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Received an email verification asking for my social security

I received an email to unlock a device. I started filling things out til it asked for my social security number and added a fictitious one. Since when do you ask for SS? That does not seem right.

Posted on Nov 19, 2019 9:29 AM

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Posted on Nov 19, 2019 9:59 AM

It isn't right. It is a scam/phishing email.


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 by email such as Social Security numbers, your Mother’s maiden name or full credit card 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. Or control - click on the email and select Forward as attachment. Make sure you send it as an attachment to a new email. If you just forward it, it will probably be rejected. You won’t receive a response.


reportphishing@apple.com



1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Nov 19, 2019 9:59 AM in response to shels55

It isn't right. It is a scam/phishing email.


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 by email such as Social Security numbers, your Mother’s maiden name or full credit card 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. Or control - click on the email and select Forward as attachment. Make sure you send it as an attachment to a new email. If you just forward it, it will probably be rejected. You won’t receive a response.


reportphishing@apple.com



Received an email verification asking for my social security

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