Apple Pay Transaction Text Scam EXPOSED – Full Investigation
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Apple Pay transaction scam texts are designed to look like urgent security alerts. They claim a charge, often around $100 to $400, was “flagged” or “placed on hold” and instruct you to call a phone number labeled as Apple Support.
That number does not belong to Apple. It routes to a fake tech support center where scammers try to frighten victims into granting remote access, sharing banking details or one-time codes, and in many cases buying gift cards and reading the codes aloud.
This article explains how the scam works, how to spot it quickly, and what to do if you already interacted with the message.
Scam Overview
The Apple Pay transaction text scam is a fake “fraud alert” sent by SMS or iMessage that impersonates Apple, Apple Pay, or Apple Support. The goal is not to “help” you. The goal is to get you to take an action that hands control to the scammer.
Most versions use one of two paths:
Call-first scams: The text tells you to call a phone number to “verify” a transaction.
Link-first scams: The text pushes you to tap a link that leads to a fake Apple login page or a fake “Apple Pay verification” portal.
The screenshot you provided is a call-first version. It uses official-sounding language, a realistic dollar amount, and an Apple-related merchant label to make the situation feel urgent and believable.
The most important point is simple:
This alert is fake. It has nothing to do with Apple.
Why these texts feel so convincing
Scammers are not guessing randomly. They design these messages around how real fraud alerts look and how people react under pressure.
A well-built scam text typically includes:
A recognizable brand name (Apple, Apple Pay, Apple Support)
A specific $ amount (not too high, not too low, often between $99 and $399)
A reason the charge is “on hold” (“flagged,” “temporarily held,” “pending verification”)
A call to action (call now, confirm now, secure your account now)
A built-in “if it was you, ignore this” line to reduce suspicion
That last part is key. It makes the message sound balanced and reasonable, like something a real company would say.
In reality, it is a psychological trick. It lowers your guard and makes the “call us” instruction feel safe.
What the fake Apple Pay message often looks like
Many scam texts follow a similar template. The wording changes, but the structure stays consistent.
Common phrases include:
“INFO: Apple Security Alert”
“Apple Pay Transaction Notification”
“A recent Apple Pay authorization of $___ has been flagged”
“We are holding it until we can verify it with you”
“If this wasn’t you, contact Apple Support immediately”
“Your Apple ID may be compromised”
“Suspicious activity detected on your Apple Pay account”
“Press 1 to speak with an agent” (if you call and hear a recorded menu)
Some versions also add fake social proof, like “notifications” claiming other people received refunds, or a line suggesting your account is being protected in real time.
Why Apple Pay is a perfect theme for scammers
Apple Pay is widely used, and most people understand it just enough to worry.
A message about Apple Pay hits several nerves at once:
It suggests money is already leaving your account
It implies your card or Apple ID might be compromised
It triggers fear of identity theft
It creates urgency because you feel you must act before the charge “posts”
It feels plausible because fraud alerts are common
Scammers also know that many people store multiple cards in Wallet, have subscriptions, and occasionally see Apple-related charges they do not recognize immediately.
That confusion gives the scammer room to steer the conversation.
The real objective: get you on the phone, then take control
In the call-first version, the text is only step one.
The real scam happens after you call the number.
The person who answers will sound professional and calm. They often use a script, a fake name, and a fake “case number.” They may claim to be from:
Apple Support
Apple Security Department
Apple Pay Fraud Prevention
Apple Billing and Refunds
A “partner team” that handles suspicious charges
Then they escalate.
They will claim one or more of the following:
Your Apple ID is “under attack”
Your iPhone or computer is “infected”
Someone is attempting to add a new device to your iCloud
Your Apple Pay token is being used in another state
Your bank account is connected to “unauthorized transfers”
All of this is designed to justify the next request: remote access to your device.
How the remote access part usually plays out
If you call, scammers commonly say they need to “verify your device” or “secure your account.” They might instruct you to install a remote support tool, or to go to a site that downloads one.
On a phone, they may push you to install an app that allows screen sharing or remote control. On a computer, they often push remote desktop tools.
The pitch varies:
“We need to check for malicious profiles.”
“We need to block the hacker.”
“We need to process a refund.”
“We need to reverse the pending transaction.”
“We need to secure your Apple Pay wallet.”
Once they have remote access or screen sharing, the balance of power flips. They can watch what you do, direct your clicks, and pressure you in real time.
What they are trying to steal
This scam is primarily about money, but the information they harvest can fuel future fraud.
