Received a notice that a charge was made at an Apple store
I attempted to phone the number stated at the end of the message, but it is incorrect
iPhone 14 Plus, iOS 18
Question marked as
It’s a scam. Do not engage.
Another discussion of this scam: Identifying Phishing Scams in text messag… - Apple Community
The “Hey Pervert” is yet another common scam.
There are (many) others: Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support
The text of this Apple Store scam varies over time, but here are the general contents of the scam text, commented:
We have noticed that your Apple iCloud id
It’s called an Apple Account, as Apple stopped using Apple ID a while back. Enjoy the brief interlude before the scammers catch up. It’s never been called an “Apple iCloud id”, though.
was recently used at "APPLE STORE - CA" for $143.95, paid by Apple Pay Pre Authorization.
Apple Pay Pre Authorization is word salad.
And that’s also not how payment networks and fraud detection works. If there’s fraud suspected, the transaction is blocked before payment, and only proceeds after explicit approval (from you) is received. The card-holder (you) doesn’t call to block payment, the caller calls to complete the payment, if fraud is suspected.
Also some suspicious sign in request and apple pay activation request detected.
Word salad. Also not how Apple reports issues.
You do have two-factor authentication enabled too, right? If not, go enable that Right Now.
That looks like suspicious to us.
Word salad. Poor grammar, too.
In order to maintain the security and privacy of your account we have placed those request on hold.
Not how this works. Also word salad. Also bad grammar.
Your Photos, Data, Bank Information and Cards are at risk.
That’s not how Apple Pay works. If your Apple Account is breached, sure, you’re headed for a Bad Day.
But you have two-factor enabled, right? That will show a verification code for every new and unexpected login.
If NOT you? talk to an Apple Representative.
“If NOT you ? talk to an Apple Representative” is word salad.
Failing may lead to auto debit and charge will not be reversed.
That’s not how payment networks work. Also not how fraud detection works. Also, bad grammar.
Call +1808203**** immediately to cancel this charge.
Yeah, because Apple is likely to use a number that isn’t toll-free; an 800, . And if you’re still not sure, search for the phone number, and see if it’s associated with shenanigans, or with Apple. And if you’re still unsure, look up the number for Apple in your Wallet or otherwise, and contact Apple.
Arcane technical details: ”Toll-free telephone numbers in the North American Numbering Plan have the area code prefix 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888. Additionally, area codes 822, 880 through 887, and 889 are reserved for toll-free use in the future. 811 is excluded because it is a special dialing code in the group NXX for various other purposes.”
Billing Department : Subscriptions and Billing - Official Apple Support
Word salad.
Have a great day!
Yeah, because Apple is going to use that “Have a great day!” as its closing, and particularly on a note claiming payment mayhem.