“Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” Email Scam Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Apple users need to be aware of a new phishing email scam that is circulating, aimed at stealing Apple IDs and passwords. The deceptive email claims your Apple Pay account has been “temporary restricted” and will be permanently locked unless you verify your account details.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of how the “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” email scam works, including a detailed analysis of the scam email itself. We’ll outline the warning signs to watch out for, provide step-by-step specifics on the scam process, and offer guidance on what to do if you fell victim.
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Overview of the Scam
The “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” scam starts with an email designed to look like it is from Apple. The email cleverly uses Apple branding elements like the logo and standard email format to make it seem legitimate.
The email states that your Apple Pay account has been temporarily restricted for security reasons. It goes on to say your account will be permanently locked in 48 hours unless you verify your account information. This creates urgency to click on the “Verify your Apple ID” button contained in the email.
Here is what the scam email usually says:
Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted.
Verify your Apple ID Information,
Dear Your Apple ID [mail] was used to sing in to iCloud via a web browser. For your safety, your Apple ID has been temporary disabled.
Sign-in Information: Date&Time Operating System Windows IP Adress: 02.20.3.9
Therefore we need to re-verify your account data. If you did not verify your account within 48 hour, your account will be permanently locked. Go to Apple ID an verify as soon as possible.
[Go To Apple ID].
The entire email is a scam aimed at stealing your Apple ID login credentials. Clicking the button leads to a fake Apple website. If you enter your Apple ID email and password, the scammers will gain access and fully compromise your account.
How the Apple Pay Account Restriction Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” phishing scam operates:
1. You Receive the Deceptive Email
The scam starts with an email sent to your inbox that is designed to look convincingly like an official Apple communication.
The email appears to come from “Apple” and uses Apple Inc imagery including the Apple logo. The subject line reads “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted.”
The content of the email is modeled on Apple’s standard account notification emails. This familiar formatting lends the scam message credibility.
2. The Email Claims Your Apple Pay Account is Restricted
The body of the email states that your Apple Pay account has been “temporary restricted” due to suspicious activity.
It goes on to say that your account will be “permanently locked” in 48 hours unless you verify your account information immediately.
This threat creates urgency to take action before the short 48 hour deadline passes. Scammers use time limited offers or threats to hurry victims into making mistakes.
3. The Email Instructs You to Verify Your Account
The scam email includes a “Verify your Apple ID” button that supposedly leads to the Apple ID management site.
In reality, the button links to a fake Apple website that has been carefully designed to look exactly like the real Apple ID login page.
The sophisticated visual design tricks users into thinking they are on a legitimate Apple domain.
4. You Enter Your Apple ID Login Details
Once on the fake Apple website, you are prompted to enter your Apple ID email address and password to “verify” your account.
Since the site looks so convincing, many victims trust it and input their actual Apple login credentials.
Doing so gives the scammers direct access to the victim’s Apple account.
5. The Scammers Gain Control of Your Apple Account
After capturing your Apple ID and password, the scammers can now access your account and associated personal data.
They may change account details to maintain control, or sell the credentials on the dark web. Criminals can also use the access to commit identity fraud.
In addition to Apple Pay functions, the scammers can get into linked iCloud services, Find My iPhone, notes, photos, and more.
What to Do If You Fell Victim to the Apple Pay Restriction Scam
If you suspect you may have been compromised by the “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” phishing attack, take the following steps right away:
Change your Apple ID password – Updating your password prevents continued account access. Create a new, strong password that scammers can’t easily guess. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Review account activity – Check for any unauthorized purchases, password resets, or device registrations. Look for access from new locations as an indicator of fraudulent activity.
Check linked financial accounts – Examine any payment methods associated with your Apple ID for fraudulent transactions. Contact your bank or payment provider if you see suspicious charges.
Deactivate and reactivate devices – Sign out of iCloud on all of your registered devices. Then reactivate your devices with your new password to lock out scammers.
Contact Apple Support – Report fraudulent access to your account to Apple. They can take additional measures to secure your account and personal data.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
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 for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
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.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, 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:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
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 Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, 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.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
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 adware, browser hijackers, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” Scam
1. What is the “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” scam?
This is a phishing scam where targets receive an email claiming their Apple Pay account has been temporarily restricted and will be permanently locked unless they verify their account within 48 hours. The email contains a “Verify Your Apple ID” button that leads to a fake Apple website designed to steal Apple ID login credentials.
2. How can I identify the “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” phishing email?
Warning signs include an urgent call to action, threats of account suspension, branded imagery like Apple logo, and a button to verify account information. Legitimate Apple emails would not threaten to lock accounts without allowing you to first verify identity.
3. What happens if I click the verification button in the email?
The button goes to a fake website impersonating Apple’s real ID login page. If you enter your Apple ID email and password, the scammers capture your credentials and gain full access to your account.
4. What do the scammers do once they have my Apple ID login?
The criminals use the stolen credentials to access your account, personal information, payment methods, and linked services like iCloud. They may change details to lock you out, steal data to commit fraud, or sell the credentials on the dark web.
5. How can I tell if a website is the real Apple login page?
Double check the URL for “apple.com” not “applesecurity.com” or variations. Real Apple sites have a green padlock and valid HTTPS certificate. Watch for poor grammar and low-quality graphics which signal a scam site.
6. What should I do if I entered my Apple ID on the fake site?
Immediately change your Apple ID password, deactivate linked devices, check for unauthorized activity, and contact Apple Support. Enable two-factor authentication for extra security against future attacks.
7. How can I protect myself from the Apple Pay restriction scam?
Carefully inspect any emails claiming to be from Apple. Avoid clicking links and instead go directly to Apple’s website. Use strong unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
8. Who is behind the Apple Pay phishing scam?
Cybercriminals and scammers operate these phishing attacks to steal personal data for financial gain. It’s difficult to identify the specific groups, as they use technical tricks to hide their identity and location.
9. Should I report scam emails impersonating Apple?
Yes, you can report phishing emails to Apple at phishing@apple.com. Make sure to avoid clicking any links as this verifies your email to scammers. Forward the scam message as an attachment.
10. How can I boost my online security against phishing?
Use a password manager, security keys like Yubikey, antivirus software, a VPN, privacy-focused web browsers, and caution opening links/attachments. Enabling MFA and online privacy tools will help protect your accounts.
The Bottom Line
The “Your Apple Pay Has Been Temporary Restricted” phishing scam is a serious threat all Apple users need to watch out for. The deceptive email is convincingly designed to look like legitimate Apple correspondence.
Scammers rely on creating urgency and fear to trick victims into clicking on the fake verification button and entering Apple login credentials on a phishing site. This gives them full access to compromise accounts.
Understanding how this scam operates can help Apple customers identify and avoid this insidious phishing attack. Always practice caution before clicking links or entering login information to prevent your personal data from ending up in the wrong hands.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
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.