Targets often include:
Online banking logins
Debit or credit card details
Apple ID credentials
One-time passcodes (OTP) sent by SMS or authenticator apps
Personal data (full name, address, date of birth)
Access to email accounts (so they can reset other passwords)
Gift card codes
The gift card angle is especially common because gift cards are difficult to reverse once the code is redeemed.
Why gift cards show up in a “tech support” scam
Gift cards are not a weird side detail. They are a major cash-out method.
Scammers use gift cards because:
They are fast to acquire
They are easy to launder
They are hard to trace
Victims can be pressured into buying them “right now”
The scammer will often frame gift cards as:
A “verification deposit”
A “security hold”
A “refund processing fee”
A “token to confirm identity”
A “secure payment method” because your “bank is compromised”
None of that is real.
Apple Support does not take gift cards as payment. Banks do not use gift cards for verification. Law enforcement does not require gift cards for investigations. Any mention of gift cards in a support call is an immediate red flag.
Who gets targeted
These scams are sent in bulk, but they tend to hook people who:
Use Apple Pay regularly
Recently made a large purchase
Have multiple subscriptions and frequent Apple charges
Are busy and respond quickly under stress
Are not familiar with how Apple communicates about billing issues
Scammers also rely on timing. A text that arrives when you are distracted, traveling, or juggling work and family is far more likely to trigger a quick reaction.
Key red flags in a fake Apple Pay transaction text
Even when the message looks polished, the warning signs are usually there.
Look for:
A random phone number presented as “Apple Support”
Pressure to act immediately
Claims your device is hacked or infected as part of a billing issue
Requests for remote access
Requests for one-time passcodes
Requests for gift cards
Vague sender info (unknown number, email-like address, odd short code)
A message that bypasses the normal Apple experience (no mention of checking Wallet, Settings, or your Apple ID)
A real security notice from a major company generally points you to sign in through official channels you already use, not to call a number delivered by a random text.
What you should do if you get the text but have not interacted
If you received a text like this and did not call or click anything, you are in a good position.
Your safest moves are simple:
Do not reply.
Do not call the number.
Do not click any links in the message.
Check your payment method the right way: your Wallet transactions, your bank app, or your card statements.
If you see a real charge you do not recognize, contact your card issuer using the number on the back of your card, or inside your banking app.
That last step matters. If you call the number in the text, you are calling the scammers. If you call the number on your card or in your bank app, you are reaching a real institution.
How The Scam Works
Below is the typical step-by-step flow for the Apple Pay transaction text scam, including the tactics used once you call the fake support number.
Step 1: The bait message lands on your phone
The scam begins with a text designed to look like a real Apple Pay alert.
It usually includes:
A claim that a transaction of $___ occurred
The transaction is “flagged” or “on hold”
Instructions to ignore the message if it was you
A phone number to call if it was not you
The scammer wants you to think you have two minutes to prevent a loss. That sense of urgency is intentional.
Step 2: You call the number and reach a scripted “support” agent
When you call, you typically get one of two experiences:
A recorded greeting that sounds like a call center
A person who answers quickly with a confident “Apple Support” style introduction
They may ask for basic details to make it feel legitimate, such as:
Your name
Your phone number
Whether you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Whether the transaction was authorized
This is not for “verification.” It is for engagement. Once you are talking, it becomes harder to hang up.
Step 3: They build credibility with a fake case and a fake narrative
Next comes the trust-building phase.
They often use tactics like:
Assigning a “case number”
Putting you on hold briefly to “check the system”
Repeating the transaction details you already saw in the text
Using technical terms loosely to sound knowledgeable
Then they raise the stakes.
They may say:
“Your Apple ID is compromised.”
“Someone is trying to link a new device to your account.”
“Your Apple Pay wallet may be mirrored.”
“Your device shows signs of unauthorized access.”
The goal is to move you from “this might be a mistake” to “this is a serious security incident.”
Step 4: They push you into a rushed decision
This is where the scam turns from a fake alert into a coordinated manipulation.
They may claim:
The charge will “post” in minutes
Your account will be locked unless you verify
Additional charges will follow unless you act now
You must stay on the line to “stop the hacker”
They may also instruct you not to contact anyone else:
“Do not call your bank yet, it can interfere with the reversal.”
“Do not reset your device until we finish securing it.”
“Do not hang up or the transaction will go through.”
This is a control tactic. Isolation reduces the chance you will get a second opinion.
Step 5: They request remote access or screen sharing
This is one of the most dangerous moments.
