Don’t get caught out by Apple Pay phishing scams
Apple Pay phishing scams are on the rise. Here's how not to get caught out.
Apple Pay phishing scams are on the rise. The emails typically come posing as Apple invoices or pretending to prevent scams themselves.
They often include bogus information such as a Case ID to appear legitimate and warn of an expensive Apple Pay transaction that’s happened at an Apple Store. They also pray on urgent language such as ‘don’t delay’ or similar. A legitimate email wouldn’t usually do this.
What to do
My advice to not get caught out? Don’t act on any emails like this you weren’t aware of and especially don’t phone any numbers on the email or make an appointment from one of these emails. Also look out for iffy detaols like Hello [Unverified Apple Pay Usage] instead of your name or actual details like your Apple Account email address. The scammers want to get hold of your personal info – such as your Apple Account (formerly known as Apple ID).
The key thing is to check where the email has come from. Official Apple billing emails come from <[email protected]> as do emails concerning Apple Store appointments and notifications such as “Your Apple ID was used to sign in to iCloud on an iPhone 16 Pro” that you may get. Anything else that claims to be a bill or wants you to show for an appointment is likely to be a scam.
If you need more convincing, a quick Google of any phone numbers in the email will most likely also suggest that the email is a scam.
Text alert
There have also been some reports where users have been sent texts to ask for Apple Account information or bank details. As ever, never send your details this way. And never approve any transactions you don’t recognise or Apple Pay requests.
Once again, don’t call any numbers you’re requested to if you get texts claiming your Apple Pay is suspended, your card is compromised, or a new device added your card. And never give account details over the phone – banks won’t ask for this or for passwords, two-factor authentication codes or your Apple Account information.
You can always check any of your payment history manually by logging into your bank account. You can also check for App Store and other Apple Subscription purchases by going to Settings > Your Name > Media & Purchases on an iPhone or iPad or via the App Store app on Mac. There are full instructions on how to do that here.
You can always contact Apple Support directly to check.
Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
