Good afternoon. This morning I got an email from Apple support stating that my Apple ID has been locked for security reasons, and I was then instructed to sign in to my AppleID to unlock my account. Is this email legitimate?
iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 13
No, it is not. Apple won't send you an email/text telling you your account is disabled/restricted or will be disabled/restricted. You will find out the next time you try to log in somewhere.
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.
No, it is not. Apple won't send you an email/text telling you your account is disabled/restricted or will be disabled/restricted. You will find out the next time you try to log in somewhere.
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.
Change your password as soon as you can.
What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support I suggest doing this before you change your Apple ID or password.
I figured that something was suspicious when they asked for my social security number, and I stopped submitting my information. I did however sign into my Apple ID. How much am I at risk now that they have ID and password?
“Apple ID Locked” email
