You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

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

Random Apple ID verification codes

So, since last Friday, I keep receiving random SMS messages from Apple with verification codes. At first I thought that they might be for one of my older iOS devices (with versions older than ios 9), but I made sure that all of them were turned off. That didn't help and messages with codes kept coming at a random time almost every day. I changed my password (from my iPhone 13 Pro, latest iOS 16.5), but I still get these codes. I'm afraid that if someone gets into my account, they could get my billing info and erase and enable activation lock on my 13 Pro. Should I be worried, change my password again or reset my 13 Pro from iTunes if it (somehow) got compromised? I've never shared my password/clicked on random e-mail links/ trusted any shady website/ installed any profiles. Also, I'm sure that the Apple code messager is genuine, as I received a code not long ago to set up my 13 Pro.(I've attached some photos with the messages in Romanian)

iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 16

Posted on May 27, 2023 7:56 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 27, 2023 10:20 AM

Looks like scam/phishing.

Apple never send SMS messages verification codes.


See -> Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams

Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

 ⤵️

If you receive a suspicious email or SMS text message that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, please email it to reportphishing@apple.com.1


How to protect your Apple account and devices

Here are some things you can do to avoid scams that target your Apple account and devices.

  • Never share personal information like credit card numbers, unless you can verify the recipient is who they claim to be.
  • Protect your Apple ID. Use two-factor authentication, always keep your contact information secure and up to date, and never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with anyone. Apple never asks for this information to provide support.
  • Never use Apple Gift Cards to make other kinds of payments. 
  • Learn how to identify legitimate Apple emails about your App Store or iTunes Store purchases. If you send or receive money with Apple Pay (U.S. only), treat it like any other private transaction.
  • Learn how to keep your Apple devices and data secure.
  • Download software only from sources you can trust.
  • Don't follow links or open or save attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages.


How to report suspicious emails, messages, and calls

  • If you receive a suspicious email that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, please forward it to reportphishing@apple.com.1  
  • To report a suspicious SMS text message that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, take a screenshot of the message and email the screenshot to reportphishing@apple.com.
  • To report spam or other suspicious emails that you receive in your iCloud.com, me.com, or mac.com Inbox, send them to abuse@icloud.com.
  • To report spam or other suspicious messages that you receive through Messages, tap Report Junk under the message. You can also block unwanted messages and calls.
  • Report scam phone calls to the Federal Trade Commission (U.S. only) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to your local law enforcement agency.


After you have reported, remove the text message.

And -> Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

 

To keep your Apple ID account secure, see the following Apple articles: 

If you think your Apple ID has been compromised

If you think your Apple ID has been compromised - Apple Support

 

See who has access to your device or accounts

See who has access to your iPhone or iPad – Apple Support (UK)

 

Delete suspicious content from your devices

Delete suspicious content from your devices – Apple Support (UK)


Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

  • if you see devices that don't belong to you, delete from your account.

 

Personal Safety User Guide -> Personal Safety User Guide – Apple Support (UK)


Manage and use your Apple ID -> Manage and use your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)


(if you haven't already done this) Two-factor authentication for Apple ID -> Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


Change your Apple ID password -> Change your Apple ID password - Apple Support

  • Create a strong password for your Apple ID, It is best if your password consists of eight or more characters and include upper and lowercase letters, and at least one number. You can also add extra characters and punctuation marks to make your password even stronger. 
  • Never provide your password, passcode, security questions, verification codes, recovery key or any other account security details to anyone else. Apple will never ask you for this information.

 

Then see this Apple article: What to do after you change your Apple ID or password

What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support


Never jailbroken your iPhone.


-----

I changed my password

Then see this Apple article: What to do after you change your Apple ID or password

What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 27, 2023 10:20 AM in response to Stephen584

Looks like scam/phishing.

Apple never send SMS messages verification codes.


See -> Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams

Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

 ⤵️

If you receive a suspicious email or SMS text message that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, please email it to reportphishing@apple.com.1


How to protect your Apple account and devices

Here are some things you can do to avoid scams that target your Apple account and devices.

  • Never share personal information like credit card numbers, unless you can verify the recipient is who they claim to be.
  • Protect your Apple ID. Use two-factor authentication, always keep your contact information secure and up to date, and never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with anyone. Apple never asks for this information to provide support.
  • Never use Apple Gift Cards to make other kinds of payments. 
  • Learn how to identify legitimate Apple emails about your App Store or iTunes Store purchases. If you send or receive money with Apple Pay (U.S. only), treat it like any other private transaction.
  • Learn how to keep your Apple devices and data secure.
  • Download software only from sources you can trust.
  • Don't follow links or open or save attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages.


How to report suspicious emails, messages, and calls

  • If you receive a suspicious email that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, please forward it to reportphishing@apple.com.1  
  • To report a suspicious SMS text message that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, take a screenshot of the message and email the screenshot to reportphishing@apple.com.
  • To report spam or other suspicious emails that you receive in your iCloud.com, me.com, or mac.com Inbox, send them to abuse@icloud.com.
  • To report spam or other suspicious messages that you receive through Messages, tap Report Junk under the message. You can also block unwanted messages and calls.
  • Report scam phone calls to the Federal Trade Commission (U.S. only) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to your local law enforcement agency.


After you have reported, remove the text message.

And -> Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

 

To keep your Apple ID account secure, see the following Apple articles: 

If you think your Apple ID has been compromised

If you think your Apple ID has been compromised - Apple Support

 

See who has access to your device or accounts

See who has access to your iPhone or iPad – Apple Support (UK)

 

Delete suspicious content from your devices

Delete suspicious content from your devices – Apple Support (UK)


Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

  • if you see devices that don't belong to you, delete from your account.

 

Personal Safety User Guide -> Personal Safety User Guide – Apple Support (UK)


Manage and use your Apple ID -> Manage and use your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)


(if you haven't already done this) Two-factor authentication for Apple ID -> Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


Change your Apple ID password -> Change your Apple ID password - Apple Support

  • Create a strong password for your Apple ID, It is best if your password consists of eight or more characters and include upper and lowercase letters, and at least one number. You can also add extra characters and punctuation marks to make your password even stronger. 
  • Never provide your password, passcode, security questions, verification codes, recovery key or any other account security details to anyone else. Apple will never ask you for this information.

 

Then see this Apple article: What to do after you change your Apple ID or password

What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support


Never jailbroken your iPhone.


-----

I changed my password

Then see this Apple article: What to do after you change your Apple ID or password

What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support


Random Apple ID verification codes

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