on people who’ve lost their iPhone
Losing your iPhone can be a stressful and frustrating experience. Scammers are often ready to exploit the anxiety of distraught iPhone owners searching for their lost devices. These unscrupulous individuals have developed various schemes to take advantage of the situation and make a quick profit. This context is crucial in understanding the concerns raised by Donald, who wrote to us regarding lost iPhone scams. Donald from Saginaw, Michigan, shared his experience:
“I lost an Apple iPhone 6 and found numerous online scams claiming they could locate it for just 89 cents. They promised to get back to me in three hours, but instead, I received a bill for $48.00 in yearly dues.”
In addition to the scam Donald encountered, there are also scammers who falsely claim to have found or purchased your lost or stolen phone and offer to delete your sensitive data for a small fee.
While you cannot control the loss of your iPhone, there are several proactive steps you can take to facilitate the recovery of your device or data. If your iPhone is lost for good, you can still take measures to protect your personal information.
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iPhone with security on the home screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Steps to protect yourself if your iPhone is lost or stolen
While various methods exist to locate a lost iPhone, many security features require access to another device or your iCloud.com account. Always ensure that location services are enabled and that you have set up “Find My iPhone” and other built-in security features on the iPhone as soon as you activate your phone. Taking these steps will maximize your ability to recover your iPhone should it get lost or stolen. Below are the steps you can take to protect yourself if your iPhone is lost or stolen.
1) Activate and use ‘Find My’ app
If you have the “Find My” set up on your iPhone, you can use another Apple device or log in to iCloud.com to locate your phone. Need a step-by-step guideline on how to use “Find My” to locate your iPhone? Check out how to find your lost iPhone.
iCloud Find Devices (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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2) Play a sound
If you’ve enabled “Find My” for your iPhone, you can log onto iCloud.com or another Apple device and under your iPhone profile you can select “Play Sound.” If your iPhone is nearby, you can listen for the sound playing from your iPhone to help you locate it.
Play sound on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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3) Mark iPhone as lost
If you’ve enabled “Find My” for your iPhone, you can log onto iCloud.com or another Apple device to mark your iPhone as lost. When you select “Mark as lost” under your iPhone options, it will lock your phone and display a message with your contact information.
Mark As Lost on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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4) Turn on ‘Activation Lock’
When you turn on “Find My” for your iPhone, you automatically turn on “Activation Lock” for your device. As long as “Find My” is on your iPhone, even if someone finds your lost phone or steals it, “Activation lock” will ensure that no one can activate your iPhone without your Apple ID or passcode. This is true even if your data is wiped or phone is factory reset.
iPhone Locked To Owner (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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5) Set up ‘Stolen Device Protection’
“Stolen Device Protection” can give you an extra layer of protection. This feature gives you an additional layer of protection when your iPhone leaves a familiar location, such as work or home. If you have this feature on and your device is away from your familiar locations, it will require Face ID or Touch ID for biometric authentication to access sensitive features of your iPhone, such as passwords or credit card information. Additionally, it will activate a security delay so that outside of your familiar locations, there is an hour delay in taking security actions, such as changing your Apple ID password and then using Face ID or Touch ID authentication. Here are the steps to set up “Stolen Device Protection” on your iPhone.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone
- Tap on Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode for older models)
- Enter your iPhone’s passcode to access the settings
- Scroll down and find the Stolen Device Protection option. Tap on it and toggle it on
Stolen Device Protection on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
6) Check Google Maps timeline
If you’ve enabled location history on Google Maps app on your iPhone, you might be able to see the last known location of your iPhone by logging into Google Maps on your desktop or another device. You can retrace your steps and hopefully recover your iPhone. Here are the steps to check your Google Maps Timeline.
- On a desktop or another device, open the Google Maps website or app
- Log in with the Google account that is linked to your iPhone
- On the desktop, click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner
- Select Your timeline from the menu
- You will see a map with a timeline of your location history.
- Use the calendar feature to select the date your iPhone was lost
- Look for the last recorded location of your iPhone on the map
- Note the time and place to retrace your steps
- Visit the last known location to search for your iPhone
- If the location is a public place, ask around or check with lost and found services
7) Contact authorities
After attempting various methods of finding your lost iPhone or being contacted by or experiencing suspicious individuals or activities, you may come to the unfortunate realization that your iPhone is now stolen. Either way, you should report your lost or stolen iPhone to the local police station. If it is turned in or found, it gives you a greater chance of being reunited with your device. If it has been stolen, the police can help protect you from further issues.
A woman on her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
8) Contact Carrier
Contact your carrier as soon as possible so that they can either help you locate your device or freeze access to your account, as well as limit the use of your device.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
An iPhone is an expensive investment that doesn’t just perform a utilitarian function. It also houses private personal information. That’s why losing your iPhone can induce panic and feel like a massive loss. Activating the security features built into most new iPhones, such as “Find My” and “Stolen Device Protection,” can go a long way in helping you either recover your iPhone or, at the very least, minimize the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands. If you find out that your iPhone has gotten into the hands of a thief or scammer, make sure to take the issue and any evidence directly to your local law enforcement and reach out to your carrier.
Do you have any of these built-in security features turned on? Have you ever lost or had your iPhone stolen? What did you do once you found out that your iPhone was lost or stolen? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
Technology
Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. 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
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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