$143.95 Apple Pay Transaction Text Scam: Fake Apple Pay Security Reminder Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A text claiming there was a suspicious $143.95 Apple Pay transaction at an Apple Store may look serious at first glance. It uses calm wording, a small believable amount, and a fake Apple Support phone number to make the message feel real.
But this message is not from Apple. It is part of a phone-based phishing and tech support scam built to scare recipients into calling criminals.
Scam Overview
The $143.95 Apple Pay Transaction Text Scam is a fake security alert that pretends to come from Apple or Apple Pay. The message claims that Apple noticed an unusual Apple Pay transaction at an Apple Store in California and placed a temporary restriction on it.
A common version of the message says:
Apple Pay Security Reminder We noticed a $143.95 Apple Pay transaction at Apple Store (CA) that didn’t match usual patterns and placed a short restriction on it. This restriction prevents the transaction from moving forward until it can be confirmed.
If this was you, no action is needed. If not, please notify Apple Support at +1 888-821 2789 to review and restore your account safety.
Apple Support at +1 888-821 2789
Reply STOP to decline future messages.
At first, this message may seem less aggressive than many scam texts. It does not immediately threaten to close your account. It does not claim your phone will be blocked forever. It does not include wild spelling mistakes in every sentence.
That is exactly what makes it dangerous.
Many scam messages are obvious because they use broken English, strange punctuation, or outrageous claims. This one is more polished. It uses a smaller transaction amount, a professional-sounding subject line, and language that mimics the tone of a real fraud alert.
The amount, $143.95, is also carefully chosen. It is not so large that it feels ridiculous, but it is large enough to get your attention. Most people would want to question a $143.95 Apple Pay charge, especially if they did not recently buy anything from Apple.
The scam also uses a familiar brand name. Apple is one of the most trusted technology companies in the world, and millions of people use Apple Pay, iPhones, Apple IDs, iCloud, and the App Store every day. Scammers know that if they can place the word “Apple” inside a message, many recipients will take it seriously.
The phrase “Apple Pay Security Reminder” is also part of the deception. It sounds official without making a specific technical claim. It gives the impression that the message is part of a fraud prevention system, not a random text from an unknown sender.
Another manipulative detail is the line that says, “If this was you, no action is needed.” This makes the message feel balanced and legitimate. Real banks and payment providers often use similar language in fraud alerts. The scammer is trying to copy that familiar pattern.
But the next line is where the real trap begins. The message tells the recipient to call “Apple Support” at +1 888-821 2789 if the transaction was not authorized. That number is not a reliable way to contact Apple. It is the center of the scam.
The purpose of the text is not to warn you about a real Apple Pay transaction. The purpose is to make you call the number.
Once you call, the scammers can move the conversation in several directions. They may pretend to be Apple Support, Apple Pay Security, Apple Billing, or an account recovery department. They may say they need to verify your identity, review your Apple ID, cancel the payment, secure your device, or restore your account safety.
From there, they may attempt to collect personal information, Apple ID login details, verification codes, card numbers, banking information, or remote access to your device.
In some cases, these scams turn into fake tech support schemes. The person on the phone may claim that your Apple ID is compromised, your iPhone has been hacked, or your device is infected. They may then ask you to install remote access software such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, or another screen-sharing tool.
This is extremely dangerous. Once a scammer can see or control your screen, they can guide you into opening sensitive accounts, watch you type passwords, manipulate what appears on your screen, or pressure you into transferring money.
In other cases, the scam becomes a fake refund scheme. The scammer may say they can reverse the $143.95 Apple Pay transaction, but they need you to open your bank account or payment app to “confirm” the refund. They may then claim that too much money was refunded by mistake and pressure you to send money back.
Another common outcome is a gift card scam. The scammer may claim your account has been used fraudulently and that gift cards are needed to verify, reverse, freeze, or secure the transaction. This makes no sense from a real support perspective, but under pressure, victims may follow instructions.
Scammers often tell victims to buy Apple gift cards, Target gift cards, Google Play gift cards, Best Buy gift cards, or other cards from retail stores. Then they ask the victim to read the codes over the phone. Once the codes are shared, the money is usually gone.
The “Reply STOP to decline future messages” line is also suspicious. Many legitimate marketing texts include this wording, so scammers add it to make the text look compliant and official. But replying to a scam message can confirm that your number is active. That may lead to more scam texts, robocalls, or targeted fraud attempts.
