Apple Billing Approval Text Scam – What You Need To Know

Have you received a suspicious text message that appears to be from Apple, warning of unauthorized charges or account activity? If so, you may be the target of a new and alarming scam that is duping Apple device owners out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

This article will provide an in-depth look at how the Apple Billing Approval Notice text scam works, who is behind it, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself

An Overview of the Scam That Is Targeting Apple Users

The scam starts with an official-looking text message that identifies itself as coming from Apple. The message will say that unusual activity or charges have been detected on your Apple ID, and urges you to call a provided phone number to speak with an “Apple representative” immediately.

Of course, the phone number does not actually belong to Apple. It routes victims to a call center run by scammers posing as Apple support. Their goal is to gain remote access to your device under the pretense of providing refunds, removing malware, or securing your account. Once connected, they can steal personal data, install malware, or trick you into buying gift cards and sharing the codes.

This scam is sometimes referred to as the Apple tech support scam, and it has rapidly spread in the last couple of years. Security experts have noted a sharp rise in the number of reports from victims. It is estimated that just in the United States alone, over $35 million has been stolen through these text-based scams.

Sadly, the people behind these scams are preying on concerned Apple users who simply want to protect their accounts and devices. However, as you’ll learn, these text messages are completely fake and any calls should be avoided.

Step-By-Step: How the Apple Billing Approval Scam Unfolds

The scammers execute this scam with a process designed to slowly gain a victim’s trust through misrepresentation and social engineering. Here is how the scam typically unfolds:

Step 1: Receiving the Fake Security Alert Text

The first step is the initial text message. It will appear to come from an Apple-related number or email address. The message sounds very urgent, warning of unusual charges or sign-in attempts.

Here is an example:

[Apple Security Alert]

We have noticed that your Apple id was recently used at “APPLE STORE” for $143.95, paid by Apple Pay Pre Authorization. Also some suspicious sign in request and apple pay activation request detected. That looks like suspicious to us. In order to maintain the security and privacy of your account we have placed those request on hold. If NOT you? Please Call [scam phone number] to talk to an Apple Representative. Failing may lead to auto debit and charge will not be reversed. Call immediately to cancel this charge.

Customer Support:

Billing Support : Subscriptions and Billing – Official Apple Support

Have a great day!

The message goes on to say that you must call the provided number immediately to speak with Apple and potentially cancel fraudulent charges. Of course, the number does not go to Apple at all.

Step 2: Calling the Fake Support Number

Concerned victims will call the number, believing they will speak to Apple support. However, the number actually routes to a scam call center, often located overseas.

When victims call, the scammers pose as Apple employees or support agents. They falsely claim that they need remote access to your device to fix the security issue and process refunds. This is where the real scam begins.

Step 3: Allowing Remote Access to Your Device

The “support agent” will ask you to download remote access software, such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer. They claim this will allow them to remotely connect to your device, assess the security issue, and process refunds.

This gives the scammers full access to your device, allowing them to steal data, install malware, or make changes to your accounts. No legitimate company will ever ask for this type of remote access.

Step 4: Entering Your Apple ID Password

In some cases, the scammers will convince victims to voluntarily share their Apple ID password. They may claim they need to “validate your account” as part of the security process.

Sharing passwords gives the scammers full control to steal money from Apple accounts linked to credit cards or debit cards. Never share your passwords with unsolicited callers.

Step 5: Purchasing Gift Cards for the “Refund”

One of the most common goals of the scammers is to trick victims into buying Apple gift cards to pay for a refund or fix security issues. The scammers will ask for the gift card numbers and PINs, which allows them to steal the funds.

Legitimate companies will never ask you to pay with gift cards. This is a huge red flag.

What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Text Claiming to Be From Apple

If you receive a text message that claims to be from Apple and asks you to call a number regarding unauthorized charges, here are important steps to take:

• Do not call the number – Any number provided in one of these text scams does not actually go to Apple. Calling it will connect you to scammers.
• Contact Apple directly – Use Apple’s official customer support numbers, which can be found on their website. Ask them to confirm whether the text was legitimate.
• Beware requests for remote access – Apple will never proactively reach out to ask for remote access to your device. This is a scam tactic.
• Never share passwords or gift cards – Apple will not ask for your password or for payment via gift cards to solve security issues.
• Watch for urgent wording – Text scams often use urgent wording, threatening account suspension or charges. Be suspicious.
• Report scam texts – Forward scam text messages to 7726 (SPAM) to report them to your cell provider.

Who Is Behind the Apple Billing Approval Scams?

These Apple tech support scams are being orchestrated by organized criminal networks, often based overseas in countries like India.

