Apple Payment Authorization Alert Text Scam EXPOSED – Investigation
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A text arrives claiming an Apple Pay payment of $143.95 at “Apple Store – CA” is “pending verification” and urges you to call “Apple Support” to stop it.
That is the Apple Payment Authorization Alert text scam. It is designed to trigger urgency, route you to a fake support line, and pressure you into sharing sensitive details, verification codes, or device access.
Here is how to recognize it quickly, how the scam works step by step, and what to do if you already interacted with it.
Scam Overview
The Apple Payment Authorization Alert Scam is a social engineering fraud delivered by SMS or iMessage-style text. It impersonates Apple, Apple Pay, or an “Apple Support Center,” claiming a suspicious payment is “pending verification” and requires your confirmation.
If you “confirm” the transaction, the message implies you can ignore it. If you did not authorize it, the text urges you to call a phone number immediately.
That phone number is the trap.
What the scam text typically looks like
These messages often follow a familiar template:
A subject line or header like “Apple Security Alert” or “Payment Authorization Alert”
A friendly greeting such as “Dear Apple User”
A specific dollar amount, often between $99 and $999
A merchant name that sounds legitimate, like “Apple Store,” “App Store,” or a location label such as “CA”
A “pending verification” line to make it feel like there is still time to stop it
A call to action that routes you away from Apple’s real support channels and toward a scam call center
Your example hits all the classic notes:
“INFO: Apple Security Alert”
“Payment Authorization Alert”
“An attempt to authorize a payment of $143.95 via Apple Pay… is currently pending verification.”
“Please reach out to Apple Support at +1 833-808 4962.”
Why scammers use “pending verification”
“Pending verification” is carefully chosen language.
It creates the impression that:
Apple is actively protecting you
The transaction is not final yet
You must act fast, but you can still prevent the damage
That sense of urgency pushes people into reactive decisions, like calling the number without checking anything else.
Why the scam works so well
This scam succeeds because it uses three psychological triggers at once:
Fear of financial loss Seeing a specific amount like $143.95 instantly activates worry, even if you do not recognize the charge.
Authority Apple is a trusted brand. Many people assume Apple would warn them in a direct, official-sounding message.
Time pressure Words like “attempt,” “pending,” and “verification” imply a ticking clock. The scam is designed to bypass your normal skepticism.
The real objective: control and access
The text itself does not steal money. The text is a funnel.
The scam’s purpose is to get you into a live conversation with a fake “Apple Support” agent who will attempt to extract one or more of the following:
Your Apple ID login or verification code
Access to your device or computer via remote support tools
Your payment card details or banking information
Personal data used for identity theft (name, address, date of birth, partial SSN, etc.)
Your trust and compliance, so you follow instructions without verifying anything
Once you are on the phone, the criminals can adapt their script to your situation. If you sound worried, they press urgency. If you sound suspicious, they add “verification steps.” If you hesitate, they offer reassurance and a “case number.”
Common variations you may see
Scammers rarely use just one script. They rotate wording, amounts, and phone numbers constantly. Variants include:
“Apple Pay purchase pending”
“Apple ID locked due to suspicious activity”
“Unrecognized subscription charged to your Apple account”
“Your Apple account has been compromised, speak to an agent now”
Sometimes the text includes:
A fake reference number
A fake “Support Center” signature
A shortened link instead of a phone number
Both a link and a number, increasing the chance you interact
What makes this scam especially dangerous
Some scams aim only for personal info. This one often aims for live account takeover.
A skilled fraud operator can use your panic and a few pieces of information to:
Trick you into sharing a one-time passcode
Walk you through changing security settings
Add a new “trusted” phone number or device
Gain access to your Apple ID, iCloud, Wallet, or payment methods
Use stolen credentials to attempt logins on other services where you reused passwords
It is also common for these scammers to shift tactics mid-call. If they cannot get into your Apple account, they may pivot to your bank account. If you refuse to provide card details, they may push you to install remote access software so they can “help cancel the payment.”
