Technology

That Apple ID disabled message? It's a dangerous scam

Published

11 months ago

January 18, 2025

That Apple ID disabled message? It's a dangerous scam

Let’s talk about something that’s been popping up in inboxes lately — those sneaky “Your Apple ID has been disabled” emails.

Like many people who’ve reached out to us, you might have gotten one that looks pretty legit, saying something like, “Your Apple ID has been temporarily disabled. Verify your Apple ID Information.”

Spoiler alert: It’s most likely a scam, and we’re going to break down why.

I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2

Apple ID scam email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The anatomy of the scam

So, here’s how these tricksters operate. You get an email that looks totally legit with an Apple logo and creates a sense of urgency, claiming your Apple ID is in trouble. They’ll say something like, “If you do not verify your account within 48 hours, it will be permanently locked.” Yikes, right? That’s exactly what they want you to think. So, you’ll “Click the button below to verify as soon as possible.” They want you to click where it says, “Go to Apple ID.”

Once you do that, you’re directed to a fake Apple website designed to look almost identical to the real one. This fraudulent site prompts you to enter your username, password and other sensitive information, which the scammers can then use to access your Apple account and potentially steal your personal data or make unauthorized purchases.

Apple ID scam email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

NEW CYBERATTACK TARGETS IPHONE AND APPLE IDS: HERE’S HOW TO STAY SAFE

Let’s play detective and look at some red flags in these scam emails

Urgent language: They’re trying to scare you into acting without thinking. Classic scammer move.

Vague claims: “Missing or invalid information”? That’s purposely unclear to make you doubt yourself.

Threats of lockout: Nothing like a good threat to get your heart racing, huh?

Terms of service talk: They throw this in to sound official, but it’s just smoke and mirrors.

Grammar goofs: Real Apple emails are polished. Scammers? Not so much.

Fishy sender address: Always check if it’s actually from @apple.com (spoiler: it’s probably not). Any legitimate email from Apple will come from a domain ending in “@email.apple.com. As you can see from the scam email below, it’s from a fake email: mfrasier@wavecable.com, not Apple.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Apple ID scam email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO SECURELY LOCK YOUR IPHONE AND IPAD FROM PRYING EYES

Why are scammers after your Apple ID?

You might wonder, “Why are these scammers so obsessed with Apple IDs?” Well, there are a few reasons:

iCloud goldmine: Your photos, contacts and documents are valuable for identity theft or blackmail.
Shopping spree potential: Stored payment info means they could go on a spending spree on your dime.
Financial account access: Many folks link their bank accounts to their Apple ID. Jackpot for hackers.
Dark web data deals: Your personal info can fetch a pretty penny in shady online marketplaces.

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How to keep these scammers at bay

To keep scammers at bay and secure your Apple ID, follow these comprehensive steps:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This crucial security feature adds an extra layer of protection to your Apple ID. Set it up by going to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security on your iPhone or iPad, or Apple menu> System Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security on your Mac.

2. Use strong passcodes: Opt for alphanumeric passcodes instead of simple PINs. When in public, use biometrics (Face ID or Touch ID) and be cautious when entering your passcode.

3. Enable Stolen Device Protection: If you’re using iOS 17.3 or later, turn on this feature for additional security against theft.

4. Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches.

5. Don’t click on suspicious links, use strong antivirus software: If the email asks you to click a link, don’t do it right away. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn’t look like an official Apple website (or any site you trust), don’t click it.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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 and iOS devices.

6. Use a password manager: Generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts by using a password manager.

7. Enable Find My: Turn on Find My iPhone to help locate your device if it’s lost or stolen.

8. Use a personal data removal service: Consider using a service that finds and removes your personal information from data broker sites. These services can help reduce your digital footprint, making it harder for scammers to obtain your data to target you in the first place. Look for a service that offers automated removals from hundreds of data aggregators and provides detailed verification of removals.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

9. Don’t click on suspicious links: If the email asks you to click a link, don’t do it right away. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn’t look like an official Apple website (or any site you trust), don’t click it.

Apple ID scam email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How Apple actually reaches out

Apple will never email you asking for your password or threaten to lock your account. If there’s a real issue, you’ll usually get a notification on your trusted device or be asked to sign in to your Apple ID account page directly. Remember, Apple will never ask for your password via email, phone or text message. Always access your account through official Apple websites or apps.

