Apple Pay Security Reminder Text Scam: Fake Apple Support Warning
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A new Apple Pay text scam is using fake “security reminder” alerts to scare people into calling a A text message claiming there is a suspicious Apple Pay transaction may look like a legitimate security alert, but it can be part of a phone-based tech support scam.
These messages often urge you to call a supposed Apple Support number to review or cancel the transaction. Once you call, scammers may claim your device or Apple account is compromised, then pressure you to install remote access software, reveal financial information, or buy gift cards.
What Is the Apple Pay Security Reminder Text Scam?
The Apple Pay Security Reminder Text Scam is a phishing and fake tech support scheme. It starts with a text message claiming that a suspicious Apple Pay transaction was detected, restricted, or placed on hold.
The amount is usually specific enough to feel real. In this example, the message claims there was a $143.95 Apple Pay transaction at “Apple Store (CA).” That detail is meant to make the warning feel credible. It also creates uncertainty. The victim may think, “I did not buy anything from Apple. Maybe someone used my account.”
That fear is the hook.
The text then says that if the transaction was yours, no action is needed. But if it was not yours, you should call “Apple Support” at the number provided. This is the trap. The phone number in the text connects to scammers, not Apple.
Once the victim calls, the scammers usually follow a fake support script. They may claim:
Your Apple ID was compromised
Your iPhone or computer is infected
Hackers are using your Apple Pay account
The transaction can be canceled only after a “security check”
A refund can be issued, but they need to verify your device first
Your bank account is at risk
You must act immediately to prevent more charges
The goal is not to help you. The goal is to gain control, panic you, and extract money or sensitive information.
How the Scam Works
1. You receive a fake Apple Pay security text
The scam begins with an SMS message that appears to come from Apple or Apple Pay. The wording is usually professional and avoids obvious spelling mistakes.
It may mention:
A suspicious Apple Pay transaction
An Apple Store charge
A temporary restriction
An account safety review
A phone number for “Apple Support”
“Reply STOP” language to look like a legitimate automated message
That final “Reply STOP” line is included to make the message look like a normal business SMS. But in this situation, replying is not useful. It may simply confirm that your number is active.
2. The fake transaction creates panic
The scammers know that Apple Pay is tied to real money. If someone sees a message claiming there is a suspicious Apple Pay transaction, they may react quickly.
The amount is usually not too high and not too low. It is high enough to worry the victim, but not so high that it feels unbelievable. A charge like $143.95 sounds realistic.
The message also says the transaction was restricted. That makes the victim feel there is still time to stop it.
3. The victim calls the fake support number
This is the main danger. The scam does not need a malicious link. It only needs the victim to call.
Once the victim calls the number, the person answering pretends to be Apple Support. They may sound calm and professional. They may use call-center language. They may ask for the victim’s name, device type, Apple ID email address, or bank name.
The scammer’s goal is to move the victim from “I received a text” to “I am now following instructions from support.”
4. The scammer claims the device is hacked or infected
After a few minutes, the fake agent will usually escalate the situation. They may say the Apple Pay transaction is only one part of a bigger problem.
Common lies include:
“Your Apple ID has been accessed from another location.”
“Your iPhone is infected with malware.”
“Hackers are connected to your device.”
“Your banking apps may be compromised.”
“We need to secure your account before the transaction can be canceled.”
“Do not open your banking app unless we are connected.”
This is classic tech support scam behavior. The FTC warns that legitimate tech companies do not contact people by phone, email, or text to say there is a problem with their computer, and real security warnings do not tell people to call a phone number.
5. They ask you to install remote access software
The scammer may then ask the victim to install a remote access tool such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, or a similar app.
They may describe it as:
A secure Apple diagnostic tool
A screen-sharing session
A refund verification tool
A fraud protection session
A way to “remove hackers”
A way to “restore account safety”
This is where the scam becomes much more dangerous. If the victim grants remote access, the scammer may be able to see the screen, guide the victim through banking apps, capture sensitive information, manipulate browser pages, or convince the victim to approve payments.
Apple specifically warns that scammers posing as Apple or tech support may ask users to install screen-sharing software, and Apple says it will never ask for Apple Account passwords, verification codes, device passcodes, recovery keys, or other account security details.
6. They try to steal banking information
Once connected remotely, the scammers may tell the victim they need to verify financial accounts. This is usually framed as part of a refund, cancellation, or fraud reversal.
They may ask the victim to:
Log in to online banking
Open a banking app
Enter debit or credit card details
Share verification codes
Confirm account balances
Transfer money to a “safe account”
Approve a payment that they claim is only a test
In some cases, the scammer may blank the screen or distract the victim while moving money. In other cases, they simply pressure the victim into making the payment themselves.
7. They demand gift cards
If the scammers cannot steal money directly, they may switch to gift cards. They may tell the victim to buy Apple Gift Cards, Target cards, Walmart cards, Best Buy cards, or other prepaid cards.
The excuse changes depending on the script:
“This is needed to cancel the transaction.”
“This verifies your identity.”
“This creates a temporary refund code.”
“This blocks the hacker.”
“This restores your Apple Pay account.”
“The money will be refunded after verification.”
This is always a scam. Apple says Apple gift cards can only be used for Apple purchases, and anyone asking for gift card codes for something else may be targeting you with a scam. Apple also warns not to share redemption codes with strangers.
Red Flags in the Apple Pay Security Reminder Text
This scam has several warning signs.
