Got a text about an Apple Pay charge? It's a scam

What the text looks like

Illustrative example, written from the pattern Apple describes:

"Apple Pay: A payment of $749.99 at Electronics Hub was authorized on your card. If you did not make this purchase, call Apple Support at 1-555-010-7730 immediately."

Variations mention a different store or amount, say your Apple ID was used, or ask you to reply. All of them push you to contact the scammer.

Why it's a scam

• Apple calls it out. Apple's own scam guidance says scammers may claim someone "made unauthorized charges using Apple Pay" and offer to help reverse them.
• Apple Pay questions go to your bank. Apple says, "If you have any questions about a charge made using Apple Pay, contact your bank or card issuer."
• The number is theirs. Apple warns scammers can spoof phone numbers and impersonate Apple Support. If someone claiming to be Apple calls, Apple says to "just hang up."
• It matches the FTC's fake fraud alert pattern. The FTC says fake fraud-alert texts lead to fake "fraud departments" that pressure people to move money.

What happens if you call

A friendly "Apple Support" agent says your account is compromised. Then the story grows. You may be told to install an app so they can "secure" your phone, to read out a verification code, to buy Apple Gift Cards, or to move money to a "safe" account, sometimes with a handoff to a fake bank or government agent.

Apple says it never asks for your password, device passcode or two-factor code to provide support, and "Never use Apple Gift Cards to make payments to other people."

How to check if a charge is real

1. Open the Wallet app

   On your iPhone, open Wallet.

2. Tap the card

   Apple says you'll see a list of your latest transactions.

3. Tap a transaction for details

   If something looks wrong, contact your bank or card issuer using the number on the card or in its app.

What to do now

1. Don't call, reply or tap anything

   Not even to say "not me."

2. Report it as junk

   In Messages, tap Report Junk under the message, if available.

3. Send it to Apple

   Apple asks you to take a screenshot of a suspicious text and email it to [email protected].

4. Forward it to 7726

   This helps your carrier block similar texts.

5. Report to the FTC

   At ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you already called the number

Not sure about a message like this? With OwlGuardian, say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to screenshot it and get a verdict in about five seconds.

• Shared a card number: Call the card issuer on the number on the card and ask for a new card.
• Shared a password or code: Change your Apple Account password at account.apple.com from a device you trust. See I gave a scammer my information.
• Installed an app or gave remote access: Follow our remote access steps.
• Bought gift cards or moved money: Call the gift card company or bank right away. See can you get money back.

Questions people ask