Scam Examples Secria

The fake Apple Pay charge text

A text says a big purchase went through on Apple Pay and gives you a number to call. Apple is the name being used: the call goes to a fake fraud team.1,2

+1 (202) 555-0147

Text Message
Today 9:41 AM

Apple Pay:1 a charge of $649.99 at an electronics store was approved on your card.2 If this wasn't you, call +1 (202) 555-0147 now to cancel it.3

  1. A company name from a number that isn't the company's. Apple says a sender that doesn't match the company it claims to be is a sign of phishing.1
  2. A large purchase you didn't make. The FTC lists fake fraud alerts like this among the top text scams of 2024.2
  3. A number to call. Calling connects you to a fake fraud department.2

What to do Don't call. Open the Wallet app and tap the card to see its latest transactions.3

Rebuilt from the FTC's and Apple's descriptions; the amount, wording and number are made up. Checked 4 November 2026 against the sources.

What happens if you call

Apple describes the script. Each step is meant to keep you from hanging up and calling Apple yourself.1

  1. "Someone used your Apple Pay."The caller says there are unauthorized Apple Pay charges and offers to help reverse them. They may know your address or employer.1
  2. "If you hang up, you'll be liable."A false claim that the fraud will continue if you call Apple back.1
  3. "Verify your identity here."A fake Apple sign-in page, a request for your password or a code, or a request to tap Accept on a sign-in prompt.1
  4. "Move your money to keep it safe."The FTC says the money goes to the scammers, and people who move it don't get it back.2

Check the charge yourself

In Wallet

On iPhone, open Wallet and tap a card to see its latest transactions. Tap one for details or to report an issue.3

For the full record, or a question about a charge, contact your bank or card issuer.3

What Apple never asks

Apple says it will never ask you to log in to a website, tap Accept on a two-factor prompt, give your password, passcode or code, or turn off a security feature.1

Apple never asks for your password or codes to provide support.1

If you called, replied or paid

  1. If you typed your Apple Account password anywhere, change it now and make sure two-factor authentication is on.1
  2. If you paid or moved money, call your bank or card issuer today and ask for a reversal or a refund.4
  3. Send Apple a screenshot of the text at reportphishing@apple.com, then tap Report Junk under it in Messages.1
  4. Forward it to 7726 and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.2 Where to report each kind of scam

Questions people ask

Is the Apple Pay charge text real?

Treat it as a scam until you've checked. Apple's advice: if an unexpected message asks for personal information, a code or money, presume it's a scam and contact the company directly.1

How do I see my Apple Pay charges?

Open Wallet on your iPhone and tap the card. On a Mac or iPad, go to Wallet & Apple Pay in Settings, pick the card and open Transactions.3

The call showed Apple's number. Is it real?

Not necessarily. Apple says scammers spoof its phone numbers. If you get an unexpected call claiming to be Apple, hang up.1

They asked me to pay with Apple Gift Cards.

That's a scam. Apple says never to use Apple Gift Cards to pay other people.1

More scam examples

Sources 4
  1. Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams (published 15 June 2026), Apple Support. Read 4 November 2026.
  2. Top text scams of 2024 (14 April 2025), Federal Trade Commission, Data Spotlight. Read 4 November 2026.
  3. See your Apple Pay transaction history (published 14 September 2026), Apple Support. Read 4 November 2026.
  4. What To Do if You Were Scammed (June 2026), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 4 November 2026.

Every example is rebuilt from an official alert and made safe, and every source shows the day we read it. How we check