iPhone users should update their iOS and activate a function to filter messages from unknown senders to avoid receiving scam messages through the iMessage system, the Criminal Investigation Bureau said on Sunday.
The bureau issued the warning after many callers to its “165” anti-fraud hotline had called to report that they were scammed after tapping on links in messages they received from the iMessage system.
A woman in New Taipei City surnamed Lin (林) received a scam message that said she has not paid a vehicle fuel surcharge, the bureau said, adding that the message looked like it was sent from the Taipei Motor Vehicle Office.
Photo courtesy of the Criminal Investigation Bureau
Lin lost about NT$100,000 after following the link and entering her credit card number and authentication code, the bureau said.
A woman in Taichung surnamed Lee (李) had NT$80,000 charged to her credit card after clicking on a link in a phishing message, which scammers falsely showed as being sent from Chunghwa Telecom, the bureau said.
“We recently received dozens of complaints through the 165 anti-fraud hotline about fraudulent text messages sent via iMessage,” the bureau said.
“Our analysis showed that iOS version 16.2 cannot filter unknown or scam calls, which allowed iPhone users to be targeted by scammers,” the bureau said.
The bureau reported a “massive number” of fraudulent messages being sent via the iMessage system to trick people into following phishing links.
“Clicking on some links can allow malicious programs to be installed on iPhones, giving scammers access to authentication codes and personal and financial information,” the bureau said.
To block suspicious messages, iPhone users should upgrade to the latest iOS version, it said.
“They should go to the settings, click on ‘Messages,’ activate the function to filter unknown and spam calls, and then turn on the ‘filter unknown sender’ function,” it said.
Fraud can be reported to the 165 National Fraud Prevention Web site, or via the Police Service app.
People should attach screenshots or copies of the text messages, in addition to providing their names and contact information, the bureau said.
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