iPhone Theft Scam Alert: Protect Your Device with AppleCare+ Theft and Loss Coverage

Highlights

• iPhone 15 Pro Max theft leads to scam attempt via text message.
• Thieves try to disable Find My app to gain full control over stolen iPhones.
• Victim’s quick action leads to device lock and wipe, phone located in China.
• AppleCare+ offers Theft and Loss coverage for various iPhone models.

The theft of an iPhone can be a distressing experience, especially when it’s a high-end model like the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

A recent incident involving a stolen iPhone 15 Pro Max, shared on Reddit by user “Commercial_Big_4378,” highlighted the importance of being vigilant against potential scams and the value of AppleCare+ Theft and Loss coverage.

Theft and the Follow-up Scam

After the theft of their iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Reddit user received a text message purportedly from an individual who claimed to have bought the phone.

The message contained personal details from the phone, including messages and banking information, and requested the victim to disable the Find My app.

This is a classic scam tactic, aiming to gain control over the stolen device by removing its tracking ability.

Disabling the Find My app on a stolen or lost iPhone is a critical mistake.

It allows the thief to reset the Apple ID password, create a new passcode, reset Face ID, and potentially access passwords stored on various apps.

In this case, the victim wisely contacted Apple, leading to the device being locked and wiped remotely.

However, the phone has ended up in China, where it may still be sold to an unsuspecting buyer.

AppleCare+ Theft and Loss Coverage

This incident underscores the importance of considering AppleCare+ Theft and Loss coverage.

For the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the coverage costs $13.49 a month for 24 months or a one-time payment of $269 for two years.

It provides coverage for two incidents of loss or theft every 12 months, with the condition that the Find My app must be enabled.

The coverage cost varies for different iPhone models.

For the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 14 Plus, it’s $12.49 monthly or $249 for two years.

For the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13, the price is $11.49 monthly or $219 for two years.

FAQs

What should you do if your iPhone is stolen?

If your iPhone is stolen, immediately contact Apple or your service provider to lock and potentially wipe your device. Avoid responding to any suspicious messages asking to disable the Find My app.

How does disabling the Find My app affect a stolen iPhone?

Disabling the Find My app on a stolen iPhone allows the thief to reset Apple ID and passcodes, gaining full access to the device and potentially sensitive information.

What coverage does AppleCare+ Theft and Loss provide?

AppleCare+ Theft and Loss coverage offers protection for two incidents of theft or loss every 12 months, provided the Find My app is enabled, with varying costs for different iPhone models.

Is it common for stolen iPhones to be sold in other countries?

Stolen iPhones can end up in different countries, as seen in the reported case where the stolen iPhone 15 Pro Max was located in China, potentially to be sold to an unsuspecting buyer.

What happened during the robbery incident in Washington D.C. involving an Android phone?

In a surprising twist during a robbery in Washington, D.C., the thieves returned the victim’s smartphone upon realizing it was an Android device, not an iPhone.

The incident, which took place late at night, involved the victim being approached by two armed individuals who demanded his belongings.

Why did the robbers return the Android phone to the victim?

The robbers in the D.C. incident handed back the Android phone after they realized it wasn’t the iPhone they had hoped to steal.

This reflects a common perception among criminals that iPhones have a higher resale value and are more sought-after in the black market compared to Android phones.

Are iPhones more targeted for theft than Android phones?

iPhones are often perceived as more valuable in criminal activities due to their higher resale value and market demand.

Despite Apple’s stringent security features, iPhones continue to be a target, possibly due to established illegal methods for unlocking and reselling these devices.

How did Azim G. steal the iPhones?

Azim G., working for a courier company in Adana, Turkey, was assigned to deliver 33 iPhones to a technology store. Instead of completing the delivery, he stole the phones, which were valued at around $30,000.

What did the thief do with the stolen iPhones?

After stealing the iPhones, Azim G. quickly sold most of them and used the money to buy a car for his girlfriend, who was reportedly unaware of the theft.

How was the theft discovered?

The technology store, noticing the missing delivery of iPhones, checked their security cameras. The footage revealed that Azim G. had never delivered the iPhones, leading to further police investigation.

Also Read: “I thought it was an iPhone”, Android Smartphone Rejected by Thieves in Unusual DC Robbery

Also Read: Turkish Man Steals iPhones Worth $30,000 for Girlfriend’s Car Gift

Also Read: Apple Responds to Report About Thieves Permanently Locking Out iPhone Users: Basic iPhone Feature Helps Criminals Steal Your Entire Digital Life