Red flags that point to a scam
Use this checklist when you see messages like this:
A phone number in the text presented as “Apple Support”
Unsolicited urgency with “pending verification” language
Generic greeting like “Dear Apple User” instead of your name
Unusual formatting like “INFO:” headers or awkward capitalization
Pressure to act immediately instead of directing you to verify inside official apps
No clear path to confirm through Apple Pay or your card issuer
The message tries to move you off-platform (call this number, click this link)
A legitimate security notification usually gives you a way to verify activity through official, established channels. A scam tries to isolate you into a fast, private interaction.
What Apple and legitimate payment systems generally do
It is important to keep expectations realistic.
Apple, your bank, and your card issuer do send alerts sometimes. But a legitimate alert typically:
Does not demand you call a random number from a text
Does not rely on urgency alone
Encourages verification through official apps or known contact methods
Points you toward account settings, transaction history, or a secure support path
The scam text you received does the opposite. It shortcuts you directly into a phone call with criminals.
The hidden payoff: more than one victim outcome
Different victims lose different things, depending on what they share. The most common outcomes are:
Payment fraud Criminals extract card details or trick you into authorizing transfers.
Apple ID compromise They use login info or verification codes to access iCloud, photos, backups, contacts, and more.
Remote access takeover Victims install remote support tools, allowing criminals to manipulate accounts directly.
Identity theft They collect personal data and use it for new account openings, SIM swaps, or targeted phishing later.
Repeat targeting If you respond once, your phone number is often marked as “responsive,” increasing future scam attempts.
That is why even a “small interaction,” like replying to the text, can increase your risk. It signals that a real person is behind the number.
How The Scam Works
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens, from the first text to the most common endgames. This is written from the victim’s point of view so you can recognize each stage early.
Step 1: The text arrives with a believable charge
You receive a message that claims a payment is being authorized through Apple Pay.
It includes:
A specific dollar amount like $143.95
A merchant label like “Apple Store – CA”
A “pending verification” status
A phone number for “Apple Support”
The specificity is what makes it believable. Many people assume scammers send vague messages. These scams are intentionally detailed to reduce doubt.
Here is how the text looks:
INFO: Apple Security Alert
Payment Authorization Alert
Dear Apple User, An attempt to authorize a payment of $143.95 via Apple Pay at “Apple Store – CA” is currently pending verification.
If you confirm this was you, no additional steps are required.
If you did not attempt this transaction, please reach out to Apple Support at +1 833-808 4962.
Thank you for assisting us in protecting your account security.
Support Center +1 833-808 4962
Step 2: You feel urgency and start scanning for damage
Most people immediately think:
“Was my Apple Pay hacked?”
“Did my kid buy something?”
“Did I accidentally click something?”
“Is my card already being charged?”
In that moment, the scam is already working because your brain is trying to fix a perceived emergency.
This is why the text includes a “no further steps required” line if it was you. It frames the call as the safe choice only if you did not authorize it.
Step 3: The scam pushes you into the wrong channel
The message does not tell you to open Wallet and check your cards.
It does not tell you to log into your Apple ID account page.
It does not tell you to contact your bank using the number on the back of your card.
Instead, it gives you a phone number and makes calling feel like the fastest, safest action.
That is the funnel. Once you call, you are no longer verifying anything. You are entering a controlled conversation designed to extract information.
Step 4: The “Apple Support” agent answers quickly and sounds professional
Scam call centers often sound polished.
The person may say:
“Thank you for calling Apple Support.”
“I see the pending authorization.”
“I can help you cancel it, but we need to verify your identity.”
They may provide a fake case ID. They may repeat the amount and merchant to build confidence. They may use empathy to lower your guard.
This is also where the scam adapts. The agent listens for cues:
Are you an Apple Card user?
Do you use Apple Pay daily?
