Lately, there has been an increase in scammers impersonating cloud storage providers, such as iCloud, in texts and emails. The messages can be quite convincing, and the damages that could occur if you were to fall for such a scam could be potentially devastating. Read on to learn everything you need to know about cloud storage scams, including how to stay safe.

What are Cloud Storage Scams?

Cloud storage scams (including iCloud storage full scams) are phishing scams that impersonate legitimate services (such as iCloud and iOS Cloud). These scams are designed to create urgency and fear about cloud storage issues. Their goal is to trick you into clicking links that lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal your login credentials, which they can use to gain access to your account. With access to your account, the scammers can view anything stored in your cloud account and access any personal data (such as credit card information) linked to your account.

How Cloud Storage Scams Work

Here is a breakdown of how these scams operate:

• Initial Contact: The victim receives an SMS or email claiming their cloud storage is full, their account is at risk, or there is another urgent issue that needs their attention.
• Included Link: The message includes a link to “verify account” or “upgrade storage.”
• Fake Website: Clicking the link leads to a fake login page that looks official. The victim is asked to enter their login information. Some variants also request credit card details for “storage upgrades.”
• Stolen Credentials: The victim’s login credentials and any other data entered on the fake website are stolen by the scammers.
• Account Takeover: Scammers use the stolen credentials to access the victim’s iCloud account, along with all their cloud data and other personal information. The scammers can change the account’s password, locking the victim out.

Cloud / iCloud Storage Scam Examples

Below are some examples of cloud storage scam texts and emails:

Content:

• Payment Method Declined for Cloud Subscription. Click here to update payment details [URL] or loose all photos and files in 24h.

Content:

• WARNING: Your IOS cloud backup is at capacity. All files will be WIPED if you do not take action immediately! Safeguard your files: [URL]

As mentioned, the goal of this scam is to get you to click on the included link, which leads to a website designed to collect your login credentials and potentially other personal information. Below is an example of such a website:

How to Spot a Scam Cloud Storage Text / Email

• Generic or Missing Greetings: Be cautious if the message starts with a generic greeting like “Dear Customer” or has no greeting at all. Legitimate companies usually address you by name.
• Urgent Language: Phishing messages often create a sense of urgency, claiming immediate action is needed. This is a tactic to make you act without thinking.
• Links or Phone Numbers: Inspect any links or phone numbers provided in the message. Scammers often use slightly altered URLs to trick you.
• Spelling and Grammar: Check for spelling and grammar errors in the message. Although less common in sophisticated scams, mistakes can still be a red flag indicating a phishing attempt.
• Trend Micro ScamCheck: Send a screenshot of a suspicious text or email to Trend Micro ScamCheck to quickly get an answer about whether it’s legitimate or not. Here’s what ScamCheck thinks of scam text example #2:

ScamCheck: Your All-in-One Defense Against Scams

Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

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