The "Your photos will be deleted" cloud backup scam is a phishing tactic that uses fake SMS or email alerts to create panic, claiming that your iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive is full and will be deleted. Scammers urge you to click a link to a fake website to steal credit card details or login credentials.
How to Spot the Scam
- Urgent & Threatening Language: Messages often say "Act now" or "Final warning" to trigger panic.
- Suspicious Sender: Check the email address; it usually consists of random characters or a non-official domain (e.g.,
.info or @rambler.ru) instead of apple.com or microsoft.com. - Generic Greetings: The message may not include your real name or might use your email address as a name.
- Fake Countdown Timers: Malicious websites often use progress bars or timers to pressure you into paying a small "upgrade fee" (e.g., $1.99).
What to Do
- Do Not Click Links: Never tap on links in unsolicited messages or emails.
- Check Your Storage Manually: Go directly to your device settings (e.g., Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud) or log in to the official website (like icloud.com or google.com) to verify your actual storage status.
- Report and Delete:
- Forward suspicious emails to reportphishing@apple.com or reportphishing@apwg.org.
- Text spam can be reported by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM).
- Secure Your Account: If you already clicked a link or entered information, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
Legitimate Services
While real services like OneDrive or Google Drive may delete files if you are over your limit for a long period (usually 6 months to 2 years), they will notify you through official apps and verified email addresses, never via urgent text messages asking for immediate payment to prevent instant deletion.