Beware of this rising Apple Pay scam
What's the story
A new and sophisticated scam targeting Apple Pay accounts has been reported, The Metro reported. The fraudulent scheme involves convincing text messages that claim to detect suspicious transactions on the recipient's account. These messages create a sense of urgency and panic by suggesting that funds are at immediate risk, prompting victims to act quickly by moving money or buying gift vouchers.
Deceptive tactics
Scammers posing as Apple support, bank officials
What makes this scam particularly dangerous is the inclusion of a phone number instead of suspicious links. Calling it connects victims to fraudsters posing as Apple Support, bank officials, or even law enforcement. Using personal details, scammers build trust and apply high-pressure tactics to prevent victims from verifying claims independently. In one case, a victim nearly lost $15,000 before a bank employee intervened.
Scam detection
How to identify genuine Apple texts
Apple has issued a warning about this scam, advising users to look out for unexpected texts about Apple Pay activity, requests to call specific numbers, and heavy pressure to act immediately. The messages often claim a transaction has been blocked or suspicious activity detected on your Apple ID. If you receive such a message, take a screenshot and email it to reportphishing@apple.com.
Official protocol
Apple warns users against engaging with unsolicited calls
Apple has made it clear that it does not send unsolicited texts asking users to call support or provide sensitive information. If a message is telling you otherwise, it is not from Apple. The tech giant also advised users against engaging with unsolicited phone calls from people claiming to be from Apple Support.