The most important thing to understand is this: receiving the message does not mean your Apple Pay account was actually used. It does not mean your Apple ID was hacked. It does not mean there is a real $143.95 charge waiting for approval.
The message is bait.
The safest response is to avoid the phone number in the text, avoid replying, and check your Apple account or bank account directly through official channels.
How The Scam Works
The $143.95 Apple Pay Transaction Text Scam is built around a simple psychological trick. It creates just enough concern to make you act, but not so much that the message immediately looks fake.
Instead of screaming that your iPhone will be blocked or that thousands of dollars have been stolen, it presents itself as a calm security reminder. That gives the scam a more believable tone.
Here is how the scam usually works from start to finish.
Step 1: The Scammer Sends a Fake Apple Pay Alert
The scam begins with a text message that appears to warn you about an Apple Pay transaction.
It may say that Apple noticed a $143.95 purchase at an Apple Store in California. It may also claim that the transaction did not match your usual patterns and has been temporarily restricted.
This wording is designed to sound like fraud detection language. Many real banks and payment apps do monitor unusual activity, so the message borrows that familiar style.
The scammer wants you to think, “Maybe Apple stopped a suspicious charge before it went through.”
That thought is enough to make many people keep reading.
Step 2: The Message Uses a Believable Transaction Amount
A fake charge of $143.95 feels realistic. It could be an accessory, a repair, an App Store purchase, a subscription bundle, or a small Apple Store transaction.
If the amount were $4,987.95, many people might instantly dismiss the message as fake. If it were $2.99, most people might ignore it. But $143.95 sits in the middle. It feels possible.
That is intentional.
Scammers often test different amounts to see what gets the most calls. A smaller believable amount can work better than a dramatic one because it lowers the recipient’s suspicion.
Step 3: The Text Claims the Transaction Was Restricted
The message says Apple placed a “short restriction” on the transaction. This is another clever manipulation.
Instead of saying the money is already gone, the scam says the charge is paused. That makes the recipient feel there is still time to act.
It creates a sense of control.
The victim may think, “If I call now, I can stop this before it becomes a problem.”
That is exactly the reaction the scammer wants.
Step 4: The Text Gives a Fake Apple Support Phone Number
The scam message tells you to notify Apple Support at +1 888-821 2789.
This phone number is the trap. The scammers do not need you to click a link. They do not need you to download a file immediately. They only need you to call.
Phone scams are powerful because they allow criminals to build pressure in real time. Once you are speaking to someone, they can adjust their script based on your reactions.
If you sound worried, they become reassuring. If you sound skeptical, they may become more technical. If you say you are in a hurry, they may claim the issue must be handled immediately.
A live phone call gives the scammer room to manipulate.
Step 5: The Fake Support Agent Builds Trust
If you call the number, the person who answers may sound professional. They may introduce themselves as Apple Support, Apple Pay Security, Apple Billing, or Apple Fraud Prevention.
They may use scripted phrases such as:
“Thank you for calling Apple Support.”
“I can help you secure your account.”
“We see unusual activity linked to your Apple ID.”
“This transaction is currently on hold.”
“We need to verify whether this was authorized.”
“Please do not worry, we can help you stop it.”
The goal is to make you believe you reached the correct department.
The scammer may also ask basic questions to appear legitimate. They may ask for your name, phone number, email address, device type, or last Apple purchase. Some of this may seem harmless, but it helps them build a profile.
Step 6: The Scammer Claims There Is a Bigger Account Problem
After the call begins, the story usually expands.
The original text only mentioned a $143.95 Apple Pay transaction. But the fake support agent may now claim there are other problems.
They may say:
Your Apple ID was accessed from another state or country.
Someone added your Apple Pay to another device.
Your iPhone has been compromised.
Your iCloud account is being used by hackers.
Your bank card is linked to suspicious activity.
Multiple failed login attempts were detected.
Your account will remain restricted unless it is verified.
This is where the scam changes from a fake transaction alert into a broader account security scam.
The scammer wants you to feel that the issue is too serious to handle on your own.
Step 7: They Ask for Verification Codes or Apple ID Details
The fake support agent may ask you to verify your Apple ID email address, password, or a code sent to your phone.
This is a major red flag.
Real support representatives should not ask for your password. They also should not ask you to read out a two-factor authentication code that protects your account.
