Like other area cities, the Plymouth Police Department is warning residents of ongoing scams designed to steal money and personal data from unsuspecting users, as well as spread malware on devices.
While these scams are not unique to Plymouth, residents may occasionally fall victim – and extra vigilance could save money and prevent headaches.
Some Mac and iPhone users have reported encountering an Apple Security Alert pop-up claiming the device has been either infected with a virus or hacked with sensitive information at risk. Victims are asked to call a phone number, disguised as Apple Customer Service, to remedy the situation. The scammer encourages the victim to download an app granting remote access to the device, which gives the scammer control of any accounts on the device, including banking information.
The scammer uses fear or makes a threat, such as warning the victims that their bank account information has been compromised or is at risk. The scammer then encourages the victim to call a “secure line” to connect with their bank. While the scammer plays the role of the bank, victims are encouraged to withdraw large sums of money from their financial institutions and send it via mail to an address provided by the scammer.
More Info