Apple scam emails and texts: how to spot the fake
Quick answer
An unexpected email, text or call that claims to be Apple Support and asks for your password, a verification code, money or gift cards is a scam. Apple says it never asks for your password or codes to give support. Don't reply or click. Go to apple.com yourself.
- Comes by
- Email, Text, Phone call, Website
- Pretends to be
- Apple
- Last updated
How it works
Apple's own support page lists the usual routes: emails that imitate Apple, pop-ups saying your device has a security problem, calls or voicemails from "Apple Support", fake prizes and unwanted calendar invitations.
The message creates a problem (a locked Apple Account, a purchase you didn't make, a virus) and pushes you to a fake sign-in page or a phone number. From there scammers want one of a few things: your Apple Account password, the verification code Apple sends you, remote access to your device or payment.
Apple's advice is to treat any unexpected message that asks for personal information or money as a scam and to contact Apple through a channel you find yourself.
Red flags
- An unexpected message about a locked account, a charge or a virus
- A link to sign in that isn't on an apple.com address
- A request for your password or a verification code
- A caller who wants remote access to your computer
- A request to pay with Apple Gift Cards
- Pop-ups that say your device is infected and give a number to call
Example message
Apple Support: your Apple Account has been locked because of suspicious activity. Verify now at [link] or your account will be closed.
What to do
- 1
Don't click or call
Don't use any link or number in the message. If you're worried about your account, open Settings on your device or go to apple.com yourself.
- 2
Never share your password or codes
Apple says it never asks for them to provide support. Anyone who does is not Apple.
- 3
Never pay with Apple Gift Cards
Apple says not to use Apple Gift Cards to pay other people. A request to do so is a scam.
- 4
If you gave details, change your Apple Account password now
Then check that two-factor authentication is on and look at your recent purchases and signed-in devices.
- 5
If you let someone into your device
Disconnect it from the internet, remove the remote access app and change passwords from a device you trust. Call your bank if you shared card details.
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 send these in bulk, but the convincing ones use your real name, email and sometimes the model of phone you own. Brokers and breaches supply that.
Servus finds where your phone number, address and email are listed on data brokers and people-search sites and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach. That gives fewer scammers something to work with. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the next steps if your details already leaked.
Common Apple scams
-
Apple Account email scam An unexpected email claiming your Apple Account is locked or at risk, and asking for your password or a code, is a scam. Apple says to treat unexpected requests for your details as scams and never to share your password or verification codes. Don't click; go to Apple directly. - Apple Card scam 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.
- Apple Cash scam 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.
- Apple ID scam A text, email or call saying your Apple Account is locked, hacked or has an unauthorized charge is a common scam. Apple says it will never ask for your password or verification code. Don't tap the link or call back: open Settings or apple.com yourself.
- Apple Pay scam Texts, emails and calls that say Apple Pay was misused or your account is compromised are usually scams. Apple says it will never ask for your password, verification codes or passcode, or ask you to pay by Apple Cash. Don't tap links or call back; contact Apple directly.
- Apple security text scam A text, email or pop-up saying your Apple Account is locked or your device has a security problem is a scam if it asks for a password, code or payment. Apple never asks for your password or verification codes. Don't tap the link. Change your Apple Account password if you did.
- Apple Store email scam An email, text or call that says it's from Apple about a purchase you didn't make, a locked account or full iCloud storage is often a scam. Apple doesn't ask for sensitive data by phone. Don't click or call back. Check your account in Settings and forward the message to reportphishing@apple.com.
- Fake Apple Support scam Apple Support doesn't call you out of the blue, and a pop-up that tells you to call a number about a virus is a scam. Close the page, hang up and contact Apple through its official support site or app. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- iTunes gift card scam If someone tells you to pay with iTunes or Apple gift cards, it's a scam. Real businesses and agencies don't take gift cards as payment. Don't read out the card number and PIN. If you already did, call the card issuer now and report it to the FTC.
- Apple gift card scam Apple gift cards pay only for Apple products and services. If someone tells you to use them for a bill, tax, fine or fee, it's a scam. Don't share the numbers on the back. If you did, contact Apple Support right away and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently asked
Does Apple ever ask for my password?
No. Apple says it never asks for your password or verification codes to provide support.
I got a text saying my Apple Account is locked. Is it real?
Treat it as fake. Check your account by going to apple.com or your device settings yourself, not through the message.
What if I already clicked the link?
Change your Apple Account password right away and confirm two-factor authentication is on. If you entered card details, call your bank.
Is Apple the one sending these?
No. Scammers copy Apple's name and look. Apple is a victim of the impersonation.
Sources
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