A verification code is not a formality. It is a key. If you give that code to a scammer, they may be able to sign into your account, reset your password, add a trusted device, or make changes to your Apple ID.
The scammer may phrase the request in a casual way, such as:
“Read me the code so I can confirm your identity.”
“This code is needed to cancel the transaction.”
“We need the number to unlock the restriction.”
“Do not worry, it is only for verification.”
Do not share verification codes with anyone who contacted you through an unexpected text or phone call.
Step 8: They May Ask You to Install Remote Access Software
In many versions of Apple support scams, the fake agent eventually asks you to install remote access software.
They may tell you to download AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, Zoho Assist, or another remote support tool.
They may claim this is needed to:
Check your device for hackers
Remove unauthorized Apple Pay access
Cancel the $143.95 charge
Restore account safety
Secure your iPhone
Process a refund
Connect you to a protected server
This is one of the most dangerous stages of the scam.
Remote access tools are legitimate when used by trusted IT professionals in the right setting. But when a stranger from an unexpected text message tells you to install one, the risk is severe.
The scammer may be able to see your screen, direct your clicks, ask you to open banking apps, view private messages, or watch you enter passwords. Even when remote access is limited, screen sharing alone can expose sensitive information.
Step 9: The Scam Moves Toward Money
Once the scammer has your trust, the conversation usually turns toward money.
They may claim the $143.95 charge must be canceled through your bank. They may ask you to open your banking app so they can “verify” the refund. They may say Apple needs to connect with your bank to remove the restriction.
This is false.
Apple does not need you to open your bank account over a remote session to cancel an Apple Pay charge.
The scammer may also claim that your money must be moved to a “safe” account. This is another common fraud tactic. Any request to move money for safety should be treated as a scam.
No legitimate company will ask you to transfer money to protect it from hackers.
Step 10: The Fake Refund Trick May Begin
Some scammers use a fake refund script.
They tell you they are refunding the $143.95. Then they pretend to make a mistake and claim they refunded too much, perhaps $1,439.50 or $14,395 instead of $143.95.
They may alter what appears on your screen, use browser tricks, or simply pressure you into believing the refund error is real.
Then they demand that you return the difference.
They may sound upset. They may claim they will lose their job. They may say the mistake will be reported to Apple. This emotional pressure is part of the scam.
There was no real refund mistake. The scammer is trying to make you send your own money.
Step 11: They Request Gift Cards or Fast Payments
If the scam reaches the payment stage, the scammer may ask for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment app transfers.
Gift cards are especially common.
They may tell you to buy Apple, Target, Best Buy, Walmart, or Google Play gift cards. Then they ask you to scratch off the back and read the codes.
Once they have the codes, they can drain the value quickly.
Scammers like gift cards because they are easy to buy, hard to trace, and difficult to reverse. A real Apple Support agent will never ask you to pay, verify, refund, or unlock anything with gift cards.
Step 12: The Scammer Keeps You Isolated
Scammers often try to keep victims on the phone for as long as possible. They may tell you not to hang up, not to speak to your bank, and not to tell store employees why you are buying gift cards.
They may say the case is confidential. They may claim that telling anyone could interrupt the investigation. They may warn that your account could be locked if you stop cooperating.
These are pressure tactics.
A legitimate company will not isolate you from your bank, your family, or store employees. A real support process does not require secrecy.
Step 13: The Scam May Continue After the First Call
Even after the first call ends, the scammers may keep trying.
They may call back from different numbers. They may send more texts. They may pretend to be from your bank, Apple, a fraud department, or even law enforcement.
If they believe you are likely to pay, they may continue targeting you.
This is why it is important to block the number, report the message, change any compromised passwords, and alert your bank if you shared information.
How to Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware
If a pop-up scam tricked you into downloading an unwanted program — or you suspect your device is infected — follow the free, step-by-step removal guide below to clean it completely.
Before you start: this guide may look long, but that’s only because we’ve broken everything down into clear, detailed steps that anyone can follow — no technical skills needed, and every tool we use is free. Please follow the steps in order. If you get stuck or have doubts at any point, stop and ask for help in our free support forum — our team will guide you personally.
Choose your device to get started. Browser hijackers, unwanted apps, and adware can infect Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices alike — click your operating system below to jump straight to the right instructions.
