Apple Card scams: fake Apple Card texts, emails and calls
Quick answer
Apple says Apple and Goldman Sachs will never call you to ask for sensitive details such as your Card number or passwords. A message or call that does is a scam. Hang up, don't click, and contact Apple Support yourself. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Text, Email, Phone call
- Pretends to be
- Apple
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pretend to be Apple, or the Apple Card issuer, and say there is suspicious activity on your account or device. Apple notes they often spoof the caller ID so the call appears to come from a real Apple number.
The message or call then asks for something: a card number, your Apple Account password, a code, or a payment. Apple lists the signs of a fake message: a sender address or phone number that doesn't match the company, a link whose address doesn't match Apple's website, and a request for personal information.
Some versions end with a demand to pay with gift cards. The FTC says no real business or agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.
Red flags
- A call or message about 'suspicious activity' on your Apple Card or account
- A sender address or phone number that doesn't match Apple
- A link whose address doesn't match Apple's website
- A request for your card number, password or a code
- Caller ID showing Apple: it can be spoofed
- A demand to pay with gift cards
Example message
Apple Card alert: we detected an unusual charge on your account. To avoid a freeze, confirm your card details and Apple Account password at [link] or call [phone number] now.
What to do
- 1
Don't follow links or open attachments
Apple advises against it for unsolicited or suspicious messages.
- 2
Hang up and contact Apple yourself
Use Apple Support or the number on your card, not the one the caller gave.
- 3
If you entered details on a fake site, change your Apple Account password now
Apple says to do this immediately, and to use a password you don't use anywhere else.
- 4
Call your card issuer
If you shared card details or paid, call the number on the back of your card and ask them to block and reverse any charges.
- 5
Report it
Apple asks you to email suspicious messages to reportphishing@apple.com (a screenshot for texts). Also report it to the FTC.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers need your phone number or email, and often your name, before they can send a message that looks personal. They buy that from data brokers and people-search sites, or take it from data breaches. Card-themed scams work best when the message also has your real name or number, which brokers and breach data supply. Serus finds the brokers that list your details where you live and sends the removal requests, and it alerts you when your email or phone number turns up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
More Apple scams
Frequently asked
Will Apple or Goldman Sachs call me for my card details?
Apple says they will never call you to ask for sensitive personal information, including Card details and passwords.
Is Apple Card a scam?
No. Scammers pretend to be Apple. The fake messages are not from Apple.
The call showed Apple's number. Is it real?
Apple warns that scammers spoof caller ID. Hang up and contact Apple yourself.
I shared my password. What now?
Change your Apple Account password immediately, then check your Card activity and call your card issuer.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
