A new warning has been issued to iPhone users this week about a scam that is draining people's bank accounts.
Fake “Apple Pay Fraud Alert” messages are being sent via SMS, claiming there is a problem with the victim’s account – e.g., a purchase has been attempted or declined – and immediate action is required.
If victims call the number or click the link, they are connected to scammers claiming to be from Apple Support, a bank, or legal authorities.
Scammers often claim that the victim's money is in immediate danger and use stolen personal data to make the threat seem credible.
Victims are then pressured to act quickly, being told to transfer the money to a "secure" account, withdraw cash, or send funds via Apple Pay, Apple Cash, or gift cards.
Consumer rights group ConsumerAffairs released details of the scam on Wednesday, highlighting several warning signs: unexpected messages about Apple Pay activity, requests to call a number included in the message or email, and pressure to act immediately.
Requests for passwords, security codes, or instructions to move money – especially if you are asked to lie to the bank – are big warning signs.
Apple has stressed that it does not send inappropriate SMS messages that request sensitive information or support calls. Experts advise against clicking on links or calling the numbers provided in the message.
The goal of this scam is to convince people to authorize the payment themselves, which makes it difficult to recover the stolen money.
ConsumerAffairs reported on a case where a victim received a text message about a suspicious Apple Pay charge and was prompted to call a number for help. The call connected her directly to a scammer who claimed to be an official investigator and convinced her to withdraw $15,000. Fortunately, a bank employee recognized the scam and told her to hang up.
Unlike traditional hacking, these scams are based on social manipulation, exploiting people's trust, not by breaking into computer systems. Apple Pay itself is secure, but fraudsters exploit the speed of digital payments and trust in the brand.
Users should monitor Apple Pay activity directly on their device and contact Apple or their bank only through official numbers and websites. Anyone who suspects they have been the target of this scam should stop transactions, notify their bank or card provider, and report the incident to authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission.
Experts advise slowing down, as messages that create urgency or fear are often the first sign of something wrong.
The scam comes after an emergency iOS update from Apple, which includes protection against the cyberattack known as DarkSword, which targets Apple devices and secretly installs malicious software to steal information.
Vulnerable users are recommended to enable Lockdown Mode in Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode and restart the device for maximum protection. /GazetaExpress/
t7 live