Are you worried enough to follow instructions?
Do you sound technically comfortable or easily guided?
Step 5: They ask for “verification” that is actually data collection
This stage often includes seemingly normal questions:
Your full name
Your phone number
Your billing ZIP code
The bank name connected to your Apple Pay card
Whether you use iCloud
Whether you see the charge in Wallet
Some of these details may sound harmless. In reality, the goal is to build a profile and set up the next step.
At this point, many victims still think they are speaking to Apple.
Step 6: The one-time passcode trap
A common turning point is a request for a code.
The scammer may claim:
“We are sending a verification code to confirm you are the account owner.”
“Read me the code to secure the account.”
“This code is required to cancel the pending payment.”
What is actually happening is usually one of these:
The scammer is trying to log into your Apple ID and needs the 2-factor code.
The scammer is attempting password reset flows.
The scammer is using your phone number to access related accounts.
If you read the code out loud, you can hand them the final piece needed to enter your account.
Step 7: The “secure your account” walkthrough
If the scammer gains access, they may immediately try to lock you out by:
Changing your password
Adding a new trusted phone number
Adding a new trusted device
Modifying recovery settings
Even if they do not gain access, they may still try to manipulate you into doing it yourself:
“Go to Settings and turn off Find My temporarily.”
“Open your Apple ID settings and confirm your payment methods.”
“We need to remove the card and re-add it for security.”
This is social engineering disguised as support.
Step 8: The payment extraction phase
If the scammer cannot get into your Apple ID, they often pivot to money.
Common tactics include:
Claiming you must “reverse” the charge by confirming your card details
Asking for your card number to “locate the transaction”
Directing you to “verify the refund method”
Pushing you to your online banking login “to stop the authorization”
None of these are legitimate.
A real support process does not require you to read payment card numbers to a stranger who called you from a text message.
Step 9: Remote access setup (one of the most damaging paths)
Some versions of this scam instruct victims to install screen-sharing or remote support software on their phone or computer.
The pitch is usually:
“So I can help you cancel the payment.”
“So I can confirm there is no malware.”
“So I can secure your Apple Pay.”
If a victim installs remote access tools, the scammer can:
Watch you log into banking sites
Intercept security prompts
Initiate transfers while you are distracted
Take screenshots of codes
Change account settings in real time
This is one of the fastest ways victims lose money.
Step 10: The aftermath and repeat targeting
After the call, victims often receive:
More scam calls “following up on your case”
Additional texts claiming new charges are pending
Phishing emails that reference the same $ amount
Threats, intimidation, or guilt tactics if the victim resists
If you called once, your number may be circulated among scam groups as responsive. That increases future contact attempts.
Why the phone number changes constantly
The phone number in your example is part of the scam’s infrastructure, not Apple’s.
Scammers rotate numbers because:
Carriers and users report them
Platforms block them
Scam operations move to new lines to keep the funnel alive
That is why it is better to focus on the pattern, not the exact number. Even if one number disappears, the scam continues with another.
The key takeaway from the “how it works” sequence
This scam is not about the text. It is about the call.
The moment you call the number, you move from verification to manipulation. Everything after that is designed to either steal account access, steal money, or both.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you only received the text and did not call or click anything, you are likely fine. You can jump to the prevention tips below and block the number.
If you interacted with the scam in any way, use this checklist. Move through it calmly, one step at a time.
Stop interacting immediately
Do not call back.
Do not reply to the text.
Do not click any links the message includes.
If you are currently on a call with them, hang up.
Check for real transactions in the right places
Open Wallet and review recent activity for the card involved (if you can identify it).
Check your bank or card issuer app for pending or posted transactions.
If you see an unauthorized transaction, contact your card issuer using the official number on the back of your card or inside the issuer’s app.
If you shared a one-time code, treat it like an account compromise
Change your Apple ID password immediately.
Review your Apple ID security settings for unknown devices or phone numbers.
