Potential Apple Pay scam via text message

groovymom62 wrote:

Today the text is from area code 731

Yep, it is the same form message that has been successful for many scammers. They just need to tailor the number to one they want to use. Not unusual to change the amount either. Currently when you do a google search of that amount or number it will tell you it is a scam from all of the reports, and simply changing the number of amount will give them some extra time before those reports start coming in.

This is the one I received…

I’m only commenting because I’m surprised at how many different phone numbers they have to contact them by.

Always play it safe with these kinds of messages because it’s easy to go to your bank and reverse a charge, but it’s not so easy once you give all your info to a scammer.

Apple Pay Alert: A charge of $165.49 was made at the Apple Store via Apple Pay. Contact apple support at 855-xxx-xxx, If this is unrecognized.

[Edited by Moderator]

JEC070 wrote:

I had same text but for different amount, $183.49

Of course they are going to change the amount and even the phone number. If you just do a google search for the now overused "$143.95" charge seen, it will bring up this same scam.

It’s undoubtedly a phishing attempt.

Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

I just received the same message via Text and called the number back. He assured me he was Apple Support - and they wanted me to download an app - when the App had nothing to do with Apple I stopped the call, but after I gave them my Apple ID. Yikes...

I got the exact same text message today. It came from an Icloud.com address. Absolute phishing scam.

franktennis wrote:

I received the same $143.50 message today where my Apple ID was compromised. The scammer continues. Be careful and report it.

The businesses conducting these scams will continue to operate until the revenues for the various scams drop, or the perpetrators are incarcerated.

Oh, I get that. Been to Florida many times, although always managed to avoid toll roads. Generally speaking, people should just assume any unexpected text prompting you to call a number, click a link, or asking for money is a scam.

Jeff Donald wrote:

The other give away is the sense of urgency the messages always have. People don’t think, they just pay it and now the scammers have your card details.

I just got one this morning that told me I needed to pay immediately or I would "face penalties or legal action."

Do to a series of unfortunate circumstances, I did end up with some overdue tolls a few years back. EZPass in my state sends letters. And not especially threatening ones at that.

Jeff Donald wrote:

That’s the social engineering part of it. There was a scam years ago about the IRS coming to your door to arrest you for back taxes. Just the three letters, was enough to scare tens of thousands into rushing out to by Apple Gift cards. There is now at least a page on their website devoted to how they do not accept Apple Gift cards for tax payments.

I got one of those calls! It was pretty scary. Fortunately, I was aware of them already so I was able to ignore my immediate fear.

I also get a lot of targeted messages claiming that my <Insert name of my actual energy company here> service is about to be disconnected for non-payment. I can only imagine that someone with less knowledge or less ability to immediately check my balance online could be easily victimized.

No, banks do not alert you about a purchase.

Banks do exactly the opposite of what the fraudulent text says. Banks stop fraudulent charges and ask if you want the charge to go through. Safety first, stop the transaction.

The text is the opposite. Hey we just put through a charge we suspect is fraudulent, contact us to stop the fraudulent charge.

Do you see the difference?

Clh0723 wrote:

I just had the same experience. He was willing to “help

’” me.

I hope you are kidding and did not call the number and give any personal information. Just by calling the number alerts them that you are willing to respond to their message and you will receive more of them.

Entity321 wrote:

I got the exact same text message today. It came from an Icloud.com address. Absolute phishing scam.

The email message quite possibly didn’t come from iCloud.com, though a compromised account is within the realm of possibilities. Email “source” addresses are unreliable at best.

And you are quite correct, it’s a scam.

Bouncer and similar apps can block these.

It's a quite popular smishing. A lot of people received similar sms during the past several months.

Hello~ Well…you may at the very least want to change your Apple Account password…

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

~Katana-San~