Police chief warns of iTunes scam as man defrauded by caller

Perth’s police chief has warned residents to be on their guard after a local man was defrauded out of hundreds of pounds in an elaborate iTunes scam.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott said the Perth man, who is in his early 60s, lost a three-figure sum after being taken in by a phone call from a male claiming to be from London Borough Court.

The caller said his victim had been awarded a payment protection insurance (PPI) pay-out – and claimed the funds would be released if he paid a fee in iTunes vouchers.

The man was told to purchase a significant value of vouchers and provide the 16-digit serial numbers to the caller.

“Apple has recently reported on their website that this is an increasing problem and state that the caller usually claims that an urgent payment is required by purchasing iTunes vouchers,” said Mr Scott.

“The caller claims the 16-digit code on the vouchers is required for the payment to be dealt with.

“Apple also point out that iTunes vouchers and gift cards can only be used to make purchases on the iTunes store, App store, iBook’s store, or for an Apple music membership.”

Mr Scott said he has previously warned residents in Perth and Kinross about this scam and stressed that no legitimate business would ask for payment in iTunes vouchers.

“If people receive a phone call and they are asked to use gift cards or iTunes vouchers to make a payment then they are likely to be the target of a scammer trying to defraud them out of their money and they should terminate the call immediately,” he added.

“If residents are not purchasing from any of the Apple stores then there is no reason for them to purchase iTunes vouchers. Do not make a payment using iTunes vouchers or gift cards and never provide someone you don’t know with the 16-digit code on vouchers or your bank card.”

Any resident who is aware of the scam should phone 101.