Scammers will set up complex call center operations designed to mimic legitimate customer support. The criminals involved in the scams typically:

• Spoof domestic numbers – Scammers use VoIP and spoofing technology to display numbers with local area codes, building trust.
• Purchase user data on the black market – Your name, email address, and other personal info may have been purchased on the dark web.
• Create multiple fake identities – Scammers involved in these calls will regularly change their names and backstories when speaking to victims.
• Use social engineering tactics – Scammers are trained in psychological tactics to build trust and talk victims into giving remote access or passwords.
• Route calls overseas – Even when scammers use domestic numbers, they route calls to international fraud centers before connecting victims.
• Operate with scripts – Call center scammers work off pre-written scripts and dialogue trees to imitate Apple support calls.
• Evade authorities – Scam centers hide behind shell companies and regularly relocate to new sites to avoid legal crackdowns.

In short, these criminal networks are sophisticated, well-funded, and very difficult for authorities to permanently shut down. Staying vigilant is key.

Expert Tips: How to Avoid Falling Victim to the Apple Billing Scam

While these scams can seem convincing, there are ways to protect yourself and avoid being manipulated:

• Know the warning signs – Urgent wording, threats of account suspension, requests for immediate payment, and unsolicited calls/texts are red flags.
• Never call unsolicited numbers – Only call numbers listed directly on Apple’s website, never numbers provided in suspicious texts.
• Don’t trust caller ID – Scammers spoof official-looking numbers. Verify the number independently with Apple.
• Refuse remote access – Don’t allow callers claiming to be Apple support to remotely connect to your device. Real Apple support will never do this.
• Guard account details – Do not share your Apple ID password with any unsolicited callers or as part of an unexpected “verification” process.
• Avoid gift card payments – iTunes gift cards are for your personal use only. Scammers pressure victims into buying cards and giving them the codes.
• Hang up – If a caller seems suspicious, don’t engage. Simply hang up and call Apple directly to verify.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Apple Billing Approval Text Scam

1. How does the Apple billing approval text scam work?

The scam starts with a text message that appears to come from Apple. It warns of unauthorized charges or account activity, and provides a number to call. However, the number routes to scammers posing as Apple support. They gain remote access to devices or trick victims into buying gift cards under the pretense of providing refunds or account security.

2. What are some examples of the text messages victims receive?

The texts often mention suspicious charges made with Apple Pay or sign-in attempts. They may say something like:

“

[Apple Security Alert]

We have noticed that your Apple id was recently used at “APPLE STORE” for $143.95, paid by Apple Pay Pre Authorization. Also some suspicious sign in request and apple pay activation request detected. That looks like suspicious to us. In order to maintain the security and privacy of your account we have placed those request on hold. If NOT you? Please Call [scam phone number] to talk to an Apple Representative. Failing may lead to auto debit and charge will not be reversed. Call immediately to cancel this charge.

Customer Support:

Billing Support : Subscriptions and Billing – Official Apple Support

Have a great day!

“

The texts urge victims to call before their account is compromised or suspended. Of course, the number goes to scammers, not real Apple support.

3. What happens when victims call the number in the text?

The number leads to a scam call center where criminals pose as Apple support agents. They claim remote access to your device is needed to provide refunds or stop hackers. This allows them to install spyware, steal data, or gain account access.

4. Will Apple tech support ever ask for remote access?

No. Apple will never proactively contact you asking for remote access to your device or account. Any call or text requesting this type of access is always a scam attempt.

5. How can I tell if a call from Apple support is fake?

Warning signs of a scam call include urgent demands to call a provided number, threats that your account will be deactivated, requests for payment via gift cards, or any request for your Apple ID password or device passwords.

6. What’s the goal behind the Apple billing approval text scam?

The main goals are to gain remote access to devices in order to steal personal data and install spyware, take over Apple accounts to make fraudulent charges, or trick victims into buying gift cards and sharing the codes.

7. Should I call or text the number provided in one of these scam messages?

No, you should never call, text, or otherwise engage with the phone number provided in these text scams. The numbers are controlled by scammers. Contact Apple directly through official support channels to verify if a message was real.

8. How can I report a scam text message that claims to be from Apple?

You can report scam text messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). This allows your phone carrier to investigate and potentially block the senders. You can also report the scam to Apple and the FTC to help warn others.

9. How can I protect myself from the Apple billing approval text scam?

Avoid calling numbers in suspicious texts, don’t provide any account details or passwords, refuse requests for remote access, never buy gift cards for an alleged refund, and report scam messages. Contact Apple directly if you are unsure about a message.

The Bottom Line

The Apple Billing Approval Notice text scam is growing rapidly and can result in thousands of dollars in losses if users fall for it. The best way to avoid being a victim is to know the warning signs, never call numbers provided in suspicious texts, and refuse any form of remote access or gift card demands.

Being skeptical of all unsolicited calls and texts, guarding your personal information, and contacting Apple independently can help you steer clear of these criminal scammers. Share this information to help warn family and friends before they can be targeted.