Kurt’s key takeaways

These scammers are getting craftier, but with a bit of know-how and caution, you can keep your Apple ID (and all the good stuff connected to it) safe and sound. Remember, if something feels fishy, trust your gut. When in doubt, go straight to Apple’s official website or give their support team a call. Keep your digital life secure, and don’t let those scammers take a bite out of your Apple.

Have you ever fallen victim to a digital scam, and what steps did you take to protect yourself afterward? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Fox News AI Newsletter: Blue-collar productivity boom

Published

9 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Shyam Sankar, chief technology officer of Palantir Technologies Inc., speaks at the Hill & Valley forum at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 2025. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images )

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– AI fuels blue-collar productivity boom across manufacturing, Palantir technology chief tells FOX Business
– New exoskeleton adapts to terrain with smart AI power
– Purdue becomes first university to require AI competency for all undergrads as universities race to adapt

RISE OF MACHINES: Palantir Chief Technology Officer Shyam Sankar told FOX Business artificial intelligence is fueling a blue-collar productivity boom, not mass unemployment as forecast by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Sankar said AI is accelerating hiring, training and American industrial growth.

SMART STEPS: Recreational exoskeletons have been popping up for years, but the new IRMO M1 exoskeleton feels like a turning point. This next-generation wearable blends artificial intelligence (AI), a forward-facing camera, LADAR sensors and lightweight robotics to give your legs a serious boost on trails and city streets.

With training and assist modes, the M1 adapts to your goals whether you want more power or more strength. (IRMO)

EDUCATION REWIRED: Purdue University has announced a new “AI working competency” requirement, the first of its kind at an institution of higher learning, for all undergraduate students on their main campus, Indianapolis and West Lafayette, to complete starting in 2026.

‘DISPARATE IMPACT’: White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks called out blue states Tuesday for inserting “woke” ideology into artificial intelligence as the Trump administration moves to cut what he described as “unnecessary” regulations on the rapidly developing technology.

EYES TO THE FUTURE: Artificial intelligence (AI) is charging into a new phase in 2026 – one that could reshape business operations, global competition and even which workers thrive, according to Goldman Sachs’ Chief Information Officer Marco Argenti.

Artificial intelligence enters a new phase in 2026 that could reshape business operations, global competition and workforce outcomes, according to Goldman Sachs Chief Information Officer Marco Argenti. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

‘MORE USABLE’: OpenAI announced an update for ChatGPT Images that it says drastically improves both the generation speed and instruction-following capability of its image generator. A blog post from the company Tuesday says the update will make it much easier to make precise edits to AI-generated images. Previous iterations of the program have struggled to follow instructions and often make unasked-for changes.

HANDS-FREE TECH: Chrome on Android now offers a fresh way to digest information when your hands are busy or your eyes need a break. A new update powered by Google Gemini can turn written webpages into short podcast-style summaries. Two virtual hosts chat about the content, making it feel easier to follow during your commute or while you multitask.

DESANTIS VS. TRUMP: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said on Monday that state officials have the right to regulate artificial intelligence despite President Trump’s recent executive order aiming to require a national AI standard the president argues would overrule state laws.

TECH FORCE: The Trump administration launched a new initiative Monday aimed at recruiting top-tier technical talent to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) at the federal level. The hiring program, known as “Tech Force,” plans to recruit roughly 1,000 early-career technologists for a two-year service term across various federal agencies.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, says state officials have authority to regulate artificial intelligence despite President Trump’s executive order seeking a national AI standard he says would override state laws. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images)

HOME RUN: Baseball teams have long searched for a way to study the entire swing without sensors or complex lab setups. Today, a new solution is entering the picture. Theia, an AI biomechanics company, debuted a commercially available video-only system that analyzes bat trajectory and full-body biomechanics together. This new approach works in real baseball environments and needs no reflective body markers, wearables or special equipment.

POLICING PUSH: Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., helped advocate for the AI Civil Rights Act last week in order to prevent companies from using what Democrats describe as “biased and discriminatory AI-powered algorithms.”

PRICING GAP : Instacart is using AI-enabled pricing experiments that are substantially raising the prices of identical products for different customers, according to an investigation by Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collaborative.