In this first step, we will manually check if any unknown or malicious programs are installed on the computer. Sometimes adware and browser hijackers can have a usable Uninstall entry that can be used to remove them.
Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7
Open the Settings app
Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and select “Settings” from the menu.
Go to “Apps & Features”
In the Settings window, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Apps & Features“.
Find and uninstall the malicious program
Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. Quick tip: click “Sort by” and choose “Install date“. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.
When you find the malicious program, click the three dots next to it and select “Uninstall“.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Complete the uninstall
Confirm by clicking Uninstall in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
Open the Settings app
Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, click the Start button on the taskbar and select “Settings” (the gear icon).
Click on “Apps”
In the “Windows Settings” window, click “Apps“. The “Apps & Features” section should open by default — if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.
Find and uninstall the malicious program
Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. Quick tip: click “Sort by” and choose “Install date“. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.
When you find the malicious program, click on it and select “Uninstall“.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Complete the uninstall
Confirm by clicking Uninstall in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
Open “Programs and Features”
Right-click the Start button in the taskbar, then select “Programs and Features“. This takes you straight to the list of installed programs.
Find and uninstall the malicious program
Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. Click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Complete the uninstall
Confirm by clicking Yes in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
Open the Control Panel
Click the “Start” button, then click “Control Panel“.
Click on “Uninstall a Program”
In the Control Panel, click “Uninstall a Program” under the Programs category.
Find and uninstall the malicious program
Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. Click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Complete the uninstall
Confirm by clicking Yes in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
Is a stubborn program refusing to uninstall? Use Revo Uninstaller to force-remove it completely, including leftover files and registry entries.
With the malicious programs removed, you’re ready for the next step in this guide.
STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this step, we will remove spam notifications, malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware. Please note that this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.
ChromeFirefoxMicrosoft EdgeInternet Explorer
Reset Chrome for Windows to default settings
We will now reset your Chrome browser settings to their original defaults. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.
Open the Chrome menu
In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the three-dot (⋮) icon to open the menu.
Go to Settings
From the menu, select Settings.
Select “Reset settings”
In the left sidebar, scroll down and click Reset settings.
Choose “Restore settings to their original defaults”
Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Confirm the reset
In the dialog that appears, click Reset settings. This restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and pinned tabs to default, disables all extensions, and clears temporary site data — undoing the changes the malware made.
Don’t worry: your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords are safe and will not be deleted.
Reset Firefox for Windows to default settings
We will now reset your Firefox browser settings to their default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.
Open the Firefox menu and click “Help”
Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of Firefox to open the main menu, then select “Help“.
Click “More troubleshooting information”
In the Help menu, click “More troubleshooting information“.
Click “Refresh Firefox”
On the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the top-right area of the page.
Confirm the refresh
In the confirmation window, click “Refresh Firefox” again. This removes extensions, themes, and customized settings — the usual hiding places for browser hijackers — while keeping your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords safe.
Click “Finish”
Firefox will close, reset itself to default settings, and reopen with a window listing the information that was restored. Click “Finish” — your Firefox is now clean.
About the “Old Firefox Data” folder: Firefox saves a copy of your old profile on your desktop. If something you need is missing after the reset, you can recover it from this folder. Otherwise, delete the folder — it contains sensitive data like passwords and cookies, and may also still hold the malicious files you just removed.
Reset Microsoft Edge to default settings
We will now reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings to their default. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.
Open the Edge menu and click “Settings”
Click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner of Microsoft Edge to open the main menu, then click “Settings“.
Click “Reset settings”
In the left sidebar, click “Reset settings“.
Click “Restore settings to their default values”
In the main window, click “Restore settings to their default values“.
Confirm by clicking “Reset”
In the confirmation dialog, click “Reset“. This restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and startup pages to default, disables all extensions, and clears temporary data like cookies — undoing the changes the malware made.
Don’t worry: your favorites, browsing history, and saved passwords are safe and will not be deleted.
Reset Internet Explorer to default settings
We will now reset your Internet Explorer browser settings to their default. You can reset Internet Explorer settings to return them to the state they were in when Internet Explorer was first installed on your computer.
Go to “Internet Options”.
Open Internet Explorer, click on the gear icon in the upper-right part of your browser, then select “Internet Options“.
Select the “Advanced” tab, then click “Reset”
In the “Internet Options” dialog box, select the “Advanced” tab, then click on the “Reset” button.
