Have you recently received a text message that says there was an Apple Pay payment or your Apple ID was used in a transaction at an Apple Store? Not sure if it’s legit? Well, the short answer is it’s a scam, but keep on reading for the full breakdown and to learn how you can stay safe from scams in the future.

Apple Pay Scam Text Message Explained

The Apple Pay text scam is a phishing text message scam that claims there was a payment made at an Apple Store using your Apple Pay, Apple ID, or Apple iCloud. Generally, the bogus payment is claimed to be between 100 and 400 dollars.

The goal of the scam is to cause you to be alarmed at the purported payment and encourage you to call the included number. If you were to call the number, the person on the other end would be a scammer who would tell you more lies to try to trick you into sharing your personal and financial information.

Below are some examples of the fake Apple Pay text message scam:

Content:

• Apple Approval Notice We have noticed that your Apple iCloud id was recently used at “APPLE STORE – CA” for $143.95, paid by Apple Pay Pre Authorization. Also some suspicious sign in request and apple pay activation request detected. That looks like suspicious to us. In order to maintain the security and privacy of your account we have placed those request on hold. Your Photos, Data, Bank Information and Cards are at risk. If NOT you? talk to an Apple Representative. Failing may lead to auto debit and charge will not be reversed. Call <phone number> immediately to cancel this charge.

Content:

• An Apple Pay transaction of $157.53 at the Apple Store was detected. Call apple support now <phone number> If this is unauthorized.

How to Spot a Scam Text Message

• Generic or Missing Greetings: Be cautious if the message starts with a generic greeting like “Dear Customer” or has no greeting at all. Legitimate companies usually address you by name.
• Urgent Language: Phishing messages often create a sense of urgency, claiming immediate action is needed. This is a tactic to make you act without thinking.
• Links or Phone Numbers: Inspect any links or phone numbers provided in the message. Scammers often use slightly altered URLs to trick you.
• Spelling and Grammar: Check for spelling and grammar errors in the message. Although less common in sophisticated scams, mistakes can still be a red flag indicating a phishing attempt.
• Trend Micro ScamCheck: Send a screenshot of a suspicious text to Trend Micro ScamCheck to quickly get an answer about whether it’s legitimate or not. Here’s what ScamCheck thinks of example #2:

Scam intent detected by ScamCheck:

• This message is likely a scam. It claims to be from Apple about a transaction, but it is not. Don’t call the number or give any information. If you’re unsure about your Apple account, contact Apple directly through their official website or app. Be careful with messages about money or accounts, especially when they ask you to call unknown numbers.

Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

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