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

Apple Pay Security Notice Scam - How to Protect Yourself
Apple Pay Security Notice Scam - How to Protect Yourself

The fake "Apple Pay Security Notice" text message below is a scam. Apple never sends unexpected text messages to ask for your personal details or to demand that you call an unknown phone number. Scammers use these fake text alerts to scare you into reacting quickly before you have a chance to think clearly.

A Scam Text Message

From: +2126327088 18

Your I PHONE will be BLOCKED permanenlty in

next 24 hours!

APPLE SECURITY UPDATE

ACTIVITY!

Help Line - 1(805)661-1724

Today, June 10 am EST your APPLE ID was used to create a new APPLE P PAY and amount of $1987.99 against INVOICE 1880939 by TARGET STORES,San Jose using visa 4xxxx .Multiple login attempts have been recorded that were auto approved using your email.

All these transactions will be cleared in next 12 hours,and will be non refundable kindly call

support immediately if yo...

How the Scam Works

  • The Account Suspension Alert: The text claims your Apple Pay will be blocked peremanently due to suspicious activity. It gives you a web link to click so you can reactivate it.

What Happens if You Engage

  • If you call the number: A criminal pretending to work for Apple Support will answer. They will try to trick you into sharing your Apple ID, passwords, or bank details. They might even try to make you download an app that gives them remote control over your phone.
  • If you click the link: You will be taken to a fake website that looks exactly like a real Apple sign-in page. Any information you type there goes straight to the hackers.

How to Tell It Is a Fake

  • The Sender's Info: The message usually comes from a normal cell phone number or a strange email address, not an official Apple channel.
  • High Pressure: The text creates an urgent emergency, making you feel like your money or data is at risk right now.
  • Strange Mistakes: Fake alerts often have subtle spelling errors, bad grammar, or weird punctuation.

What to Do Next

  • Do not reply: Do not respond to the text, do not click any links, and do not call the number listed.
  • Check the real app: Open the official Wallet app on your iPhone to safely review your true Apple Pay transaction history.
  • Report the message: Take a screenshot of the text and email it to Apple at reportphishing@apple.com.
  • Block the sender: Block the number on your device right away to stop future spam.

If you already shared your information, please change your passwords and contact your bank if you gave them banking information.

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