It tells you to call a phone number from a text
A real security issue should be verified through the official Apple Support app, your device settings, your Apple Account, or your bank. You should not call a phone number from an unexpected text message.
The message creates urgency without proof
The text claims there was a suspicious Apple Pay transaction, but it does not show a real receipt, real Apple Account details, or verifiable information. It simply pushes you toward the phone number.
It says “Apple Support” repeatedly
Repeating “Apple Support” is a trust-building trick. Scammers often repeat official-sounding words to make the message feel legitimate.
The “Reply STOP” line looks artificial
Many legitimate marketing texts include opt-out language, but scammers copy that style to look compliant. In a suspicious security message, “Reply STOP” does not prove the text is real.
The caller asks for remote access
No real Apple Support agent needs remote control of your device to cancel a suspicious Apple Pay transaction. Remote access requests are one of the clearest signs of a tech support scam.
They ask for gift cards
Any request to buy gift cards and read the codes over the phone is a scam. Gift cards are not a security tool, refund method, or Apple Pay verification method.
What To Do If You Receive This Text
Do not call the phone number in the message.
Do not reply STOP.
Do not click any links if the message includes them.
Do not install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, or any other remote access app because someone from the text told you to.
Instead, check your Apple Pay and Apple Account activity directly through trusted channels. Open the Wallet app, check your card transactions, review your bank account, and use the official Apple Support app or Apple’s official website if you need help.
If you are unsure whether a transaction is real, contact your bank using the number on the back of your card. Do not use the phone number from the text.
What To Do If You Called the Fake Apple Support Number
If you called but did not share information, end the call and block the number.
If you shared personal information, take action quickly:
Change your Apple Account password immediately.
Change passwords for any accounts you discussed during the call.
Remove any remote access apps the scammer asked you to install.
Restart your device.
Check your Apple Account for unknown devices or suspicious activity.
Contact your bank or card issuer if you shared payment information.
Watch for unauthorized charges.
Enable two-factor authentication if it is not already enabled.
Report the scam text.
If you gave a scammer remote access to your computer or phone, assume anything visible during the session may have been exposed. This includes banking pages, saved passwords, email accounts, documents, photos, and authentication codes.
What To Do If You Bought Gift Cards
If you bought gift cards and gave the codes to the scammer, contact the gift card issuer immediately. Ask whether the funds can be frozen or recovered.
The FTC advises victims who gave gift card numbers to scammers to report the scam to the gift card company right away, ask for the money back, and report the incident to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Keep:
The gift card
The receipt
Photos of the card and code area
The scammer’s phone number
Screenshots of the text message
Any call logs or payment records
Recovery is not guaranteed, but speed matters.
How To Report the Apple Pay Scam Text
You can report suspicious Apple-related messages to Apple. Apple says suspicious emails can be forwarded to reportphishing@apple.com, and if you entered personal information on a scam website, you should immediately change your Apple Account password.
You can also report the scam to:
Your mobile carrier by forwarding the message to 7726, if supported
The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov in the United States
Your bank or card issuer if money or card data was involved
Local law enforcement if you lost money
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
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Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
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Download Malwarebytes
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Start the Scan
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
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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.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
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:
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Restart Your Mac
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Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
The Apple Pay Security Reminder text is not a real Apple security alert. It is a fake support scam built around a fake transaction and a fraudulent phone number.
The scammers want you to panic, call the number, believe your device is hacked, install remote access software, reveal financial information, or buy gift cards. The message may look polished, but the pattern is clear.
Do not call the number in the text. Do not give remote access to your device. Do not buy gift cards. Check your Apple Pay and bank activity through official channels only.
FAQ
Is the Apple Pay Security Reminder text real?
No. The message is a scam if it tells you to call a random phone number to review an Apple Pay transaction. Apple does not ask users to call unknown support numbers from suspicious text messages.
What is the goal of this scam?
The goal is to scare you into calling a fake Apple Support center. Once you call, scammers may claim your device is hacked, ask for remote access, steal personal information, or pressure you into buying gift cards.
Why does the text mention a specific Apple Pay charge?
The fake charge is used to create panic. A specific amount, such as $143.95, makes the message feel more believable and pushes victims to act quickly.
Should I call the phone number in the text?
No. Do not call the number. It connects to scammers pretending to be Apple Support. Use only Apple’s official website, the Apple Support app, or your bank’s official phone number.
What happens if I call the fake Apple Support number?
The scammers may say your Apple ID, iPhone, or bank account is compromised. They may ask you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or another remote access app so they can “secure” your device. In reality, they want access to your information and money.
Is AnyDesk or TeamViewer itself a scam?
No. These are legitimate remote access tools. The scam happens when criminals misuse them to control victims’ devices, view private information, or guide victims into making payments.
Will Apple ever ask me to buy gift cards to fix a problem?
No. Apple will never ask you to buy gift cards to cancel a transaction, verify your identity, unlock Apple Pay, or secure your account. Anyone asking for gift card codes over the phone is a scammer.
What should I do if I received this text?
Do not reply, do not call the number, and do not click any links. Check your Apple Pay and card activity directly through the Wallet app, your bank app, or official Apple Support channels.
What should I do if I gave scammers remote access?
Disconnect immediately, uninstall the remote access app, restart your device, change your Apple Account password, change important banking/email passwords, and contact your bank if you opened financial accounts during the call.
What should I do if I lost money?
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately. If you bought gift cards, contact the gift card company and ask if the funds can be frozen. Save screenshots, receipts, call logs, and the scam text as evidence.
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.
