The Apple Pay “unauthorized charge” text scam
A text says there's a big Apple Pay charge and tells you to call a number. Here's how the scam works, and what to do.
Scam guide · Updated October 22, 2026
What the text looks like
It says a charge was made with your Apple Pay or Apple Account, often for a large amount you don't recognize, and tells you to call a number or tap a link to dispute it. The point is to get you on the phone with someone pretending to be Apple, or onto a page made to look like an Apple sign-in. Apple says scammers claim someone made unauthorized charges using Apple Pay and then offer to help you stop the attacker or reverse the charges. (Apple Support)
Apple Pay: A payment of $499.99 was just authorized on your account. If this wasn't you, call our support line right away to cancel: [phone number]A typical example, recreated from the patterns Apple describes on its own scam page. Don't call numbers or tap links in messages like this.
How the scam works
Apple describes the pattern on its page about social engineering. (Apple Support)
- Something urgent has already happened. The caller or text claims someone broke into your iPhone or iCloud account, or made charges with Apple Pay.
- They offer to fix it. The scammer says they want to help you stop the attacker or reverse the charges.
- They add pressure. Apple says the scammer may say you're free to call Apple back, but that the fraud will continue and you will be liable. Apple says this is false and designed to prevent you from hanging up.
- Then they ask for access. Apple says scammers eventually ask for account information or security codes, often sending you to a fake website that looks like a real Apple sign-in page.
Signs it's fake
- It pushes you to call a number in the message. Apple says not to answer suspicious calls or messages claiming to be from Apple, and to contact Apple directly through its official support channels instead. (Apple Support)
- The sender doesn't match. Apple lists a sender whose email or phone doesn't match the company it claims to be from, or that differs from the one you gave that company. (Apple Support)
- The link doesn't match Apple's site. Apple lists a link that looks right but whose URL doesn't match the company's website. (Apple Support)
- It asks for a code, password or passcode. Apple says it will never ask you to log in to any website, tap Accept in the two-factor authentication dialog, or provide your password, device passcode or two-factor code, or enter it into any website. (Apple Support)
- It asks you to turn off a safety setting. Apple says it will never ask you to disable any security feature on your device or account, including two-factor authentication or Stolen Device Protection. (Apple Support)
- It asks for gift cards. Apple says never to use Apple Gift Cards to make payments to other people. (Apple Support)
- The caller ID looks right. Apple says scammers can call from what appears to be a legitimate Apple number, which is called spoofing. (Apple Support)
What to do
- Don't call the number, tap the link or reply. If a call is the problem, Apple says to just hang up on an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be Apple. (Apple Support)
- Check the charge yourself. Open your bank or card app, or your Wallet, and look at your real transactions. Don't use a number or link from the message.
- Contact Apple through its official channels if you still have a concern, at Apple's official support page. (Apple Support)
- Report it. Apple says to take a screenshot of a suspicious text that looks like it's from Apple and email it to reportphishing@apple.com. In Messages you can also tap Report Junk under the message. For scam calls, report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. (Apple Support) You can also forward the text to 7726 (SPAM); see how to report a scam text.
If you already clicked, called or shared a code
Apple says that if you believe your Apple Account has been compromised, or you might have entered your password or other personal information on a scam website, change your Apple Account password immediately and make sure two-factor authentication is turned on. (Apple Support)
If you gave card details or sent money, call your bank or card issuer using the number on the back of your card, say it was a scam, and ask them to block the card and reverse the charges. If you bought gift cards, contact the gift card company right away.
Not sure about a message you got?
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Common questions
Does Apple text me about Apple Pay charges?
Apple says that if you get a suspicious call or message claiming to be from Apple, you should not answer it and should contact Apple through its official support channels instead. Check real charges in your own bank or card app.
Will Apple ask for my two-factor code?
No. Apple says it will never ask you to provide your password, device passcode or two-factor authentication code, to enter it into any website, or to tap Accept in the two-factor dialog.
Where do I report a fake Apple text?
Apple says to screenshot the text and email it to reportphishing@apple.com. You can also report scam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and forward the text to 7726.
Sources
Related: is that Apple text real?, the AI voice clone scam, how to check if a link is safe and how to report a scam text.
Shieldr isn't affiliated with Apple. Apple, Apple Pay and iCloud are trademarks of Apple Inc. Details are taken from Apple's own page as of October 22, 2026 and may change.
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