Apple Pay and Apple ID scams: “Apple Pay suspended” texts and fake Apple calls

Apple does not text you links to “reactivate” Apple Pay and never calls asking for your password or a verification code. A message like that is a scam. To check, open Settings on your iPhone or the Wallet app yourself.

What it looks like

Text · example

Apple Pay: Your card has been suspended due to unusual activity. To avoid losing access, verify your information at http://applepay-verify-support.com

Other forms it takes

“Apple Support” calls about Apple Pay charges

Caller ID shows “Apple Inc.”: “We see unauthorized Apple Pay charges on your account. To stop them, I need the code we just sent to your iPhone. Then tap Accept when the sign-in message pops up.”

Asked to turn off a security setting

Caller: “Your iCloud has been hacked. To stop the attacker, turn off two-factor authentication and Stolen Device Protection while I fix it.”

Pay with Apple gift cards

Caller: “Your Apple account will be closed unless you pay a $500 security fee. Buy Apple gift cards at the store and read me the numbers on the back.”

How the scam plays out

A text, email or call says your Apple Pay is suspended, your account was hacked, or someone made Apple Pay charges.
Caller ID may show Apple’s real number. Scammers can fake it.
They push you to act now, and claim that if you hang up and call Apple yourself, the fraud will continue and you’ll be liable. That’s false.
They send you to a fake Apple sign-in page, or ask you to read out a code or tap Accept on your iPhone.
With your password and code, they can get into your Apple Account. Some also ask for card details or Apple gift card numbers.

Signs it’s a scam

A link to a website that isn’t apple.com.
Someone on the phone asking for an Apple ID code or your password.
Pressure to add a card or “verify” in the next few hours.

What to do

Don’t tap the link. Open Settings or Wallet yourself to see if anything is wrong.
Never share Apple ID codes, even with someone claiming to be Apple.
Forward fake Apple emails to reportphishing@apple.com.

How to check if it’s real

Don’t tap the link or call back the number. Open Settings on your iPhone yourself to check your Apple Account.
Open the Wallet app yourself to look at your cards. Questions about a card go to your bank: Apple says card support comes from the card issuer.
To reach Apple, go to support.apple.com yourself. Apple says to contact it only through its official support channels.
Apple never asks for your password, device passcode or verification code, never asks you to tap Accept on a sign-in message, and never asks you to turn off a security feature.

Already clicked, paid or shared something?

Change your Apple Account password right away and make sure two-factor authentication is on.
Typed a card number into a fake site, or see Apple Pay charges you didn’t make? Call the number on the back of the card, report it and ask for the charges back.
To take a card off your iPhone, open Wallet, tap the card, tap More, then Card Details, then Remove Card.
Paid with Apple gift cards? Contact Apple Support right away. Once scammers have the numbers, the money can be spent fast. Keep the cards and receipt.
Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Apple Pay scams: how to tell a fake Apple message