Seven people from Michigan were found guilty of running an iPhone fraud scheme for two years and embezzling $28 million worth of loot from a mobile phone upgrade scam. According to an AppleInsider report, the individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in the first week of Sept.
Seven Indicted in $28 Million iPhone Fraud Scheme
According to a FOX2 report, the criminals went by the name "Clear Gods." Authorities discovered that these individuals target victims' personal information in order to obtain and upgrade iPhones. The same report states that the group purchases sensitive information online to maintain its modus operandi.
As said by authorities, the scammers use the purchased information to open and manipulate AT&T accounts. After breaking into the accounts, the criminals would register as "authorized users" and then use the account to rush out and buy iPhone upgrades.
In order to access AT&T's crucial internal servers, they are also alleged to have committed a number of ID thefts. The police have discovered that these scammers stole employee IDs and RSA tokens in order to pose as real employees of the aforementioned telecommunications company. The plan included stealing the company's computer towers and exchanging broken tablets for new AT&T tablets.
Authorities Record String of iPhone Robberies and Theft
As reported by The Guardian, the 'Find My iPhone' feature was never intended for use by authorities and can only be made accessible with the device's owner's username and password. Despite this, the feature's tracking capabilities have aided in the resolution of numerous criminal investigations.
Last week, on Sept. 13, a California surfer reported to authorities that criminals broke into a car where he kept his wallet while surfing in Topanga. According to ABC 7, Los Angeles authorities stated that the thieves used the stolen wallet to purchase thousands of dollars worth of Apple products in Beverly Hills.
Meanwhile, a thief on Staten Island is reportedly targeting women carrying high-end bags. Since the muggings began in late July, the thief has taken multiple iPhones, credit cards, cash, and other items, according to NBC New York. The most recent two incidents in the pattern occurred on August 17 and 19 at the Staten Island Mall on Richmond Hill Road and the Stop & Shop supermarket on Hyland Boulevard, respectively.
A California artist who keeps artwork on his iPad had it stolen from a car about a week ago. Find My iPhone, on the other hand, enables the iPad to be located in Las Vegas. According to Patch, investigators tracked the device to Las Vegas, where it was eventually discovered and returned to the artist.
Apple is now relying on customers to make the next iPhone a success. The new phones were released to the public last Friday, Sept. 16. As a practical matter, staying alert and prepared is the best way to avoid danger while on your way to the nearest Apple store.
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