If you cannot access your Apple ID, use Apple’s official account recovery process through Apple’s known channels (Apple Support app or the official Apple website).
Review your Apple ID security and sign-in devices
Look for devices you do not recognize in your Apple ID device list.
Remove any unknown devices.
Check for any changes to trusted phone numbers or recovery methods.
Secure your email account Your email is often the key to password resets.
Change your email password.
Enable 2-factor authentication if it is not already enabled.
Review security alerts and sign-in history for suspicious logins.
If you provided payment card details, contact your card issuer immediately
Ask to freeze or replace the card.
Dispute any unauthorized charges.
Ask about setting up extra fraud alerts.
If you installed any remote access or screen-sharing tools, remove them and assume exposure
Uninstall the app you were instructed to install.
Restart your device.
Run a reputable security scan if you are on a computer.
Monitor banking and email accounts closely for the next several weeks.
Check for unusual changes in banking and payment apps
Look for newly added payees, transfer recipients, or linked accounts.
Review recent transfers and scheduled payments.
If you see anything unfamiliar, report it to your bank immediately.
Monitor for identity theft warning signs If you shared personal details, take precautions:
Watch for unexpected credit inquiries.
Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze (depending on your country and what services are available).
Keep an eye on mail and email for new account notifications you did not initiate.
Report the scam Reporting helps reduce future targeting:
Mark the text as junk or spam in your messaging app.
Report the number to your mobile carrier if they offer a spam reporting short code.
In the US, you can also report scam texts to relevant consumer protection agencies (for example, the FTC) using their official reporting portals.
Block the number and delete the message Blocking helps reduce repeat attempts from the same line, even though scammers rotate numbers. Deleting removes the temptation to re-check or accidentally click anything later.
Reset your mindset: the scam succeeded by design If you feel embarrassed, do not. These scripts are engineered to trigger urgency. Focus on locking down accounts and limiting damage. That is what matters.
How to Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware
If you have accidentally downloaded unwanted programs or malware from a pop-up scam, you can find below a full malware removal guide.
This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the number of steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubts at any point, stop and ask for our assistance.
Browser hijackers, unwanted apps, and adware can infect Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android devices, so we’ve covered below all these operating systems. Depending on which operating system is installed on your device, please click on the operating system icon below and follow the displayed steps.
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
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
First, open Windows Settings by pressing Windows+I on your keyboard. You can also right-click your Start button and select “Settings” from the list.
In the Settings app, click on “Apps” and then “Apps & features”.
When Settings opens, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Apps & Features”.
Find the malicious program in the list of installed apps and uninstall it.
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for unknown or suspicious programs. To make things easier, you can sort all installed programs by their installation date. To do this, click “Sort by” and select “Install date”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. When you find a malicious program, click the three dots button beside it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program.
Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read them closely.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. You can also ope the Settings app by clicking the Start button on the taskbar, then select “Settings” (gear icon).
In the Settings app, click on “Apps”.
When the “Windows Settings” window opens, click on “Apps“. By default, it should open “Apps and Features” but if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.
Find the malicious program in the list of installed apps and uninstall it.
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for unknown or suspicious programs. To make things easier, you can sort all installed programs by their installation date. To do this, click “Sort by” and select “Install date”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. When you find a malicious program, click on it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program.
Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
Go to “Program and Features”.
Right-click on the Start button in the taskbar, then select “Programs and Features”. This will take you directly to your list of installed programs.
Search for malicious program and uninstall it.
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any unknown or suspicious program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malicious program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
Open the “Control Panel”.
Click on the “Start” button, then click on “Control Panel“.
Click on “Uninstall a Program”.
When the “Control Panel” appears, click on “Uninstall a Program” from the Programs category.
Search for malicious programs and uninstall them.
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any suspicious or unknown program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malicious program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
If you are experiencing difficulty while attempting to uninstall a program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove the unwanted program from your computer.
