Apple users who have received fake emails like the one below, which claim that a deletion request to remove their accounts has been received or their accounts have been deleted, are asked not to follow the instructions in them, they should just delete them. This is because fake emails are phishing scams being sent by cybercriminals to trick their potential victims into clicking on the link in the emails, which go to fake Apple websites that steal account credentials. Once the cyber criminals have gotten their potential victims' credentials, they will attempt to gain access their accounts and use them fraudulently.
Therefore, Apple users who have already been tricked by the phishing scam are asked to change their passwords and check their accounts thoroughly for any discrepancies. And, for those whose accounts have already been hijacked, are asked to contact Apple for help.
A Sample of the "Apple Account Deletion Request" Phishing Scam
From: Apple Service <appleid-apple-supportoljonMO1SfzIM6764@ jhionMO1SfzIM6ser. 745rfnMO1SfzIM6fdfdf. adfdafnMO1SfzIM6asfd.. 343rffenMO1SfzIM6dvcdf>
Date: October 13, 2017 at 2:05:26 PM EDT
Subject: Your Account has been Deleted, Thanks for using AppleID
Hi Client ,
Thank you for contacting Apple ID
We are sad that you decided to stop using AppleID
We will make your account removal request within 24 hours.
For a while your account will only be our key.
We will send a confirmation email when the removal is complete.
According to your request we will delete all your data from iCloud, iTunes, AppleID
If you do not perform a data deletion request.
Please Login and Re enter your information for security.
Click here login now
Make sure only you know your account password
Read back about apple privacy policy
appleID | support | privacy policy
Copyright © 2017Apple Distribution International,
Hollyhill Industrial Estate, Hollyhill, Cork, Ireland.?All Rights Reserved
Apple users should never click on a link, especially in email messages, to sign into their accounts. If they have received similar email messages like the one above, they should always go directly to https://appleid.apple.com/ and sign into their accounts from there. If there is something wrong with their accounts or they need to do something to their accounts, they will be notified after signing in.