Click on “Reset”.
In the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” section, select the “Delete personal settings” checkbox, then click on the “Reset” button.
Click on “Close”.
When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the “Close” button in the confirmation dialogue box. Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.
STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware and unwanted programs
In this third step, we will install Malwarebytes to scan and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
STEP 4: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for badware
In this next step, we will scan the computer with HitmanPro to ensure that no other malicious programs are installed on your device.
HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner — it’s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it’s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
Good news: scanning is completely free, with no limits. You only need a license when it’s time to remove what was found — and even then, you can activate a free one-time 30-day trial to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)
Download HitmanPro
Click the button below to download HitmanPro. Remember — the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file: “hitmanpro.exe” on 32-bit Windows, or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” on 64-bit Windows.
If a User Account Control pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click “Yes” to continue.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts
On the HitmanPro start screen, click “Next” to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required — it goes straight to work.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.
Review the Results and Click “Next”
When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click “Next” to remove the detected threats.
Click “Activate Free License”
To remove the malicious files, click the “Activate free license” button. This starts your free 30-day trial — no payment details needed — and unlocks the full cleanup.
When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click Next, then click Reboot if prompted. If there’s no reboot prompt, just click Close — your PC is clean.
STEP 5: Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies
In this final step, we will use AdwCleaner to remove the malicious browser policies that were set by browser hijackers on your computer and delete malicious browser extensions.
AdwCleaner is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars — the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It’s a quick scan that’s well worth running.
Download AdwCleaner
Click the button below to download AdwCleaner — it’s free, portable, and requires no installation.
Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file named “adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe“. There’s no installation — the program starts right away.
If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click “Yes“. When the license agreement appears, click I agree to continue.
Enable “Reset Chrome policies”
This setting removes malicious browser policies — a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can’t change them back. Click “Settings” on the left side of the window, then turn on “Reset Chrome policies“.
Start the Scan
Click “Dashboard” on the left side of the window, then click the “Scan” button.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes — it’s one of the fastest scanners around.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the malicious items at once.
Click “Continue” to Finish the Cleanup
Save any open work first — AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you’re ready, click the “Continue” button.
AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it — your computer will be clean when you log back in.
That’s it — your Windows computer is now clean. The unwanted apps, adware, and any other malware have been removed.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Profiles are used by IT admins in businesses to control the behavior of their Macs. These profiles can configure a Mac to do many different things, some of which are not otherwise possible. When it comes to home users, adware and browser hijackers are using the configuration profile to prevent users from removing malicious programs from the computer. This also prevents the user from changing that behavior in the browser’s settings.
In this first step, we will check your computer to see if any configuration profiles are installed. To do this, follow the below steps:
Open “System Settings”
From the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen, select System Settings. (On macOS Monterey and earlier, this is called System Preferences.)
Look for “Profiles”
In the System Settings window, search for Profiles — on newer macOS versions you’ll find it under Privacy & Security, or you can type “Profiles” in the search box.
No Profiles section? Good news — that means no profiles are installed on your Mac, which is completely normal. Skip ahead to the next step of this guide.
Remove the malicious profiles
Malware uses configuration profiles to lock your browser settings — forcing a fake search engine or homepage on you and preventing you from changing it back. If you see a profile you don’t recognize (and your Mac isn’t managed by your workplace or school), select it, press the − (minus) button, and click Remove to confirm.
STEP 2: Delete malicious apps
In this second step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious apps and files that might be installed on your computer. Sometimes redirects or adware programs can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these programs.
Quit the malicious programs
Check the Apple menu bar in the top-right corner of your screen. If you see an icon you don’t recognize, click it and select Quit. This stops the malware from running so it can’t interfere while we remove it.
Open “Finder”
Click the Finder icon in your dock.
Click on “Applications”
In the Finder sidebar, click “Applications“.
Find and remove the malicious app
Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — an app you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. When you find it, right-click it and select “Move to Trash“.
Some known malicious programs to look for: SearchMine, TakeFresh, TopResults, FeedBack, ApplicationEvents, GeneralOpen, PowerLog, MessengerNow, ImagePrime, GeneralNetSearch, Reading Cursors, GlobalTechSearch, PDFOnline-express, See Scenic Elf, MatchKnowledge, Easy Speedtest, and WebDiscover. The names change constantly, though — so treat any app you can’t account for as suspect.
