You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Getting a text about found stolen phone

I keep on getting a text saying my stolen phone was found. But it still shows are offline. I don’t want to click on the link as I am afraid it’s a scam.


edited to add - thank you for the replies. I did not click on the link

iPhone 14 Pro Max

Posted on May 15, 2023 8:09 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 15, 2023 8:11 PM

It’s definitely a scam. The scammer wants you to click on the link which will lead you to a fake Apple website and prompt you to enter your Apple ID and Password. The scammer will then capture those credentials and remove the activation lock on your iPhone.


Axel F.

8 replies

Jun 25, 2024 2:40 PM in response to myiphonewasstolen

It's a scam. The message is from a criminal – a thief, fence, or one of their dishonest customers.


They have probably discovered Activation Lock, and want you to help clear the Activation Lock (so they can "make your phone their own") and/or get into the phone (so they can do who knows what with your data).


Don't fall for it. Delete their messages without replying or clicking on any links in them.

May 15, 2023 8:14 PM in response to myiphonewasstolen

Did you mark the phone as lost and then leave a contact number? If not, then likely it is the thieves who have found the number and are now phishing for more information. There is a good chance it is a scam, particularly if there is a link to an "Apple" web site. Apart from supplying the Find My app, Apple does not get involved with lost or stolen devices.


Scams (e-mail, text messages, and phone calls) are getting very good at closely imitating true Apple communications. Always be cautious. These support articles have some guidelines:


About identifying legitimate emails from the App Store and iTunes Store --> Identify legitimate emails from the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support


Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support


Avoid scams when you use Apple Cash --> Avoid scams when you use Apple Cash - Apple Support


Apple 'How to identify, avoid, and report phishing' video--> https://youtu.be/SR3Z3fXXjfw


This document has a list of things to do if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen. --> If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support


Jun 25, 2024 3:09 PM in response to najma49

najma49 wrote:

My is stolen iam not found the locetion


If you had Find My turned off, you won't be able to see the location – or turn Find My on.


If it was turned on, then the phone will usually need to be turned on, and connected to the Internet, to report its location. (Find My Network depends on someone with another Apple device coming very close to the phone.)


Keep in mind that if criminals have the phone, the location may be one you would not want to travel to in person.

Getting a text about found stolen phone

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.