Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Suspicious email re: Locked Apple ID

Got and email from Apple Summary with subject line that reads: Re: Attempts to sign in from a device we don't recognize, please review your account Tuesday, September 21, 2021. 02325155


Is this legit?


Message reads:

Dear Customer,

We lock your Apple account and hold all your last orders. We took this action, because the billing information you provided did not match the information in the card issuer file.


It then instructs me to see attached Word doc to unlock the account. The grammar in the message is off, so I got suspicious. What should I do?


Thanks


Posted on Sep 21, 2021 12:45 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 21, 2021 1:15 PM

That seems to be a scam/phishing email/text. 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 emails won't have poor grammar/misspellings. 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  -

Similar questions

5 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 21, 2021 1:15 PM in response to terockstar1

That seems to be a scam/phishing email/text. 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 emails won't have poor grammar/misspellings. 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  -

Suspicious email re: Locked Apple ID

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.