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

Technology

Want to link from Google’s app store to your app? That’ll be $2–4 per install

Published

12 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Want to link from Google’s app store to your app? That’ll be –4 per install

Today was the deadline for Google to reveal how it’s complying with Judge James Donato’s order to crack open Android for third-party app stores, stop illegally tying its Google Play Billing system to its app store, and let developers link to ways to download their apps outside the Play Store in the US.

But Google isn’t just letting app developers do things however and whenever they’d like. The company’s quietly updated its support pages with a January 28th deadline to enroll in specific Google programs for “alternative billing” and “external content links” — and these programs will come with large alternative fees of their own, assuming Judge Donato doesn’t opt for Epic and Google’s proposed settlement instead.

While it isn’t collecting fees yet, Google says it will charge developers $2.85 for every app and $3.65 for every game a user installs within 24 hours of clicking a link that takes you outside Google’s app store to download them outside the Google ecosystem.

Plus, it’ll take a 20 percent cut of any in-app purchases and 10 percent of any auto-renewing subscriptions. Apps still need to be submitted to Google for review, use a Google API to track them, and developers have to report all transactions (including $0 free trials) if they want to participate.

Google’s service fees for external links.

Image: Google

Meanwhile, developers who want to offer their own billing solutions will only get a 5 percent discount compared to Google’s current fees, likely making it not worth the effort to try alternative billing at all. Google will charge 25 percent for in-app purchases and 10 percent for auto-renewing subscriptions there; devs will need to integrate a Google API to track those, and report all transactions within 24 hours.

The company will cap some of these fees at 10 percent of a developer’s first $1 million of earnings, making it a bit easier for small developers, but perhaps no easier than it is currently. Google already offers a similar cap at 15 percent, so this too is a 5 percent discount.

How will Judge James Donato react? When Apple told Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers it would require a 27 percent fee for external payments in the parallel Epic v. Apple case, she found Apple in contempt of court, and an appeals court backed up that decision just days ago. However, the appeals court did suggest that Apple may be able to collect some fee, writing that:

Apple should be able to charge a commission on linked-out purchases based on the costs that are genuinely and reasonably necessary for its coordination of external links for linked-out purchases, but no more.

Google currently claims that “the fees associated with the external content links program reflect the value provided by Android and Play and support our continued investments across Android and Play.”

But Google also says it won’t collect any fees quite yet, writing:

In the future, Google intends to apply a service fee on successful transactions and downloads completed via external content links. At this time, however, Google is not assessing these fees and is therefore not requiring developers in this program to report these transactions or downloads to Google.

In their joint progress report today, Epic and Google’s lawyers write that while Epic agrees with the January 28th deadline and other requirements, “Epic has indicated that it opposes the service fees that Google announced it may implement in the future and that Epic will challenge these fees if they come into effect.”

Of course, none of this will come to pass if Judge Donato accepts Google and Epic’s proposed settlement instead, which would generally apply worldwide (instead of just in the US) and comes with lower standard transaction fees.

But Google signaled that settlement, too, would come with fees on alternative billing and external app downloads, and Judge Donato seemed skeptical of the settlement in November. He’s ordered an evidentiary hearing on January 22nd before he makes a decision.

Since Google’s support pages seem to be fluid as Epic v. Google continues, we’ve archived copies of their current text below.

Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.

Sean Hollister

Technology

Holiday deliveries and fake tracking texts: How scammers track you

Published

12 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Holiday deliveries and fake tracking texts: How scammers track you

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

As we head into the last stretch of December (and last-minute gift shopping), your doorstep is probably busier than ever. And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably also juggling shipping updates, tracking numbers, and “out for delivery” alerts from half a dozen retailers.

Unfortunately, scammers know this too, and they’ve likely been preparing for it all year. Like clockwork, I’ve already started seeing the usual wave of fake tracking texts hitting people’s phones. They look legit, they show up right when you’re expecting a package, and they rely on one inescapable truth: during the holiday rush, most of us are too overwhelmed to notice when something feels off.

No need to panic, though. You can still come out ahead of the scammers. I’ll show you what to look out for and how you can prevent being targeted in the first place.

