CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- If you have an Apple device, beware of scammers.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart's office issued a warning Friday about a sophisticated phone scam targetting Cook County residents.
The sheriff's office said in the scam, an unsolicited caller claims to be from Apple Inc. and states that there's been a security compromise to their device and/or iCloud account. The caller then directs the customer to provide their IP address or additional personal information such as usernames, passwords and financial information.
Phone numbers associated with the scam have included (800) 275-2273 or (708) 336-8450, although they can appear on caller ID as "Apple Customer Service" or "Apple Inc.," the sheriff's office said.
According to the sheriff's office, Apple is aware of the scam and said Apple customer service representatives will never ask customers to provide information such as passwords or security keys over the phone.
Sheriff Dart offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of this and/or other phone scams:
- If you receive a call similar to the above scam, hang up and call Apple Customer Service: (800) 692-7753
- Be wary of any unsolicited call that asks you to take an action right away over the phone.
- Never give personal information, such as social security or bank account numbers, over the phone.
The Federal Trade Commission offers additional tips for consumers.