Empty the Trash
Right-click the Trash icon in your dock and select “Empty Trash“. This permanently deletes the malicious app you just removed — until you do this, the malware is still on your Mac.
Find and remove the malicious files
Malware on Mac uses launch agents and launch daemons — small files that automatically restart the malware every time you boot your Mac. We’ll check the four folders where they hide:
Click the desktop to make sure you’re in Finder, then open the “Go” menu and click “Go to Folder“.
Copy and paste each of the paths below into the window, one at a time, and click Go after each:
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/Application Support
/Library/LaunchDaemons
In each folder, look for suspicious .plist files — typically named after the malware or with odd, random-looking names. Some known examples: “com.adobe.fpsaud.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, and “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”. When you find a malicious file, move it to the Trash — then empty the Trash again when you’re done.
Be careful: these folders also contain files belonging to legitimate apps — especially /Library/Application Support, where programs like Adobe, Google, and Microsoft store their data. Only delete files you’re confident are malicious. If you’re unsure about a file, search its exact name online first — or skip it; the Malwarebytes scan in the next step will catch what you miss.
STEP 3: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this third step, we will remove spam push notifications and malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.
Safari BrowserChrome for Mac BrowserFirefox for Mac Browser
Remove malicious extensions and settings from Safari
To remove malware from Safari we will check if there are any malicious extensions installed on your browser and what settings have been changed by this malicious program.
Go to Safari’s “Preferences”.
On the menu bar, click the “Safari” menu and select “Preferences”.
Check Homepage.
This will open a new window with your Safari preferences, opened to the “General” tab. Some browser hijackers may change your default homepage, so in the Homepage field make sure it’s a web page you want to use as your start-up page.
Click “Extensions”
Next, click on the “Extensions” tab.
Find and uninstall malicious extensions.
The “Extensions” screen will be displayed with a list of all the extensions installed on Safari. Look out for any suspicious browser extension that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine extension. By default, there are no extensions installed on Safari so it’s safe to remove an extension
Remove spam notifications ads
Click Preferences, click Websites, then click Notifications. Deselect “Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications”.
Remove all data stored by websites on your computer.
In the Safari menu, choose “Preferences…”, select “Privacy” at the top of the new window that appears, and then click the “Manage Website Data” button.
In the next dialog box, click “Remove All“. It will ask you if you are sure you want to remove all data stored by websites on your computer. Select “Remove Now” to clear data that could be used to track your browsing.
Empty Safari Caches.
From your Safari menu bar, click Safari and select Preferences, then select the Advanced tab. Enable the checkbox to “Show Develop menu in menu bar“.
From the menu bar select Develop, then click on Empty Caches as seen in the image below.
Remove malware from Chrome for Mac
To remove malware from Chrome for Mac we will reset the browser settings to their default. Doing these steps will erase all configuration information from Chrome such as your home page, tab settings, saved form information, browsing history, and cookies. This process will also disable any installed extensions. All of your bookmarks, though, will be preserved.
Click on the three dots at the top right and go to Settings.
Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three dots at the top right corner. Now click on the menu option labeled Settings as shown by the arrow in the picture below, which will open the basic settings screen.
In the left sidebar, click on the “Reset and Cleanup” option.
In the left sidebar, click on “Reset and clean up“.
Click “Reset settings to their original defaults”.
Now click on the “Reset settings to their original defaults”. link as shown in the image below.
Click “Reset Settings” button.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the “Reset Settings” button.
(Optional) Reset Chrome Data Sync.
In case a malicious extension reinstalls itself even after performing a browser reset, you have an additional option to reset the data sync for your browser. To do this, navigate to chrome.google.com/sync and click on the Clear Data button.
Remove malware from Firefox for Mac
To remove malware from Firefox for Mac we will reset the browser settings to its default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.
Go to the “Help” menu.
Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help“.
Click “Troubleshooting Information”.
Next click on the “Troubleshooting Information” option as indicated by the arrow in the image below. This will bring you to a Troubleshooting page.
Click on “Refresh Firefox”
Click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
Confirm.
To continue, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
Click on “Finish”.
Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the “Finish“.
Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named “Old Firefox Data“. If the reset didn’t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don’t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.
STEP 4: Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
In this final step, we will scan the computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to find and remove any malicious programs that might be installed on your Mac.
