Phishing scam targets MobileMe users
updated 11:00 pm EST, Mon December 19, 2011
Latest variation making the rounds
Though most Mac users already know never to send their login information for any site in response to an e-mail (often posing as the user's bank, brokerage firm, Apple or other name-brand internet companies), variations on the phishing e-mail continue to pop up, particularly just before and after Christmas. The Mac Observer's Bryan Chaffin reports getting a new one specifically aimed at MobileMe users.
The e-mail, as with most other such attempts, is an obvious hoax to savvy users with its mention of viruses and the threat of immediate deactivation, but such e-mails can sometimes fool new Mac owners who are unaware that there are no viruses for Macs, or not sure if they have a MobileMe account. Some confusion may be the result of Apple retaining the "me.com" e-mail address in iCloud that was previously part of MobileMe. The Mobile Me service is scheduled to be terminated on June 30th, 2012 and it is not possible to join it.
During the summer, after Apple had announced iCloud but before it had implemented the service, a number of MobileMe subscribers reported receiving scam e-mails requesting credit card information so that they could be transferred to iCloud (which is a free service).
Should users receive a message requesting MobileMe login information, they should not reply to it in any way, even if the e-mail offers "unsubscribe" options. The text of the latest e-mail is reprinted below. [via The Mac Observer]
Dear MobileMe Subscriber,
=================
Virus Notification
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.
Email:
User name:
Password:
Reconfirm Password:
Note that your password will be encrypted with 1024-bit RSA keys for your password safety.
All MobileMe User Should Reply Now !!!
Failure to do this will immediately render your Web-email address deactivated from our database.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Warning Code :ID67565434
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