Fraudulent Messages.
Have there been messages sent notifying you of unauthorized purchases? If so, how can we be sure the message is from Apple and not from someone trying to obtain my Apple account password?
Question marked as
Are you sure the message is legitimate? Does it contain a link for you to sign in somewhere? It may be a scam. Check your purchases history.
Apple will always address you by your name or the name they have on file for you, not Dear Customer, Dear Client or by using your e-mail address. The e-mail will be from @apple.com or @iTunes.com. E-mail addresses can be spoofed. You can go to Mail/View/Message/Show all Headers to see more. Apple e-mails will never contain an attachment. Apple will never request personal information such as Social Security numbers.
The only exception to the above I have noticed is if you order something from the Apple Store (apple.com), your receipt will be addressed to Dear Apple Customer. That is a receipt for a purchase you initiated.
Avoid phishing emails, fake ‘virus‘ alerts, phony support calls, and other scams
Identifying legitimate emails from the iTunes Store
Send the e-mail to Apple as an attachment to a new e-mail before deleting it. You can forward as an attachment by going to Mail/Message/Forward as attachment. You won’t receive a response.