How do I know if I'm really receiving a legitimate call from Apple?

tamicat65 Said:

"Is [...] a valid apple security phone number: How do I know if I'm really receiving a legitimate call from Apple or if it's a scam call? Would Apple ever really "call" a customer to alert of an issue, or would they only email (which is easier to verify a scam/phish). thank you"

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What to Do:

This phone call you speak of is no more than a scam. So, Report this to Apple...

Reporting this to Apple:

Take a screenshot of that phone number and send it off to Apple.

Go Here: Take a Screenshot on your iPhone - Apple Support

Forward the screenshot to: reportphishing@apple.com

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Learn More Here:

• Detect and Block Spam Phone Calls - Apple Support
• Recognize and Avoid Phishing Message, Phony Support Calls, and Other Scams Apple Support
• (In the US. Only): Report Phishing Scam Calls at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

All calls like the one you received are scams/phishing attempts. They are made by criminals that prey on the unwary. Apple never would make a call like this. Apple only calls if a user if the user has arranged the call. 

And, there are thing you can do to lessen the annoyance of such calls. For example, I hardy answer my land or iPhone any more. I only answer if caller ID or my contact list shows that I probably know the caller. Also, I figure that anyone that know me will leave a message if they have anything important to say and I don't answer. 

And, if you want to, you can get a land-line system that you can use in blocking scam/spam calls. Also they can be blocked from an iPhone. Last, I think this Apple document can be used to block scam calls as well as spam calls: Detect and block spam phone calls  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207099

That is not an Apple phone number. Apple would probably never call you to report an issue, just email you.

Apple will never call you unless you called them and asked for a call back.