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
That’s it — your Mac is now clean. The unwanted apps, adware, and any other malware have been removed.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
To remove unwanted apps and malware from your Android phone or tablet, follow these steps:
In this first step, we will check if any malicious apps are installed on your phone. Sometimes browser hijackers or adware apps can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these apps.
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find the malicious app.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the applications that are installed on your phone. Scroll through the list and look out for any suspicious app that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. Most often, cyber criminals hide malware inside video or photo editing apps, weather apps, and camera apps.
Uninstall the malicious app
When you find a suspicious or malicious app, tap on it to uninstall it. This won’t start the app but will open up the app details screen. If the app is currently running press the “Force stop” button, then tap on “Uninstall”.
A confirmation dialog should be displayed to confirm you want to uninstall the app, tap on “OK” to remove the malicious app from your phone.
STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this second step, we will reset your browser to its default settings to remove spam notifications, unwated search redirects, and restore its factory settings
Resetting the browser settings to their default it’s an easy task on Windows or Mac computers; however, when it comes to Android, this can’t be done directly because it’s not an option built-in into the browser settings. Restoring the browser settings on Android can be done by clearing the application data. This will remove all the cookies, cache, and other site settings that may have been saved. So let’s see how we can restore your browser to its factory settings.
Chrome for AndroidFirefoxOperaSamsung Internet BrowserMicrosoft Edge
Remove malware from Chrome for Android
To reset Chrome for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Chrome.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Chrome app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Chrome’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Chrome’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Firefox for Android
To reset Firefox for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Firefox.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Firefox app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Firefox’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Firefox data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from the Opera browser
To reset the Opera browser to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Opera.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Opera app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Opera’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Opera’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Samsung Internet Browser
To reset the Samsung Internet Browser to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Samsung Internet Browser.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Samsung Internet Browser app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When the Samsung Internet Browser’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Samsung Internet Browser’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Microsoft Edge for Android
To reset the Microsoft Edge for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Microsoft Edge.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Microsoft Edge app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When the Microsoft Edge’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Microsoft Edge’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes for Android to remove malicious apps
In this final step, we will install Malwarebytes for Android to scan and remove malicious apps from your phone or tablet.
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
That’s it — your Android device is now clean. The malicious apps, adware, and browser redirects have been removed.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
First, we’ll clean Safari using the built-in “Clear History and Website Data” feature. This removes your browsing history, cookies, and cached data — including the stored data that scam sites use to keep showing you pop-ups and redirects. Don’t worry: this won’t delete your photos, apps, or saved passwords.
Don’t tap anything inside the scam page or pop-up — the buttons are designed to trick you. Instead, tap the tabs icon in the lower-right corner of Safari, as shown below.
Tap the X on the malicious tab (or swipe it up) to close it safely.
Open the Settings app.
Turn on Airplane Mode. This temporarily disconnects your iPhone from the internet, so the scam site can’t load anything while we clean up. We’ll turn it back off at the end.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm by tapping “Clear History and Data” in the pop-up.
While you’re still in Safari settings, turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning. These two switches stop most scam pages before they can even load.
Tap Settings in the upper-left corner to return to the main Settings menu.
Turn Airplane Mode back off to reconnect your iPhone to the internet.
STEP 2: Delete unwanted apps
Next, we’ll remove any suspicious apps from your iPhone. If a shady website redirected you to the App Store and you installed an app — or you spot an app you don’t remember downloading — delete it now:
On the home screen, tap and hold the unwanted app’s icon until the icons start to wiggle.
Tap the minus (–) badge in the corner of the app icon, then tap Delete App. (On older iOS versions, this badge appears as an “X”.)
Confirm by tapping “Delete“.
That’s it — your iPhone is now clean and safe to use.
To stop these scam pages from coming back, we recommend installing an ad blocker like AdGuard. It blocks the malicious ads and redirects that cause these pop-ups in the first place.
Still having issues after completing these steps? Try one of the following:
If you called the number, shared information, installed remote access software, or sent money, take action quickly. Do not blame yourself. These scams are designed to create panic, and the people behind them are trained to sound convincing.
Here is what to do next.
1. Stop All Contact With the Scammers
Hang up the phone and do not answer further calls from the same number or related numbers.
Do not reply to follow-up texts. Do not argue with the scammers. Do not tell them you know it is a scam. Simply stop communicating.
Block the phone number that contacted you.
