Who Gets Scammed More, iPhone or Android Users? The Answer Will Surprise You

In today's world, where smartphones are an indispensable part of our lives, cybersecurity is a top priority. We constantly hear about new threats and protection methods, but sometimes unexpected data can change our perception of digital security. A recent study revealed that users of one of the most popular smartphone brands are actually more vulnerable to online fraud.

The Surprising Study Results: iPhone Users at Higher Risk

iPhone users often believe they're fully protected from online scams. But in reality, it's the opposite. Hackers and scammers frequently target owners of Apple smartphones, whose numbers worldwide are approaching 1.5 billion.

According to the survey, 53% of iPhone users have experienced online fraud, compared to 48% of Android smartphone owners. With iPhone's global user base of nearly 1.5 billion people, this 5-percentage-point difference represents millions more potential victims.

These findings challenge the common belief that Apple devices are inherently more secure. Interestingly, despite these numbers, 55% of iPhone users are confident in their smartphone's security, while this figure is slightly lower among Android users at 50%. This might suggest that Apple users, perhaps, over-rely on their devices and, as a result, exercise less vigilance when interacting with potentially risky online resources.

The survey, which involved 1,300 adults from the United States, UK, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland (conducted in March 2025), also showed that iPhone users are more likely to share personal information online, less likely to use specialized security software (21% vs. 29% for Android users), and more frequently reuse passwords (35% vs. 41% for Android users). 

Additionally, 47% of iPhone owners purchased items from unknown sources due to a lower price, compared to 40% of Android users.

As Michael Sherwood, VP of Product at Malwarebytes, noted:

Too many iPhone users rely on the device's reputation for security without taking basic steps to protect themselves, leaving them vulnerable to today's realistic scams and silent threats like infostealers. We can no longer rest on our laurels no matter how we choose to browse, bank, or chat. Cybercriminals know that mobile devices are a fruitful gateway to scams and threats.

Common types of scams encountered by users include phishing attacks (where scammers impersonate well-known companies or services to trick users into revealing personal data), QR code scams (quishing), and various social engineering schemes aimed at manipulating victim behavior.

The Psychology Behind iPhone User Vulnerability

So why do iPhone owners, despite Apple's reputation for secure devices, more often fall prey to scammers? The answer likely lies in several psychological factors. Apple's aggressive promotion of its devices' high reliability has, perhaps unexpectedly, led iPhone users to feel invulnerable and less cautious online. If someone genuinely believes their phone is protected from all threats, they might ignore basic cybersecurity rules.

The high trust and loyalty towards the Apple brand have, as a result, extended to the overall digital environment users interact with through their devices. This trust, unfortunately, is exploited by scammers who impersonate “Apple Support” or “official services,” knowing that iPhone users are more likely to believe them.

Furthermore, some studies indicate that iPhone users may be more prone to risky online behaviors. For instance, they more frequently scan QR codes for purchases, making them more susceptible to “Quishing” (scams delivered via malicious QR codes). Scammers often deliberately create a sense of urgency, or use threats or promises of benefits to provoke impulsive actions.

The key insight: modern cybercriminals have shifted from attacking technical vulnerabilities to exploiting human psychology – and this approach works equally well regardless of whether you're holding an iPhone or Android device.

Essential Protection Strategies for All Users

Regardless of your smartphone, adhering to these simple rules will significantly reduce your risk of becoming a scam victim:

1. Use strong and unique passwords. Each online service should have its own complex password. Use password managers.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of protection. Even if scammers get your password, they won't be able to log in without the second factor (e.g., a code from an SMS or an app).
3. Be vigilant about suspicious links and emails. Always check the sender's address. Do not click on links from unknown emails or messages, even if they look convincing. This is classic phishing.
4. Don't share personal information. Never disclose passwords, bank card details, SMS codes, or other confidential information over the phone, in messengers, or on suspicious websites.
5. Regularly update your software. Operating system updates (iOS or Android) and app updates often contain vulnerability fixes that scammers could exploit.
6. Download apps only from official stores. App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android. This minimizes the risk of installing malicious software.
7. Check QR codes. If you scan a QR code, make sure it leads to the expected and secure resource. Scammers can swap out legitimate codes.
8. Be skeptical of “urgent” requests. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly. If something seems too good to be true, or raises suspicions, it's likely a scam.

Exercise particular caution with “authority” calls. Scammers often impersonate government officials, bank representatives, tax authorities, or insurance companies. They can be very convincing, using a stern tone, specific terminology, and even spoofing phone numbers. Trust in such institutions is deeply ingrained in our minds, making us vulnerable.

Remember: no government or financial organization will ever demand immediate money transfers, installation of third-party software, or confidential data over the phone. Always double-check information; call official numbers listed on the organization's website, not the ones provided by scammers.