Apple Cash scams: how to spot a fake payment request
Quick answer
Apple Cash scams ask you to send money to a stranger, or to "test" your device or "fix" a problem by paying. Apple says it never asks for payment by Apple Cash or for your Apple Account password or codes. Stop, and don't send the money.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Email, Social media
- Pretends to be
- Apple
- Last updated
How it works
Apple's support pages describe the same few setups over and over. Someone contacts you by phone, email, a messaging app or social media and asks you to send money through Apple Cash. The story changes, the ask doesn't:
- A fake Apple or tech support agent says they found a problem with your iPhone, may ask you to install screen-sharing software, and has you send an Apple Cash payment to "test" the device.
- A fake bank or government employee demands an immediate payment and may threaten arrest. Apple says businesses and government agencies don't request payment through Apple Cash.
- A buyer or stranger offers you a check and asks for an Apple Cash payment in return. The check later bounces and the Apple Cash money is gone.
- A seller asks for payment by Apple Cash outside the marketplace you found them on, then never ships anything.
- Someone claiming to be a person you know from a number you don't recognize.
Apple Cash payments are hard to get back once sent, which is why scammers like them.
Red flags
- A stranger, or an unfamiliar number claiming to be someone you know, asks for an Apple Cash payment
- A caller says they're Apple Support and wants a payment to "test" your device
- Anyone asking for your Apple Account password, verification codes or device passcode
- A check from someone you don't know, with a request to send money back
- A seller who wants Apple Cash instead of the marketplace's own checkout
- Pressure to pay immediately, or a threat of arrest
Example message
Hi, this is Apple Support. Suspicious activity was detected on your iPhone. To confirm your device is secure, please send a $50 test payment through Apple Cash and we'll refund it in a few minutes. Reply here or call [phone number].
What to do
- 1
Don't send the payment
If a stranger asks for Apple Cash, or someone you don't know claims to be a person you do, don't pay. Apple's guidance is to hang up and call the organization at a number you look up yourself. For your bank, use the number on the back of your card.
- 2
Never share account details
Apple says it never asks for your Apple Account password, verification codes, device passcode or recovery key. Don't give them to anyone, and don't install screen-sharing software for a caller.
- 3
If you already paid, contact Apple Cash support
Apple's page points to an Apple Cash Specialist at Green Dot Bank, which provides the service. Also tell your bank if a linked card or account was used.
- 4
Change your credentials if you shared them
Change your Apple Account password, turn on two-factor authentication and review signed-in devices. If you gave out more personal details, see what to do after a data breach.
- 5
Report it
File a report with the FTC. It helps investigators spot patterns even when your money can't be recovered.
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 pick targets they can name, which is why a message that uses your first name or mentions your carrier feels real. That detail often comes from people-search listings and breached data. Serus finds the people-search and data broker listings that show your phone number and address and removes them, and alerts you when your details turn up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a believable story about you.
More Apple scams
Frequently asked
Will Apple ever ask me to pay with Apple Cash?
No. Apple's support page says Apple won't request payment through Apple Cash and will never ask for your Apple Account password, verification codes or device passcode.
Can I get my money back after an Apple Cash scam?
Apple says that if you pay for something you never received, you might not be able to get the money back. Contact Apple Cash support and your bank quickly and file an FTC report.
Why would someone send me a check and ask for Apple Cash?
Apple's page explains the check may bounce after you've sent the Apple Cash payment. Don't accept checks from people you don't know and don't move money for strangers.
Is Apple warning about Apple Cash itself?
Apple says to send and receive money only with people you know and trust, and to pay attention to the warnings it shows for unfamiliar contacts or risky payments.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
