MacBook Pro locked after scam, removal denied

Sometimes small retailers are not "Apple-authorized resellers" and use a buying group or other mechanism to obtain their Macs.

What you need (with help from the seller) is to prove unbroken line of ownership through a chain of purchase receipts that include serial numbers back to Apple, Inc.

So if your receipt did not have serial number, you need the Seller to provide a recipe WITH serial number. .

...AND if the seller is not an authorized seller, you need THEIR receipt with serial number of their original purchase from Apple.

Activation Lock is a theft deterrent. Apple does not have any way to bypass it directly.

Apple does not have your password. If your device was activation-locked and you do not have the key:

Your recourse is generally to prove the computer is yours -- by Bill-of-Sale with serial number -- take your MacBook Pro to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, and if Apple allows it, the Provider can COMPLETELY ERASE your device and return it to you, Blank.

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<< I also previously submitted proof of purchase, but it seems it was not sufficient for Apple’s verification process. >>

If you already got to the stage where you submitted your "proof", you should contact the agent where you sent your "proof" and see what it takes to make your proof acceptable.

NB>> Bypassing Activation lock is not possible. Only completely ERASING and returning the device unlocked, but with NO files.

Mirfozil03 wrote:

Recently, I was targeted by a job interview scam. During the interview process, I was asked to sign out of my Apple ID on my MacBook and sign in with another Apple ID, which was presented as a corporate account for installing required applications and using company subscriptions.

After doing this, my MacBook was locked with Activation Lock, and I lost access to the device. The person later tried to extort money in exchange for unlocking it.

We see many reports of similar scams with iPhones – usually where the "bait" is being able to download apps or content that the victim otherwise could not download in their country or region.

Once the victim turns over "ownership" of their iPhone to the scammer, the scammer locks the phone and tries extorting money. With the phone in Lost Mode, even original proof of purchase is not enough to satisfy Apple's conditions for removing Activation Lock. Paying extortionists is a bad idea, since they may just extort more and more money without ever releasing their hold on a device.

So the victim's iPhone becomes a useless "brick" and the victim learns a very painful and expensive lesson, re: never logging into someone else's Apple Account on their device.

I have already contacted Apple Support and submitted a request to remove Activation Lock, but unfortunately my request was denied.

You may be headed for the same outcome here.

I have been using this MacBook with my personal Apple ID for several years. The same Apple ID is also used on my iPhone and other Apple devices, and it contains my real name and personal information.

If there is any question of your Apple Account being compromised, secure it immediately.

“Unfortunately I don't have scammer's Apple ID, He immediately deleted Apple ID and password as soon as he blocked me.”

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Finding the Apple ID:

Provide the Serial Number to Apple, and see if they and provide it to you. Go Here:

Find your Mac Model Name and Serial Number - Apple Support. If you have an old email from Apple(such as one for AppleCare), you might find it there. Search for the word “Serial Number” in your search bar of your eMail account(s) you mace used at the time of use.

Being Locked Out...

Have any Proof of Purchase?

Unless you have the original packaging and receipt, you may be out of luck. If you do have it, however, then take this to an Apple Store, or an AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider)! and they may be able to restore it. The reason for this blockage is all about Security & Privacy.

Apple Contact Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary

Mirfozil03 wrote:

• Hello everyone,

I’m facing an issue with Activation Lock on my MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021) and I would like to ask for advice.

Recently, I was targeted by a job interview scam. During the interview process, I was asked to sign out of my Apple ID on my MacBook and sign in with another Apple ID,

which was presented as a corporate account for installing required applications and using company subscriptions.

WOW....

what are they saying is the next step..? Is there a ransom request or what to regain your Mac from the scammers...

Apple ID has been compromised

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

Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

you can request a receipt from the retail location.

Check your email for a copy of the receipt. Here’s how to locate the Apple Store and their contact information: Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple

If your purchase was made at the Apple Online Store, please view the section titled “View or Print Invoice” here: Viewing & Changing Orders - Shopping Help - Apple Viewing & Changing Orders - Shopping Help - Apple

If your device was purchased from an Apple Authorized Reseller, it is recommend contacting them directly for a receipt.

Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device

Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

Is there any alternative way to escalate this case?

Maybe local law enforcement(?)

"Привет! У меня тоже такая проблема. Удалось решить?"

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MacBook Pro Locked After Scam, Removal Denied:

Tried anything mentioned in the previous replies?

Obtaining and Reporting Continent:

If you have any info, obtain the contents. Rather than retyping it all, you can take a photo with the Camera app on your iPhone, and then select the info with the Photos. See my User Tip: Using the Photos App to Report Scams: - Apple Support

Using eMail Headers & Footers:

If eMail plays any roll in this, then view the headers of the eMails, to gather server information to find out just where the email originated from (location wise). Open Terminal (Go Menu > Utilities > Terminal), then when type the following command, followed by the IP Address. Using...

ping apple.com

provides the IP Address: 17.253.144.10

Then, ping the IP Address to get the accomplice's info:

ping 17.253.144.10

Mirfozil03 wrote:

Recently, I was targeted by a job interview scam. During the interview process, I was asked to sign out of my Apple ID on my MacBook and sign in with another Apple ID, which was presented as a corporate account for installing required applications and using company subscriptions.

Based on the above, it seems you do have the new (scammer's) Apple ID and password through which the Activation Lock was activated. According to Apple (How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support) you can remove that Activation Lock with that Apple ID and password.

Unless maybe they already changed that password?

Edit…

“Unfortunately I don't have scammer's Apple ID, He immediately deleted Apple ID and password as soon as he blocked me.”

———-

Resetting your Password After a Hack:

How many Administrator users do you have in your Mac? With more than one, you might be able to perform a reset in Terminal. More or less, try it, and report back the results.

1. Boot: into Recovery Mode
2. Enter: [your credentials]
3. Select: Utilities menu
4. Select: Terminal
5. Use this command:

resetpassword

Привет! У меня тоже такая проблема. Удалось решить?

Mirfozil03 wrote: Posted on Apr 25, 2026 4:27 AM

Was there any resolve here Mirfozil03 ?