Apple warns all iPhone and Android owners to stop emptying text messages – check ‘6 attack list’ now

ALL smartphone owners can prevent a serious cyber attack by paying attention to the warning signs.

An official Apple memo reveals six clues that the text message you just received is very dangerous.

If you have an iPhone or Android phone, you’ve probably received a suspicious text message at some point.

Scammers are creating increasingly convincing messages that seem to come from legitimate companies – or maybe even a friend or family member.

But they are designed to rob your bank or steal enough information to cheat you.

“Scammers try to copy email and text messages from legitimate companies to trick you into giving them your personal information and passwords,” Apple warned smartphone owners.

“These signs can help you identify phishing emails.”

It’s easy to think you could spot a scam text, but it’s not always obvious.

Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that a text or email is meant to scam you.

Here’s the official Apple list of clues to look out for:

• The sender’s email address or phone number does not match the name of the company it claims to come from
• The email address or phone number they used to contact you is different from the one you gave to that company
• A link in a post looks good, but the URL doesn’t match the company’s website
• The message looks significantly different from other messages you’ve received from the company
• The message asks for personal information, such as a credit card number or account password
• The message is unsolicited and contains an attachment

If you’re even slightly suspicious of a message, it’s best not to respond.

Otherwise, you could fall into a trap and end up losing money or information to cyber criminals.

“If you’re suspicious of an unexpected message, phone call, or request for personal information or money, it’s safer to assume it’s a scam and contact that company directly if necessary,” Apple advised.

Remember not to use any contact information in the message.

Instead, contact the company directly using the contact details on its official website or app.

And if the message appears to be from a friend or family member, give them a call or speak to them in person.

That way you can check whether the message is genuine – or an elaborate scam.

Once your money or information is in the hands of a cybercriminal, it can be extremely difficult and often impossible to get it back.