The email message below is a phishing scam. The phishing email message is being sent by cybercriminals to trick Apple users into clicking on the link in it. The link in the email message goes to a fake Apple website that will ask visitors to sign-in. Once visitors attempt to sign into the fake website with their Apple user names and passwords, the same information will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the phishing scam.
The Phishing Apple Email Message
From: Apple ID noreply-applenotificationcenter-9 @mail-e.live
Date: March 28, 2017 at 10:45:23 AM EDT
Subject: Verify your Apple ID before we closed Your account.
Dear Apple User,
We unable verify your account information in order to continue using your Apple.
This Apple ID has been locked for security reasons.
You must unlock your account to continue using your Apple ID.
To read your secure message by opening the attachment (PDF).
You will be prompted to open (view) the file or save (download) it to your computer.
For best result, Save the file first, then open it on a web browser.
Your account will be disabled if we didn't receive any response from you in more than twenty four hours
Sincerly
Apple Support
Copyright © 2017 Apple Inc. 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014, United States. All Rights Reserved.
Once the cybercriminals have received the stolen Apple usernames and passwords, they will use it to hijack their potential victims’ Apple accounts and use them fraudulently. Therefore, Apple users who have been tricked by the phishing scam are asked to change their Apple accounts' password, check their accounts for discrepancies and contact Apple for help if any is found.
This is another reason why Apple user should never click on links in email or other messages to sign into their accounts, they should instead, go directly to https://appleid.apple.com/ and sign-in from there. If there is something that needs to be done their accounts, they will be notified after signing in.