2. Do Not Reply STOP
Even though the message says “Reply STOP to decline future messages,” do not reply.
That line is commonly used to make scam texts look legitimate. Replying may confirm that your phone number is active, which can lead to more scam attempts.
Instead, use your phone’s built-in option to report junk or spam.
3. Check Your Apple ID Directly
Go directly to your Apple ID settings. Do not use any links or phone numbers from the text.
On an iPhone, open:
Settings > Your Name > Sign-In & Security
Review your account carefully. Look for unknown devices, unfamiliar phone numbers, suspicious recovery emails, or unexpected changes.
Change your Apple ID password if you shared any information or if you are unsure whether the account is safe.
4. Remove Unknown Devices From Your Apple Account
If you see a device you do not recognize, remove it from your Apple ID.
Unknown devices can indicate that someone gained access or attempted to link your account elsewhere.
After removing suspicious devices, change your password again and make sure two-factor authentication is enabled.
5. Change Important Passwords From a Clean Device
If you shared passwords or gave remote access to your phone or computer, change your passwords from a device the scammer did not access.
Start with:
Apple ID
Email account
Bank account
Credit card account
Password manager
PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle
Shopping accounts linked to saved cards
Social media accounts
Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Do not reuse the same password across multiple services.
6. Revoke Remote Access Immediately
If you installed AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, or another remote access app, disconnect your device from the internet first.
Then uninstall the software.
After uninstalling it, restart the device. If the scammer accessed a computer, run a full scan with trusted security software.
Also check whether any unknown programs were installed during the session.
7. Contact Your Bank or Card Issuer
If you opened your bank account during the call, shared card details, sent money, or suspect the scammer saw financial information, contact your bank immediately.
Tell them you were targeted by a fake Apple Pay support scam.
Ask them to:
Review recent transactions
Block suspicious payments
Replace your card if needed
Secure online banking access
Add extra verification to your account
Help dispute unauthorized charges
The sooner you contact your bank, the better your chances of limiting damage.
8. Report Gift Card Fraud Quickly
If you bought gift cards and gave the codes to the scammer, contact the gift card company immediately.
Provide the receipt, card numbers, purchase location, time of purchase, and any messages or phone numbers connected to the scam.
If the cards have not been redeemed yet, the company may be able to freeze the balance. If they have already been used, recovery may be difficult, but reporting is still important.
9. Report the Scam Text
Report the message through your phone’s spam reporting feature.
You can also forward suspicious texts to 7726, which many mobile carriers use for spam reporting.
In the United States, you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report internet-related scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
These reports help authorities and carriers track scam campaigns.
10. Preserve Evidence
Do not delete everything immediately.
Save:
Screenshots of the text message
The phone number used
Call logs
Any remote access app names
Gift card receipts
Bank transaction records
Emails or follow-up texts
Notes about what the scammer said
This information may help your bank, card issuer, gift card company, mobile carrier, or law enforcement.
11. Watch for Follow-Up Scams
After one scam attempt, you may receive more.
Scammers sometimes sell or reuse lists of people who answered calls, replied to messages, or sent money. You may receive fake bank alerts, fake recovery offers, fake Apple messages, or calls claiming to help you get your money back.
Be especially careful with anyone who contacts you claiming they can recover lost funds for a fee. Recovery scams are common after gift card, crypto, and tech support fraud.
12. Talk to Someone You Trust
If you lost money or shared sensitive information, talk to a trusted family member, friend, or professional.
Scammers rely on embarrassment and secrecy. They want victims to stay quiet. But speaking up helps you act faster and reduces the chance of further damage.
There is no shame in being targeted. These messages are carefully designed to manipulate normal people under pressure.
The Bottom Line
The $143.95 Apple Pay Transaction Text Scam is a fake Apple Pay security message designed to make you call a fraudulent support number. The transaction is not confirmed by the text itself, and the phone number should not be trusted.
The safest response is simple: do not call, do not reply, and do not share information. Check your Apple ID and bank account directly through official channels, then block and report the message.
If you already called or shared details, act quickly. Secure your Apple ID, remove remote access tools, contact your bank, change passwords, and preserve evidence. Fast action can reduce the damage and help prevent the scammers from reaching you again.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Mac
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
No Profiles section? Good news — that means no profiles are installed on your Mac, which is completely normal. Skip ahead to the next step of this guide.
