The Inquirer

Apple users targeted in iTunes-themed phishing scam

Shady looking emails look to trick people into giving up personal details

Phishing attacks on credit cards
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APPLE HAS WARNED of a new phishing scam that uses emails claiming that the recipient has been charged 20 quid to download a song from iTunes. 

The email purports to come from Apple and says that the user has mistakenly paid £23.34 to download a song or audio book from the iTunes Store. The victim is then encouraged to click on a link in an attachment to 'cancel and manage subscriptions'.

The link, in fact, leads to a fraudulent website that asks for personal details including iTunes email address and password, in turn giving the scammers access to payment details. 

Apple has pointed those affected by the scam to the firm's iTunes support page, and has advised people that they should probably avoid opening email attachments in such shady looking emails. 

"The iTunes Store will never ask you to provide personal information or sensitive account information (such as passwords or credit card numbers) via email," the Apple page said.

"Email messages that contain attachments or links to non-Apple websites are from sources other than Apple, although they may appear to be from the iTunes Store.

"Most often, these attachments are malicious and should not be opened. You should never enter your Apple account information on any non-Apple website."

This isn't the first time that Apple users have been targeted in such a scam. A text message-based phishing campaign in April set its sights on iPhone users, and looked to pilfer their personal information. 

The scam message read: "The Apple ID associated with this number is due to be terminated. To prevent this, please confirm your details at supportatapple.com - AppleInc."

The bogus log-in page asks the usual questions, including password and mother's maiden name. µ 

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