10 ways to dodge phishing scam targeting Apple iPhones 5S, 5C

Apple users better beware.

According to a release, a new phishing scam that takes advantage of the upcoming launches of Apple iPhones 5S and 5C has been identified.

The scam identified by Trend Micro is effectively targeting Southeast Asian users- particularly from Malaysia and Singapore.

At the peak of its hype before the official Apple launch, the fraudulent content contains messages informing recipients that they have won the latest iPhone 5S mobile phones and iPad devices. To get these prizes, consumers are asked to visit the specific website stated within the email, where they are required to disclose personal data such as their email addresses and passwords. Banking on the eagerness of consumers to get their hands on popular devices, victims unwittingly provide such credentials to cybercriminals.

As with similar scams in the past, cyber criminals are known to leverage current and topical discussions to lure and take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.

Trend Micro requests caution from consumers and advises them to better protect themselves against social engineering lures. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Never click suspicious links, no matter how promising their accompanying messages seem. Promises that are too good to be true are just that.

2. Bookmark trusted sites, Treat new sites like people you meet for the first time – don’t immediately trust sites you’ve only visited once.

3. Don’t be intimidated by threats. A lot of cybercriminals often rely on the element of surprise to scare you into doing something you otherwise won’t. It is always best to ignore scare tactics outright.

4. Spread the word, and tell others what you know. Doing so will ensure your friends and relatives’ safety, and sometimes prevent them from falling for cybercriminals’ traps.

5. Invest in an effective security solution that protects your system and data from all kinds of threats. Explore and utilize the built-in security features of the sites and pages you frequently visit.

6. Bookmark trusted sites, Treat new sites like people you meet for the first time – don’t immediately trust sites you’ve only visited once.

7. Never click suspicious links, no matter how promising their accompanying messages seem. Promises that are too good to be true are just that.

8. Don’t be intimidated by threats. A lot of cybercriminals often rely on the element of surprise to scare you into doing something you otherwise won’t. It is always best to ignore scare tactics outright.

9. Spread the word, and tell others what you know. Doing so will ensure your friends and relatives’ safety, and sometimes prevent them from falling for cybercriminals’ traps.

10. Invest in an effective security solution that protects your system and data from all kinds of threats. Explore and utilize the built-in security features of the sites and pages you frequently visit.