The scammer may say they need to:
“Run a security scan”
“Remove malicious profiles”
“Secure your Apple Pay wallet”
“Confirm your identity”
“Process the refund”
Then they guide you to install a remote support app or enable screen sharing.
If you are on a computer, they may push a remote desktop tool. If you are on a phone, they may push a screen-sharing app or ask you to change settings that reduce your security.
Once they can see your screen, they can:
Watch you log in to accounts
Capture personal data
Direct you to banking sites
Pressure you while you are typing passwords
Request one-time codes and claim they are “verification”
Even if they cannot fully control the phone, screen visibility can be enough to steal what they need.
Step 6: The “refund” or “security hold” story appears
After remote access is established, many scammers switch to a refund narrative.
They may claim:
They will “reverse” the transaction
They need to “confirm your bank account” to send the refund
The refund requires a “test deposit”
The bank is “blocking the refund” due to suspicious activity
Sometimes they perform a classic support-scam trick: they manipulate numbers on screen, then insist you “owe” money back.
For example, they might claim they accidentally refunded $1,439.50 instead of $143.95, then pressure you to “return the difference.” The details vary, but the pressure is always the same.
The purpose is to get you to move money under stress.
Step 7: They steer you into your bank account or payment app
Once you are already anxious, they direct you to open:
Your bank website or banking app
A money transfer app
Apple Cash (if you use it)
A payment portal they control
They will often ask you to log in while they watch.
They may claim they need to “verify the account” for refund routing, but what they really want is:
Your login credentials
Your account balances
Your ability to transfer money
If they can persuade you to move money, they win immediately.
Step 8: Gift cards become the “fastest fix”
If a direct transfer fails, or if the victim hesitates, scammers often pivot to gift cards.
They might say:
“Your bank is compromised, gift cards are safer.”
“We need a temporary verification payment.”
“This is the only way to secure your account today.”
“The system requires a token number from a gift card.”
Then they instruct you to buy gift cards from common retailers and read the codes to them.
The moment you share the codes, the money is usually gone.
Step 9: They extract more information for future fraud
Even if they do not get money immediately, scammers often collect data that enables future attacks.
This can include:
Your email address and password patterns
Answers to common security questions
The last four digits of cards
Your address and date of birth
Which bank you use
Which devices you own
That information can be sold, reused, or used to craft more targeted scams later.
Step 10: They try to keep you quiet and delay your response
Finally, scammers often try to slow down your recovery steps.
They may say:
“Do not report this yet, it can slow the reversal.”
“Wait 24 to 48 hours for the refund to process.”
“We have secured your account, you are safe now.”
This is not for your benefit. It is to buy time while they cash out.
Variations you should expect
Not every Apple Pay transaction scam follows the same script. Here are common variations that still point to the same fraud model:
“Your Apple ID was locked” and you must call to unlock it
“Find My iPhone detected a new login” and you must verify
“Your iCloud storage payment failed” and you must update billing
“Apple Pay will be suspended” unless you confirm identity
A link to a fake Apple login page that steals your Apple ID password and codes
The theme is consistent: urgency, authority, and a forced action that routes you away from official support channels.
Example Text Message Used in the Apple Pay Transaction Text Scam
Below is the kind of message scammers send. This is scam content reproduced for awareness and identification purposes only.
Variant A: “Flagged Transaction” Call-Back Trap (matches your screenshot)
INFO: Apple Security Alert
Apple Pay Transaction Notification
Dear Customer, A recent Apple Pay authorization of $143.95 at “Apple Store – CA” has been temporarily flagged by our system. We are holding it until we can verify it with you.
Should this be your transaction, you can disregard this notice.
If this wasn’t you, we encourage you to get in touch with Apple Support at +1 (833) 678-6002.
Variant B: “Pending Charge” With Immediate Urgency
Apple Pay Alert: A transaction of $287.41 is pending approval on your Apple Pay account.
If you did not authorize this charge, call Apple Support now: +1 (8XX) XXX-XXXX Reply STOP if this was you.
Variant C: “Suspicious Activity Detected” With Fear Language
Apple Security Notice: Suspicious activity detected.
Apple Pay payment of $199.99 to APPLE STORE has been placed on hold. To cancel this transaction, contact Apple Support: +1 (8XX) XXX-XXXX
Variant D: “Account Will Be Locked” Pressure Tactic
Apple ID Security Alert: Unusual Apple Pay activity detected. Your account will be temporarily locked for safety.
