Is that Apple text real?

Company check · Updated October 14, 2026

A text says your Apple Account is locked, your iCloud storage is full, or a purchase was just made, and a link will fix it. Apple's own guidance on phishing and fake support is clear about what Apple does and doesn't do, and that makes these messages easy to check. Here is how to tell a real Apple message from a fake one, using what Apple says on its support page. (Apple Support)

Short version: Apple doesn't ask you to log in to a website or give up a password or code over text, so a text that does is not Apple.

What the text looks like

Apple lists the signs of a phishing email or text, and a fake “Apple” message tends to hit several at once: the sender's phone number or email address doesn't match the company, a link looks right but its real destination isn't an Apple site, the message looks different from Apple's usual messages, and it asks for personal details such as a card number or account password. (Apple Support) A message might read like this:

The link leads to a page built to look like an Apple sign-in. If you type your password or the code Apple sends you, the scammers can use them on the real sign-in page.

The one fact that settles it

Apple doesn't ask for your Apple Account password, verification codes or device passcode to give you support. Apple's page says it never asks for this information to provide support, and that it won't ask you to log in to a website, approve a two-factor prompt you didn't start, or turn off security features such as two-factor authentication or Stolen Device Protection. Apple also says it won't ask you to pay with Apple Gift Cards. (Apple Support) A message that wants any of those is not from Apple, whatever the sender name says.

Signs it's fake

• It asks you to sign in through a link, or to confirm a password, code or card number.
• It creates urgency. Apple says scammers pressure you with problems such as a break-in or unauthorized Apple Pay charges. Apple's page calls the claim that you'll be liable if you hang up false (that one is about phone calls, but the pressure is the same in a text).
• The sender doesn't match. The phone number or email address doesn't look like Apple's, or differs from how Apple normally contacts you.
• The link's real destination isn't Apple's. On iPhone, Apple says to touch and hold a link to see where it goes before you trust it. Our guide on how to check if a link is safe shows how to read the address.
• It asks for gift cards, or tells you to lower your security settings.
• It comes with an attachment you didn't ask for.

Apple adds a rule worth keeping: if you're unsure, assume it's a scam and contact the company directly through its official channels. (Apple Support)

What to do

1. Don't tap the link, open an attachment, or reply.
2. Check your account yourself. Open Settings on your iPhone, or go to Apple's site by typing the address, and look at your Apple Account and storage there. Don't use any link from the text.
3. Report it to Apple. Apple says to take a screenshot of a suspicious text and email it to reportphishing@apple.com. For junk in the Messages app, tap Report Junk under the message; you can also block the sender. (Apple Support)
4. Report it more widely. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. How to report a scam text covers every option.
5. If someone phones claiming to be Apple, hang up and contact Apple through its official support channels. Apple notes that scammers spoof real Apple numbers and may mention personal details, so caller ID and a few correct facts prove nothing.

If you already paid or clicked

Apple's guidance: if you may have entered your password on a scam site or your Apple Account may be compromised, change your Apple Account password right away and make sure two-factor authentication is on. (Apple Support) Beyond that, the FTC's advice depends on what you gave away: (FTC)

• A card number: contact your card issuer using the number on the back of the card and ask for a refund. Federal law protects you from unauthorized use.
• Apple Gift Cards or other gift cards: contact the card's issuer, tell them a scammer got the number and PIN, and ask for a refund. Keep the card and receipt.
• A payment app or bank transfer: report it to the app or your bank right away and ask them to reverse it.
• Your Social Security number: go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
• The same password used elsewhere: change it on those accounts too.

Common questions

Does Apple send texts asking me to verify my Apple Account?

Apple says it doesn't ask for your Apple Account password, verification codes or device passcode to provide support, and it won't ask you to log in to a website. A text that asks you to verify through a link is a reason to check your account yourself in Settings and report the message.

How do I report a fake Apple text?

Apple says to take a screenshot of the text and email it to reportphishing@apple.com. In the Messages app you can also tap Report Junk under the message and block the sender. Forward it to 7726 (SPAM) and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov too.

What should I do if I entered my Apple Account password on a fake page?

Apple says to change your Apple Account password right away and make sure two-factor authentication is on. If you gave a card number or gift card codes, contact your card issuer or the gift card's issuer.

Related: is that Amazon text real?, is that Chase text real? and the fake product recall text scam.

Sources

• Apple Support — Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams (page dated June 15, 2026)
• FTC — What to do if you were scammed

Shieldr is not affiliated with Apple. Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc.

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