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THE FAKE REFUND SCAM: WHY SCAMMERS LOVE HOLIDAY SHOPPERS

Holiday shoppers are being hit with a surge of fake delivery texts designed to steal personal information and account logins. (Photo by Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images)

What fake delivery text messages look like

Most of these fake shipping texts include a “tracking link” that looks close enough to the real thing that you might tap without thinking twice about it. In some cases, like one Maryland woman found out, you may even receive fake deliveries with a QR code that works in a similar way.

These links usually lead to a spoofed tracking page that looks almost identical to the real thing. It’ll ask you to “confirm” your login or enter your delivery details. The moment you type anything in, scammers capture it and use it to access your real accounts.

Even worse, the “tracking link” may contain malware or spyware, triggering silent installs that can steal passwords, monitor keystrokes, or give scammers remote access to your device.

Red flags that reveal fake shipping and tracking messages

So how can you distinguish between a legitimate message for a delivery you’re actually waiting for and one of these scams? Here are the red flags I look for:

Weird or slightly altered URLs. Scammers use domains that look almost right. Except there’s usually one extra letter, a swapped character, or a completely unfamiliar extension.
Requests for additional payment. Real carriers don’t ask you to pay a “small fee” to release a package. That’s an instant giveaway.
A package you’re not expecting. If the text is vague or you can’t match it to a recent order, pause before you tap anything.
Delivery attempts at odd hours. “Missed delivery at 6:12 AM” or “late-night attempt” messages are usually fake. Carriers don’t normally operate like that.
Updates that don’t match what you see in the retailer’s app or email. If Amazon says your package is arriving tomorrow, but a random text says it’s delayed or stuck, trust Amazon, not the text.
Language that is designed to rush you. Anything screaming “immediate action required!” is designed to make you stop thinking and start tapping.

If a text triggers any one of these, I delete it on the spot. When in doubt, always check directly with the delivery service provider first before opening any links.

WHY YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING DATA NEEDS A CLEANUP NOW

Scammers are sending deceptive tracking links that mimic real carriers, hoping rushed shoppers won’t notice red flags. (Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)

How scammers know your address, phone number, and shopping habits

Scammers don’t magically know where you live or what you’ve ordered — they buy that information. There’s actually an entire industry of data brokers built on collecting and selling personal data. This can include your:

Phone number
Home address
Email
Purchase history
Browsing patterns
Retailers accounts and apps
Loyalty programs
Even preferred delivery times.

These data brokers can sell profiles containing hundreds of data points on you. And they aren’t always discerning about who they sell to. In fact, some of them have been caught intentionally selling data to scammers.

Once scammers have those details, creating a convincing delivery scam is no problem.

But scammers can’t target what they can’t find

I’ve been very vocal about the importance of keeping personal information under lock and key. And this is just one of the reasons why.

Criminals rely on your personal information to target you with these types of scams. They also need at least a phone number or email address to reach you in the first place.

So your best bet to avoid delivery scams (and, honestly, most other scams year-round) is removing your info from data brokers and people search sites. Doing this will keep your details out of circulation online and out of the wrong hands.

FBI WARNS EMAIL USERS AS HOLIDAY SCAMS SURGE

Fraudsters use spoofed shipping pages and malware to capture passwords and gain access to victims’ devices. (Martin Ollman/Getty Images)

How to remove your personal information from scammers’ reach

You can start by looking yourself up online. Searching for different combinations of your name, address, email, and phone number should bring up a bunch of people search sites. Just visit the “opt-out” page on each site to request removal of your data.

Private-database data brokers are a bit trickier. They sell data in bulk, usually to marketers and other third parties. So you won’t be able to check if they have your information. But if you look into which data brokers operate in your area, you can just send opt-out requests to them all. There’s a good chance they’ll have your information.

You can also turn to a data removal service. They completely remove the headache from this process and just automatically keep your personal info off data broker sites. If, like me, you don’t have the time to keep manually checking data broker sites and sending removal requests every few months (because your data will keep reappearing), a personal data removal service is the way to go.

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.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Holiday delivery scams work because they blend perfectly into the chaos of December shopping. A well-timed text and a familiar tracking link are often all it takes to lower your guard. By slowing down, checking messages directly with retailers, and reducing how much of your personal data is circulating online, you can take away the advantage scammers rely on. A little caution now can save you a major headache later.

Have you received a suspicious delivery text or tracking message this holiday season? If so, tell us what it looked like and how you handled it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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