Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Apple Security Alert Scam Message - Beware
Apple Security Alert Scam Message - Beware

If you receive a pop-up, text, or email claiming your Apple device is "hacked" or has a "virus," it is almost certainly a scam. Apple does not use browser pop-ups or unsolicited phone calls to notify users of security issues.

A Sample Scam

Apple Security Alert

Apple Pay Transaction Alert

Dear Apple User,

A request for $143.95 at "Apple Store – CA" using Apple Pay is currently under temporary review by our security team.

If you confirm this purchase, no further steps are needed.

If you do not confirm this purchase, please contact Apple Support directly at +1 833-808 5288

We appreciate your help in keeping your account secure.

Support Center

+1 833-808 5288

Fake vs. Real Alert

  • Threatening or urgent (e.g., "Data will be deleted in 2 mins").
  • Lists a phone number to call for "support", but Apple will never include a phone number to call.
  • Appears as a browser pop-up or unsolicited text/email.
  • Asks for your password, 2FA code, or payment. Apple will never ask for your password or codes to provide support.

Steps to Take

  • Do Not Interact: Never click links, call the provided number, or download suggested "cleaning" software.
  • Force-Quit Your Browser:
    • Mac: Press Command + Option + Esc, select your browser (Safari/Chrome), and click Force Quit.
    • iPhone/iPad: Swipe up from the bottom (or double-tap Home) and swipe the browser app away.
  • Clear Browser Data: Go to your device settings (e.g., Settings > Safari on iPhone) and select Clear History and Website Data to remove the script triggering the pop-up.
  • Check for Rogue Profiles: On iPhone, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Delete any configuration profiles you do not recognize.

Report the Scam

  • Email/Text: Forward suspicious messages as an attachment to reportphishing@apple.com.
  • FaceTime: Report fraudulent FaceTime calls to reportfacetimefraud@apple.com.

If you entered your password on a suspicious site, change your Apple Account password immediately and ensure Two-Factor Authentication is enabled via official Apple support.

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Comment sectionComments / Answers (3)

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Comment count 3

by an anonymous user from: Burlington, Mt Laurel, New Jersey, United States

Got the same text on my Watch but couldn’t find it on other devices until I labeled the contact. Came from hannasmagcraig-icloud.com. Ignored it.

Delete

by info

I got another scam message:

"Apple Security Alert

Apple Pay Transaction Alert

Dear Valued Customer,
A recent Apple Pay authorization attempt for $143.95 at "Apple Store – CA" has been temporarily flagged for verification.

If you recognize this activity, you may disregard this notice.
If you do not recognize this activity, please contact Apple Support at 1 833-808 5116
We appreciate your assistance in maintaining the security of your account.
Support Desk

1 833-808 5116”

Delete

by info

Here is another scam:

"Apple Security Alert

Apple Pay Purchase Review

Dear Account Holder,

We have placed a temporary hold on an Apple Pay request for $143.95 at "Apple Store – CA" as part of our standard security review.

If this charge is yours, no response is required.
If this charge is not yours, please reach out to Apple Support at 1 833-808 5129
Thank you for helping us protect your account.
Apple Support

1 833-808 5129"

Delete

waiting