The email message below, which claims the recipient's Apple ID has been locked for security reasons, is a phishing scam. The phishing email message is being sent by cyber criminals to frighten and 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 usernames and passwords, the same information will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the phishing scam.
The Phishing "Your Αрplе ID has Bееn Lοсked" Email Message
--Original Message--
From: AppIe <no_reply@id-appIe.com>
Sent: Mon, Jun 5, 2017 1:22 am
Subject: Your Αрplе ID has Bееn Lοсked for Seсurіty Reаѕοnѕ
Hello,
The following information for your Apple ID has been temporarily locked on for security reasons.
Verify Now>
After signning in to your account, you may be asked to complete additional steps to prove you're the accout owner. Please understand that this is done for your protection.
Sincerely,
Apple Support
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.