This Man Stole $300K in iPhones. But, How Did He Do It?

Imagine walking away with $300,000 worth of iPhones in your possession. Sounds like a perfectly executed heist from a Hollywood movie, right? Well, the reality is just as jaw-dropping.

A man recently stole a staggering amount of iPhones worth $300K, and he is now revealing the mysterious art of his master plan. Here is how he did it.

This Man Stole $300K Worth of iPhones

Aaron Johnson, a homeless man who became a tech-savvy criminal, is currently serving a 94-month sentence for a yearlong spree of stealing smartphones. He was caught in Minnesota as part of a larger theft ring. Johnson, 26 years old at the time of his arrest, managed to steal approximately $300,000 worth of iPhones.

His method involved not just stealing the phones but also manipulating their financial apps to gain access to funds. Johnson recently shared his secrets of the criminal trade with the Wall Street Journal.

Innocent to Not

Aaron Johnson’s approach to stealing smartphones appeared innocent to witnesses as his victims willingly handed over their phones. He targeted inebriated and off-guard individuals in bars and clubs, making it easier to execute his thefts.

College men were easy targets for Aaron Johnson because they were often drunk and unaware of their surroundings, making them vulnerable to theft. In contrast, women tended to be more vigilant and cautious, making it harder for Johnson to steal from them.

How Did He Do It?

Aaron Johnson employed various tactics to gain access to his victims’ phones. He often offered drugs or posed as a rapper interested in connecting on social media platforms like Snapchat. Johnson would ask for passcodes, which many victims gave easily, such as “2-3-4-5-6.” He memorized these codes or recorded them discreetly.

Once he gained access to the phones, Johnson quickly navigated to settings to change passwords and Apple ID details. He also deactivated tracking features like Find My iPhone and added his own biometrics to Face ID when possible.

Apple Is Taking Measures Now

The iCloud Keychain was crucial for accessing passwords. Due to security concerns like this, Apple is introducing Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3. This feature intentionally delays password and Face/Touch ID changes for an hour when a device operates in an unfamiliar location.

How Did the Man Who Stole $300k in iPhones Get Paid?

Despite Apple’s new anti-theft measures, they were too late for Aaron Johnson’s victims. Johnson bypassed device security quickly to access banking and cryptocurrency apps, as well as sensitive information like Social Security numbers in notes and photos.

By the next day, he had already transferred money using apps like Apple Pay, enabling him to go on shopping sprees, including buying high-end devices like $1,200 iPad Pro models from Apple stores to resell for cash.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Aaron Johnson would sell around 30 iPhones and iPads in a successful weekend, generating approximately $20,000. Despite serving time, Johnson chose to disclose his criminal methods, expressing a desire to turn over a new leaf and help others.

Well, this case is a strong reminder to always be aware of your surroundings, especially in public places. Always safeguard your passwords and enable tracking features to lower the risk of theft and unauthorized access. You surely don’t want this happening do you, now do you? Stay alert!

You might also want to read: An Ex-Apple Employee Shares iPhone Hacks You Need to Know