Now that the malicious programs have been removed from your computer, we can proceed with 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 the Restore settings to their original defaults option.
Confirm the reset
In the dialog that appears, click Reset settings to restore Chrome to its default state. Bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will remain, but extensions will be disabled and temporary data cleared.
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.
Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on “Help”.
Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help“.
Click “More troubleshooting information”.
From the Help menu, click on “More troubleshooting information“.
Click on “Refresh Firefox”
When the “Troubleshooting Information” page opens, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button.
Confirm that you want to reset your browser settings.
To finish the reset process, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
Click “Finish”.
Firefox will now close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on “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.
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.
Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on “Settings”.
In the top right corner, click on Microsoft Edge’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal dots. When the drop-down menu appears, click on “Settings“.
Click on “Reset Settings”.
On the left side of the window, click on “Reset Settings“.
Click on “Restore settings to their default values”.
In the main window, click on “Restore settings to their default values“.
Click “Reset”.
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” button. Microsoft Edge will now erase all your personal data, browsing history, and disable all installed extensions. Your bookmarks, though, will remain intact and still be accessible.
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 stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
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 that takes a unique cloud-based approach to malware scanning. HitmanPro scans the behavior of active files and also files in locations where malware normally resides for suspicious activity. If it finds a suspicious file that’s not already known, HitmanPro sends it to its clouds to be scanned by two of the best antivirus engines today, which are Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
Although HitmanPro is shareware and costs $24.95 for 1 year on 1 PC, there is no limit on scanning. The limitation only kicks in when there is a need to remove or quarantine detected malware by HitmanPro on your system and by then, you can activate the one-time 30-days trial to enable the cleanup.
Download HitmanPro.
You can download HitmanPro by clicking the link below.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
Install HitmanPro.
When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on “hitmanpro.exe” (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” (for 64-bit versions of Windows) to install this program on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
Follow the on-screen prompts.
When HitmanPro starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Click on the “Next” button to perform a system scan.
Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete.
HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malicious programs.
Click on “Next”.
When HitmanPro has finished the scan, it will display a list of all the malware that it has found. Click on the “Next” button to have HitmanPro remove the detected items.
Click on “Activate free license”.
HitmanPro may now require to activate the free 30-days trial to remove the malicious files. To do this, click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
When the malware removal process is complete, it will display a screen that shows the status of the various programs that were removed. At this screen, you should click on the Next button and then if prompted you should click on the Reboot button. If HitmanPro does not prompt you to reboot, please just click on the Close button.
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 popular on-demand scanner that can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to find. This on-demand scanner includes a lot of tools that can be used to fix the side effects of adware. browser hijackers and other malware.
Download AdwCleaner.
You can download AdwCleaner by clicking the link below.
ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download AdwCleaner)
Double-click on the setup file.
Double-click on the file named “adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe” to start AdwCleaner. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
AdwCleaner program will now open and you will be presented with the program’s license agreement. After you read it, click on the I agree button if you wish to continue. If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
Enable “Reset Chrome policies” to remove malicious browser policies.
When AdwCleaner starts, on the left side of the window, click on “Settings” and then enable “Reset Chrome policies“.
Click on the “Scan” button.
On the left side of the AdwCleaner window, click on “Dashboard” and then click “Scan” to perform a computer scan.
Wait for the AdwCleaner scan to finish.
AdwCleaner will now scan your computer for malware. This process can take a few minutes.
Click on “Quarantine” to remove malware.
When the AdwCleaner scan is completed it will display all of the items it has found. Click on the “Quarantine” button to remove the malicious programs from your computer.
Click on “Continue” to remove the malicious programs.
AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to close any open programs before it starts to clean. Click on the “Continue” button to finish the removal process.
AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. When the malware removal process is complete, you may be asked to restart your computer.
Your computer should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware and other malware.
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 Preferences”
From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
Search for “Profiles”
When the System Preferences window opens, search for the Profiles icon.
