Apple's pick-up delivery option is reportedly being exploited by cybercriminals to steal people's credit card details, according to security research firm Black Hat Asia via 9to5Mac.
According to the findings, hackers were able to steal over $400,000 across more than 50 online stores in just two years.
Cybercriminals reportedly pose as online platforms selling "discounted" Apple products, luring unsuspecting victims to provide their credit card details on the manipulated payment pages.
Hackers will then purchase the advertised Apple product from legitimate stores using the stolen credit card.
Instead of sending the purchased product to the buyer, the hackers will redirect its delivery to the "Someone else will pick it up" option on Apple's online stores, effectively stealing both the product and money.
The stolen Apple products and money can then be used to attract more people into the hacking scheme.
The report indicates that the hackers originate from China but mainly operate across South Korea and the US where the demand for Apple products is experiencing bigger growth.
How to Avoid Apple Phishing Schemes?
While In hindsight, the phishing scheme Black Hat Asia has uncovered seems to be easily avoidable, hackers are notably making it harder it discern their fake check-out sites from legitimate sites.
The research even noted that the cybercriminals are putting out believable discounts, not too big to raise suspicion but still enough to attract potential buyers, to lure victims.
In some cases, the threat actors replicate the appearances of legitimate stores offering discounted products, down to the website link address.
It is recommended to always check if the store is authorized by Apple to sell discounted products or to stick to the official web stores to avoid falling victim in the future.
On the other hand, affected users are advised to immediately contact their online banks to suspend the stolen credit card and prevent hackers from accessing their money.
Related Article : Hackers Exploit iPhone Vulnerabilities Over 4-Year Cyberattack Campaign
Regulators Push for Changes in 'Apple Ecosystem' Amid Security Concerns
Reports of phishing and hacking schemes on Apple products come in as regulators and lawmakers push for changes in the so-called "Apple ecosystem" to better protect its users.
Digital Trends has earlier noted that Apple's monopoly on its products is only making it less secure, as opposed to the company's assertion of only protecting its users from unknown third-party apps and devices.
The "ecosystem" refers to the Apple devices basically only being compatible with Apple-owned products and devices, giving the tech giant a monopoly on its products and users.
