Apple Approval Notice Text Message Scam: Don’t Fall for It
Reading Time: 3 minutes If you’ve received a text message claiming to be from Apple about a suspicious charge or login attempt, stop and take a breath—it’s likely a scam. A new scam is circulating, tricking people into thinking there’s an unauthorized Apple Pay charge on their account. The message looks something like this:
You may receive messages like this via text messages or emails.
Looks serious, right? That’s the whole point. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to get you to react without thinking. But here’s the truth: Apple does not monitor your purchases this way.
How to Know It’s a Scam
Apple doesn’t randomly send security alerts via text. If there’s an actual issue with your Apple ID or billing, you’ll be notified when you log into your account—not through a sketchy text message.
Scammers are getting better at making these messages look real. Sometimes, the only red flag is a small typo, a fake sender email, or a link that doesn’t actually lead to Apple’s website. That’s why it’s always a good idea to double-check through Apple’s official website instead of trusting the message.
Here are some ways to tell if a message is fake:
- Apple will always address you by your real name – If an email or text starts with “Dear Customer” or “Dear Client”, it’s a scam. That said, if scammers have access to leaked data, they may use your actual name, so don’t trust it just because it looks personalized.
- Apple emails come from @apple.com – But be careful! Email addresses can be faked. Official emails about your Apple ID always come from [email protected].
- Hover over links before clicking – If you’re on a computer, hover over a link (without clicking) to see where it actually leads. If it’s not an Apple website (apple.com), don’t click.
- Apple won’t ask for personal details via email or text – If a message asks for your social security number, credit card details, or Apple ID password, it’s a scam.
- Scammers love urgency – If the message pressures you to act right now, be suspicious. Apple will never threaten to auto-debit your account if you don’t respond immediately.
- Apple doesn’t call you unless you ask them to – If someone calls claiming to be from Apple about a problem with your account, hang up. Apple doesn’t do that.
What to Do If You Get a Message Like This
If you receive one of these scam texts, don’t panic—just don’t engage. Here’s what you should do instead:
- Don’t call the number. The scammers will try to trick you into giving them personal information.
- Don’t click on any links. These links could steal your Apple ID credentials or install malware. If you’ve already clicked on a link, don’t worry—take action now. Check out [What to Do If You Clicked a Phishing or Scam Link] for steps on securing your account and protecting your information.
- Verify independently. If you’re worried about a charge, go to Apple’s official website (appleid.apple.com) or check your transactions in Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions on your iPhone.
- Report it to Apple. Forward suspicious messages to [email protected], then delete them.
- Block the sender. On an iPhone, open the message, tap the sender’s name or number, then select Block this Caller.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Adding an extra layer of security to your Apple ID helps prevent unauthorized access. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security to turn it on.
Apple’s Official Scam Prevention Resources
Want to dive deeper? Apple has official guides on avoiding scams. Here are some useful links straight from Apple:
- How to identify legitimate Apple emails
- Recognize and avoid phishing scams
- Avoid scams when using Apple Cash
- About gift card scams
See also:
