iPhone users are facing a new type of scam.
The threat is spreading quickly, as detailed by a consumer research site. Scammers send messages that look like “Apple Pay fraud alerts” and make high-pressure calls to trick people into revealing personal information, aiming to siphon money from their accounts.
For instance, one individual received a text about a questionable Apple Pay charge, which led them to call for assistance. They ended up speaking with someone impersonating an investigator.
This person was convinced to withdraw $15,000, but fortunately, the bank teller recognized the scheme and advised her to hang up.
Fraudulent actors exploit urgency and authority, preying on consumers’ anxiety about potential fraud, theft, or even legal issues.
Alerts can claim that a purchase has been denied, accounts are locked, or immediate action is essential.
The Consumer Affairs Agency cautioned that if someone responds to these texts or calls the number provided, they might connect with a scammer posing as Apple Support, their bank, or law enforcement.
The con artist may suggest that the victim’s money is in jeopardy and push for immediate action to “secure” it, often having some personal data at their disposal.
Common tactics involve advising victims to transfer funds to a so-called “safe” account, withdraw cash, or send money through Apple Pay, Apple Cash, or even gift cards.
The ultimate aim is to get the victim to authorize the payment voluntarily. Once that happens, recovery can be extremely challenging, as highlighted by the Consumer Affairs Agency, which emphasized that it never makes unsolicited calls or sends unexpected texts requesting sensitive information.
Experts identify several warning signs associated with these scams, including unexpected messages about Apple Pay, requests to call back a number, pressure to act swiftly, instructions to shift funds or deceive a bank, and demands for codes, passwords, or personal details.
If you receive a suspicious message, avoid clicking on any links or calling the number. Instead, verify any concerns with your bank or Apple using official channels, checking your Apple Pay activity directly on your device.
If you think you’ve been targeted, halt the transaction immediately and contact your bank or card issuer.