If there isn’t a Profiles icon, you don’t have any profiles installed, which is normal and you can continue with the next steps.
Remove the malicious profiles
If there’s a Profile icon, click on it and select any suspicious profile that you want to remove, and then press the – (minus) button. Click Remove to remove the profile.
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
On the Apple menu bar, in the top-right corner, if you see any unknown or suspicious icon, click on it and then select Quit.
Open “Finder”
Click the Finder application on your dock.
Click on “Applications”
In the Finder left pane, click on “Applications“.
Find and remove the malicious app.
The “Applications” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your device. Scroll through the list until you find the malicious app, right-click it, and then click “Move to Trash”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. Here are some known malicious programs: SearchMine, TakeFresh, TopResults, FeedBack, ApplicationEvents, GeneralOpen, PowerLog, MessengerNow, ImagePrime, GeneralNetSearch, Reading Cursors, GlobalTechSearch, PDFOnline-express, See Scenic Elf, MatchKnowledge, Easy Speedtest, or WebDiscover.
Click “Empty Trash”
On the dock, right-click on the trash icon and select “Empty Trash”. Doing so deletes the Trash’s contents, including the program that you just sent to the Trash.
Find and remove the malicious files
Click the desktop to make sure you’re in the Finder, choose “Go” then click on “Go to Folder“.
Type or copy/paste each of the below paths into the window that opens, then click Go.
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/Application Support
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Look out for any suspicious files that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. These are some known malicious files: “com.adobe.fpsaud.plist” “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, or “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”. When you find a malicious file move it to the Trash.
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 an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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 “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your computer should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware and other malware.
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 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.
Your phone should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware and other malware.
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.
In this first step, we will clean your Safari browser by using the built-in “Clear History and Website Data” feature.
“Clear History and Website Data” allows you to delete the browsing history and website data that is stored on your device. This can include information such as the websites you have visited, your search history, and any data that has been stored by websites you have visited, such as cookies and cache.
Do not tap on the malicious browser window or pop-ups. Instead, tap on the tab icon located in the lower right corner of the screen, as shown in the image below.
Tap the X button on the tab or swipe up to safely close it.
Tap the Settings app.
Toggle on Airplane Mode to temporarily disconnect your phone from the internet and block unwanted access.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm that you want to clear the history and data by tapping “Clear History and Data” in the pop-up window.
While in Safari settings, make sure to toggle on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.
Tap on Settings in the upper-left corner to return to the main Settings menu.
Toggle Airplane Mode back off to re-connect your phone to the internet.
STEP 2: Delete unwanted apps
In the next step, we will remove any potentially unwanted apps that may be installed on your iPhone. If you have downloaded an app after being redirected to the App Store by suspicious websites, it is recommended to delete it.
On the home screen, tap and hold on the app icon until all of the icons start to wiggle.
Tap the “X” button that appears on the top left corner of the app icon.
Confirm that you want to delete the app by tapping “Delete”.
That’s it, your iPhone should be clean and you can continue browsing the Internet. We recommend that you install an ad blocker like AdGuard [recommended] to block the malicious ads.
If you continue to have malware related issues with your device after completing the above steps, we recommend to take one of these actions:
Even if you were not affected this time, these habits make you much harder to scam:
Never trust a support number delivered by an unsolicited text. If you need support, use official sources you navigate to yourself.
Verify transactions inside your bank app or Wallet first. If the charge is not there, the text is almost certainly a lure.
Do not share one-time verification codes with anyone. Real support will not need you to read those codes aloud to “secure” your account.
Slow down when you feel rushed. Scams rely on speed. A 60-second pause often reveals the red flags.
Use unique passwords and 2-factor authentication everywhere. This reduces the blast radius if any account is compromised.
The Bottom Line
The Apple Payment Authorization Alert Scam is built to look like a helpful security warning, but it is actually a funnel into a fake support operation.
