Apple Pay charge scam text: how to spot a fake alert

Got a text about an Apple Pay charge you didn’t make, with a number to call? It’s a scam. Don’t call. Check your account yourself.

The text is meant to scare you into calling. The person who answers sounds helpful and official, but they’re the scammer. They want your codes, your passwords, or your money.

Check a suspicious text Check a phone number

What fake Apple Pay texts look like

The first example is based on a real scam text reported to the Better Business Bureau. The others are made-up examples in the style AARP and Apple describe. Amounts, stores, and numbers change all the time.

“Security Notification: We have flagged a $143.95 Apple Pay charge at Apple Store for further verification. If you did not authorize this charge, contact our support team at +1 855-618-8478 immediately.”
“Apple Pay: A purchase of $489.99 at Walmart was declined. If this was not you, call Apple Support now to secure your account.”
“Your Apple Account has been locked due to suspicious Apple Pay activity. Call within 24 hours to avoid permanent suspension.”
“I’m with Apple Security. To stop the charges, I’ll need the code we just sent you, and we have to move your money to a safe account.”

6 warning signs

A text about a charge you didn’t make
Scammers pick a scary amount on purpose. The goal is to make you panic and call before you check.
A phone number to call right away
AARP says Apple won’t text or call to warn you about suspicious activity, and won’t send you a number to call.
The caller asks for a code or password
Apple says it never asks for your password, device passcode, or two-factor code. Anyone who asks is a scammer.
They want you to "move money to a safe account"
No real company or bank asks you to move your money to protect it. That money goes straight to the scammer.
They ask for Apple Gift Cards
Apple says never use Apple Gift Cards to pay other people. Gift cards are a favorite scammer payment.
They tell you not to tell your bank
Some scammers tell people to lie to their bank about why they’re moving money. Real support would never do that.

How to check your Apple Pay safely

Don’t use anything in the text. No links, no phone numbers, no replies.
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap your card to see recent transactions.
Check your bank or card statement online or in your bank’s app.
If something is wrong, call the number on the back of your card, or go to apple.com/support yourself.
Report the text by emailing a screenshot to reportphishing@apple.com, then delete it.

What Apple says it will never do

Ask for your password, device passcode, or two-factor code.
Ask you to log in to a website or tap “Accept” on a two-factor sign-in alert for them.
Ask you to turn off a security feature.
Ask you to pay someone with Apple Gift Cards.

Free tools to practice and check

Scam Text and Email Checker: paste a text or email and see the warning signs.
Phone Number Checker: see what can (and can’t) be known about a number.
Scam or Real? quiz: practice spotting scams, with a printable version for groups.
I got scammed. What do I do?: steps and free hotlines if you already paid.

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Questions people ask

Is the Apple Pay charge text real?

If a text says there’s a suspicious Apple Pay charge and gives you a number to call, it’s a scam. AARP reports that Apple won’t text you about suspicious activity or ask you to call a number. Don’t call it and don’t tap any links.

How do I check if there really is an Apple Pay charge?

Check it yourself without using the text. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap your card to see recent transactions, or look at your bank or credit card statement. If something is wrong, call the number on the back of your card.

The caller ID said Apple. Is it real?

Not necessarily. Apple warns that scammers can fake caller ID to look like Apple. This is called spoofing. If you get an unexpected call from "Apple," hang up and contact Apple yourself at apple.com/support.

I called the number in the text. What now?

Hang up if you’re still on the line. If you shared a code or password, change your Apple Account password right away. If you gave card or bank details or sent money, call your bank or card company using the number on your card.

I already sent money or gift cards. What should I do?

Contact your bank or card company right away. If you paid with gift cards, contact the gift card company and keep the card and receipt. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Our "I got scammed" guide has step-by-step help and free hotlines.

Where do I report a fake Apple Pay text?

Take a screenshot and email it to reportphishing@apple.com, as Apple suggests. You can also forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) or use Report Junk in Messages, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Does this happen with other companies too?

Yes. The same trick uses Amazon, PayPal, banks, and Geek Squad. The FTC says fake fraud alerts are a common way text scams start. Whatever company it names, check the account yourself instead of calling the number in the message.

Sources

Last updated: October 16, 2026. AI for Seniors is not affiliated with Apple. Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.