If you did not authorize $149.95, call Apple Support immediately: +1 (8XX) XXX-XXXX
Variant E: “Refund Department” Angle
Apple Pay Refund Notice: Your Apple Pay payment of $329.00 was flagged as suspicious.
To confirm and receive a refund, call the Apple Refund Department: +1 (8XX) XXX-XXXX
Variant F: “Verify Within Minutes” Countdown Style
Apple Pay Fraud Alert: We detected an Apple Pay charge of $164.52.
Verify within 10 minutes to prevent processing. Call Apple Support: +1 (8XX) XXX-XXXX
Apple Pay Security Alert: We detected an unusual payment attempt of $153.21.
Confirm your identity to stop the charge: http://apple-pay-verification[.]com/secure Support: +1 (8XX) XXX-XXXX
Variant J: “Reply Y/N” Interaction Hook
Apple Pay: Did you authorize $209.95 at Apple Store?
Reply Y for Yes or N for No. If No, call Apple Support: +1 (8XX) XXX-XXXX
Good to know:
Apple does not send random SMS messages telling you to call a phone number to stop a charge.
Any message that mentions remote access, “device infection,” or asks for gift cards is a scam.
Always verify charges directly in Wallet and with your bank using official contact information.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you called the number, clicked a link, shared information, or gave remote access, treat it as a real security incident. The key is to act quickly, but calmly.
Use this checklist in order.
Stop all communication immediately
Hang up if you are still on the call.
Do not reply to texts.
Block the sender number.
Do not call back “to confirm” anything.
If you installed any remote access or screen-sharing app, remove it
Uninstall anything the caller told you to install.
If you are not sure what was installed, review your recently installed apps and remove anything unfamiliar.
Restart your device after uninstalling.
Disconnect remote access and change passwords from a clean device
If the scam involved remote access on a computer, use a different device to change important passwords.
Start with your email account, then your Apple ID, then your banking passwords.
Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Secure your Apple ID
Change your Apple ID password.
Enable two-factor authentication if it is not already on.
Review your trusted devices and remove anything you do not recognize.
Review account recovery options (trusted phone numbers and recovery email).
Check Apple Pay and Wallet activity
Review recent transactions tied to cards in Wallet.
If you see an unauthorized charge, contact the card issuer immediately.
Consider removing the affected card from Wallet until your bank reissues it.
Call your bank or card issuer using official contact methods
Use the phone number on the back of your card or inside your official banking app.
Explain you may have shared information with scammers.
Ask about freezing the card, reissuing it, and disputing charges.
If you shared one-time passcodes, assume your accounts may be compromised
Change passwords immediately.
Sign out of all sessions where possible.
Review recent login activity in email, Apple ID, and other key accounts.
If you gave gift card codes, contact the gift card issuer right away
Time matters. Some issuers can freeze funds if the code has not been fully redeemed.
Keep receipts, card packaging, and any chat logs or call details.
Do not assume it is “too late” without trying.
Scan and clean your computer if it was involved
If you granted remote access on a Windows or Mac computer, run a reputable security scan.
Update your operating system and browsers.
Remove unknown browser extensions and any unfamiliar programs.
Monitor your accounts for at least 30 days
Watch for small test charges, new payees, or login alerts.
Set up transaction alerts in your bank app.
Check your email for password reset messages you did not request.
Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert if personal data was shared
If you shared your address, date of birth, or other identity info, consider additional identity theft protections.
Monitor your credit reports for new accounts you did not open.
Report the scam
Report the text as junk or spam in your messaging app.
Report the phone number to your mobile carrier if possible.
File a report with consumer protection or cybercrime reporting organizations in your country.
If you are in the United States, you can report scams to the FTC and, for certain internet-related fraud, to IC3.
These steps are not about panic. They are about reducing the scammer’s window of opportunity.
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:
The Apple Pay transaction text scam is effective because it feels like a normal fraud alert, delivered at the exact moment you are most likely to react emotionally.
But the core trick is always the same: the text pushes you to call a number that has nothing to do with Apple. Once you call, you are routed into a fake support center that uses fear, urgency, and technical confusion to pressure you into remote access, bank credential exposure, money transfers, or gift card payments.
If you receive a message like this, do not call the number. Verify transactions through your Wallet, your bank, and official support channels you initiate yourself.
If you already engaged, you can still recover. Cut contact, remove any remote tools, secure your Apple ID, contact your bank through official numbers, and document everything. Fast action makes a real difference, and the sooner you move, the less room scammers have to cash out.
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.