The message’s most important feature is not the $ amount or the “pending verification” language. It is the phone number that reroutes you away from real verification and into a scripted manipulation.
If you receive a text like this, do not call the number. Check your Wallet and your bank directly using official apps and known contact methods. If you already engaged, take immediate steps to secure your Apple ID, your email, and your payment accounts.
This scam is common, it evolves constantly, and it only needs one rushed moment to work. Slow down, verify through official channels, and you stay in control.
FAQ
Is the “Apple Payment Authorization Alert” text real?
In most cases, no. Scam texts commonly impersonate Apple and claim a pending Apple Pay charge to push you into calling a fake “support” number. Always verify the charge inside the Wallet app and your bank or card issuer app, not through a phone number provided in the text.
What should I do if I get this text but did not call or click anything?
Do not respond. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. Then double-check your recent transactions in Wallet and your bank app for peace of mind.
How can I tell if an Apple Pay charge is actually pending?
Check the transaction history for the card used in the Wallet app and confirm in your bank or card issuer app. If the transaction does not appear there, the text is almost certainly a lure.
Should I call the number included in the message?
No. Treat any unsolicited text that provides a “support” phone number as suspicious. If you need Apple support, use official channels like the Apple Support app or Apple’s official website, and use contact info you locate yourself.
Why do these texts mention a specific amount like $143.95?
Specific amounts make the message feel credible and urgent. Scammers choose numbers that sound realistic and are likely to trigger panic without being so large that people immediately doubt it.
What happens if I call the number?
You will likely reach a fake call center posing as Apple Support. They may try to collect your Apple ID login details, one-time verification codes, payment card information, or convince you to install remote access software.
Will Apple ever ask me to read a verification code over the phone?
No. A one-time passcode is meant to confirm your identity to a system, not to a stranger on the phone. If someone asks you to read a code to “secure” or “cancel” a payment, assume it is fraud.
What if I replied to the text, but did not call?
Stop engaging and block the sender. Replying can confirm your number is active, which may increase future scam attempts. Monitor your accounts, but the highest risk usually begins when you call, click, or share codes.
What if I shared my Apple ID password or a verification code?
Act immediately:
Change your Apple ID password
Review trusted devices and trusted phone numbers on your Apple ID
Check for unfamiliar sign-ins or account changes
Secure your email account too (it is often used for password resets)
What if I gave them my card details?
Contact your bank or card issuer right away using the number on the back of your card. Ask to freeze or replace the card and dispute any unauthorized transactions.
What if they had me install an app to “help” or “secure” my device?
Uninstall it immediately. If it was a remote access or screen-sharing tool, assume the session exposed sensitive information. Change passwords for key accounts (email, banking, Apple ID) from a clean device and monitor for suspicious activity.
Can Apple Pay be hacked from a text message alone?
A text message alone typically cannot “hack” Apple Pay. The scam relies on you taking the next step: calling, clicking, sharing codes, or granting access. That is why refusing to engage is so effective.
Why does the message say “Apple Store – CA”?
Location-style labels are used to make the charge sound like a normal retailer transaction and feel more believable. Scammers often add state abbreviations or generic merchant names for realism.
Why do the phone numbers change so often?
Scammers rotate numbers to avoid blocks and reports. Focusing on the pattern (urgent “pending verification” plus a support number) is more reliable than focusing on one specific phone number.
Where should I report these scam texts?
Report it through your messaging app as junk or spam and block the sender. You can also report scam texts to your mobile carrier if they offer a reporting method. If you are in the US, you can report to official consumer protection agencies such as the FTC through their reporting site.
What is the safest way to contact Apple if I am worried?
Use official sources you navigate to yourself, such as the Apple Support app or Apple’s official website, and follow the prompts there. Avoid using contact details provided in unsolicited texts or emails.
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
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK
If there isn’t a Profiles icon, you don’t have any profiles installed, which is normal and you can continue with the next steps.
