Is it true when my iPhone says I have a virus?

Beware of Phony Virus Alerts on Your iPhone

Are iPhone Virus Alerts Real?

It’s common to encounter pop-up messages on your iPhone informing you that your device has been infected with a virus. However, these alerts are generally deceptive and not genuine.

Source of the Deceptive Messages

These fraudulent messages typically originate from malicious websites that you may have inadvertently accessed through Safari. The websites are designed to exploit vulnerabilities in Safari to display deceptive alerts.

Intentions of the Scammers

The goal of these scams is either to steal your Apple ID and password or to trick you into making costly phone calls to purported technical support numbers.

How to Protect Yourself

• Ignore and Close the Pop-Up: When you see a pop-up claiming a virus, simply ignore it and close the window.
• Do Not Call Phone Numbers: Do not call any phone numbers provided in the pop-up. They are likely scams.
• Check for Safari Vulnerabilities: Ensure that you have the latest version of Safari installed to minimize the risk of encountering such scams.
• Report the Scam: You can report the scam to Apple by visiting the Apple Support website.

It’s important to remember that your iPhone is not inherently vulnerable to viruses. The deceptive pop-ups are designed to instill fear and pressure you into taking actions that benefit the scammers. By following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from these scams and ensure the security of your iPhone.