Apple Pay text scam: is that message real?
Editorially reviewed · Last updated July 22, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. Apple doesn't text you links to "cancel" or "verify" an Apple Pay charge.
Other versions you might get: A text saying "Your Apple Pay has been suspended," a code to "confirm" a payment you never made, or a fake refund for a charge that was "declined."
Word-for-word versions going around
Each of these is a real text, quoted exactly as people received it. If yours matches one — even loosely — it’s the same scam.
“Apple Approval Notice We have noticed that your Apple iCloud id was recently used at “APPLE STORE – CA” for $143.95, paid by Apple Pay Pre Authorization. Also some suspicious sign in request and apple pay activation request detected. That looks like suspicious to us. In order to maintain the security and privacy of your account we have placed those request on hold. Your Photos, Data, Bank Information and Cards are at risk. If NOT you? talk to an Apple Representative. Failing may lead to auto debit and charge will not be reversed. Call <phone number> immediately to cancel this charge.”
Documented by Trend Micro · April 2025 “An Apple Pay transaction of $157.53 at the Apple Store was detected. Call apple support now <phone number> If this is unauthorized.”
Documented by Trend Micro · April 2025 “INFO: Apple Security Alert Payment Authorization Alert Dear Apple User, An attempt to authorize a payment of $143.95 via Apple Pay at “Apple Store – CA” is currently pending verification. If you confirm this was you, no additional steps are required. If you did not attempt this transaction, please reach out to Apple Support at +1 833-808 4962. Thank you for assisting us in protecting your account security. Support Center +1 833-808 4962”
Documented by MyAntiSpyware · February 2026
What to do right now
- Don't tap the link or call any number in it. Don't reply — even "STOP" tells them the number is live.
- Check the real source yourself. Open Wallet on your iPhone to see actual Apple Pay activity, or sign in at apple.com by typing the address — your real charges live there, not in a text.
- If you already entered card or Apple ID details: change your Apple ID password, turn on two-factor, and call your bank to freeze or reissue the card.
- Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Delete the message.
How to make sure it never bites you
You got this because your number is on a list scammers buy and resell — a real Apple Pay charge never arrives as a text with a link. Get your number removed and add a layer between you and them — see how to stop spam texts for good.
Stop the next one at the source
You got this because your details are on lists that get bought, sold, and leaked. You can't unspill that, but you can make it useless to a scammer. Start with the free steps — they do most of the work.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausStops anyone opening a new account in your name. Unfreeze in minutes when you need to.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
If you'd rather have it watched for you, an identity-protection service monitors your accounts, SSN, and the dark web, warns you the moment something new appears, and helps you recover if someone gets through.
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Frequently asked
Does Apple text you to cancel or confirm an Apple Pay charge?
The text says someone made an unauthorized Apple Pay charge — is it real?
I tapped the link and entered my Apple ID — what should I do now?
Related scams
Sources
Help protect someone else
Scams spread because people stay quiet about them. If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. Passing it on is the easiest good thing you'll do today. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.