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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The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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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.
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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, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for 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.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
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Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
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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.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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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.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
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Restart Your Mac
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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.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
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Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Restart your phone.
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If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
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The Bottom Line
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.
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