User level: Level 1 (4 points)Hello. I made a mistake and was scammed: I logged into someone else's Apple ID, and now my iPhone is marked as lost. Naturally, I can't log in, and the scammer is demanding money to restore everything to how it was. What can be done in this situation?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Lost iphone
Posted on Sep 17, 2026 8:35 AM
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Sep 17, 2026 8:45 AM in response to minion12lp
Sorry you have lost your phone and it is no longer usable. Trusting a scammer that they will give you the Password to remove the account after paying them would also not be recommended. Apple cannot remove an Apple Account from a device that has been placed in Lost Mode. All we can do is warn users to NEVER do that. Just like you should never send Apple Cash to someone you do not know or giving someone the codes to Gift Cards, these actions are not reversible and is a tough lesson for some to learn, but one they won't make again. Social Media platforms are particularly vulnerable to these types of scams so be wary of any communications there.
User level: Level 9 (73,779 points)Sep 17, 2026 8:53 AM in response to minion12lp
Just to reaffirm Mac Jim ID's response.
Never, ever, pay whatever ransom the crooks are asking for. There's no guarantee they'll give you the new password, a password that works, or simply demand more money.
Worse, anything you had set on the phone to sync with iCloud is now in their hands. Contacts, Messages, Photos, etc. You need to warn anyone in your contacts not to respond to anyone who acts like they know you. You need to change all passwords. Especially any banking or other financial accounts. As in, immediately.
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Sep 17, 2026 9:43 AM in response to Kurt Lang
Kurt Lang wrote:
Worse, anything you had set on the phone to sync with iCloud is now in their hands. Contacts, Messages, Photos, etc. You need to warn anyone in your contacts not to respond to anyone who acts like they know you. You need to change all passwords. Especially any banking or other financial accounts. As in, immediately.
Great follow up information!
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256359059