Two new phishing letters are making the rounds, in an attempt to fool people who may be using their first Mac after the holidays. The first one tries to steal your iCloud account. The email claims to be from Apple, saying something similar to: “A DGTFX Virus has been detected in your MobileMe folders. Your email account has to be upgraded to our new Secured DGTFX anti-virus 2011 version to prevent damages to our web mail log and to your important files. Click your reply tab, Fill the columns below and send back to us or your email account will be terminated to avoid spread of the virus.”
First, there is no such thing as a DGTFX Virus. Second, there is no “Secured DGTFX anti-virus 2011.” Third, if the MobileMe server really did get hit with something that could cause damage to their “web mail log” and your important files, the server admins would simply fix the problem, which would not require your login and password.
This “phishing” attack is not new. In the past year, it has targeted Yahoo and Hotmail subscribers. Now, it’s trying to fool iCloud subscribers in an attempt to steal their accounts. The email is fake—don’t reply to it; just delete it.
Another one that’s been spotted tries to trick you into updating your billing information by telling you to click on a link from the Apple Store. As usual, the link takes you to some other website, which looks like it’s Apple, but isn’t. The site will steal your login and password, as well as your credit card information.
When in doubt, hover your mouse over the link. Most email programs will show you where the link actually goes; in this case, it doesn’t go to Apple at all, so don’t be fooled!