Is That Apple Pay Alert Text Real?

Short answer: no. Apple does not send texts asking you to call a number about Apple Pay activity. If a message tells you to call about a charge on hold, it's a scam.

What the fake text says

The message looks like a security alert. It usually says that a charge of a few hundred dollars at an Apple Store is pending, that someone tried to sign in to your account, and that Apple has "placed the transaction on hold" to protect you. To stop the payment, you're told to call a support number included in the text.

Other versions claim a purchase was declined, that your account is locked or under investigation, or that someone deposited a large sum into your account by mistake. The details change, but the instruction is always the same: call this number right away.

What happens when you call

The person who answers pretends to be Apple Support or your bank's fraud team. They sound calm and professional, and they may already know your name, address or where you work, which makes the call feel real. Then the pressure starts. You're told your account has been compromised and your money is at risk unless you act now.

From there, they may ask you to read out a security code, share your Apple ID password, turn off security settings, buy gift cards, or move your money to a "safe" account. Every one of those requests sends your money or your access straight to them.

How to tell it's fake

1. Apple doesn't text you a number to call. Real Apple Pay activity shows up in the Wallet app on your phone, not in a text asking you to phone someone.
2. The deadline is part of the trick. "Call now or the charge goes through" is designed to stop you from checking first.
3. No real company asks for your passwords or security codes over the phone. Not Apple, and not your bank.
4. No bank ever asks you to hand cash to a courier or move money to a "safe" account.

What to do if you get one

1. Don't call, reply or tap any link in the message.
2. Open the Wallet app yourself and check your recent transactions. If there's no charge there, there's nothing to stop.
3. If you're still worried, call your bank using the number on the back of your card, never the number in the text.
4. Report it. Take a screenshot and send it to reportphishing@apple.com, then delete the message.

If you already called

1. Hang up if you're still on the call, and don't pick up if they call back.
2. Contact your bank immediately and tell them exactly what you shared or sent, so they can freeze your card and try to stop any payments.
3. Change your Apple ID password and turn on two-factor authentication if it isn't on already.
4. Report it to your local police, especially if you sent money or handed over cash.

If an older parent or relative uses an iPhone, share this with them today. These texts are built to scare people into calling before they think.

Sources: ABC7 New York: Nassau police warn of Apple Pay text scam · AARP: Fake Apple Pay alerts push people into scam calls