Unauthorized Apple Account use linked to my email with security questions in Chinese

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Unauthorized Apple Account use linked to my email with security questions in Chinese

Hi everyone,

I’m dealing with a very frustrating Apple Account security issue, and I’m hoping someone here can help me figure out what to do.

About 10 years ago, my brother created an Apple Account using my personal Hotmail address. He never used the account afterward, and I still have full access to and control over that email address.

Recently, I discovered that someone else appears to be using this Apple Account.

Here’s what’s happening:

I can successfully reset the Apple Account password using my Hotmail address.

However, when I try to sign in, Apple asks me to answer security questions that are displayed in Chinese. I don’t know the answers, so I cannot access the account.

I keep receiving emails confirming that the Apple Account password has been successfully reset, even after I’ve changed it myself.

I suspect whoever is using the account knows the security-question answers and is using them to reset the password again.

I’m also receiving Apple purchase receipts for transactions I never made. The payment card being used is not mine, which suggests someone else is actively using the account.

My biggest concern is that someone seems to have control over an Apple Account linked to my personal email address, and I have no way to stop them.

I live in Lebanon, where Apple doesn’t appear to offer a direct chat or phone support option, so I’m struggling to find someone who can actually help.

My questions are:

How can someone repeatedly reset the Apple Account password without having access to my email?

Is there any way to reset or remove the security questions if I don’t know the answers?

Can Apple help me regain control of the account or at least remove my Hotmail address from it?

Is there any alternative way to contact Apple Support from Lebanon?

I’ve already tried resetting the password multiple times, but that doesn’t solve the problem.

I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions. I just want to secure my email address and stop someone else from using an Apple Account associated with it.

Thank you in advance!

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Oct 22, 2026 3:15 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 22, 2026 3:25 PM in response to Renatta.

Several years ago Apple transitioned to using two factor authentication instead of security questions. You can continue to use security questions if you already use them and they are working for you, but if you have problems then they no longer get direct support. You can try the directions in this support article If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support but the article is labeled "archived" and may contain information that no longer applies. If the instructions work then fine; if they do not (e.g., you see “not enough information”*) then you will have no option but to change to the newer security method, if you can. Over the past few years Apple has been persistently encouraging users to switch to the newer two factor authentication security system. For those who have disregarded their encouraging, Apple will likely only help you to now change to two factor authentication, if even that is possible. Follow the instructions in the "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID" section in this support article --> Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support to try to change to two factor authentication.

If you still need help, contact Apple Account support at this link ➞ https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=cups&PGF=PGF63005

Select "Other Apple Account Topics", then "Security concerns or account compromised." See if it will give you a chat or telephone call option. I otherwise can't find live Apple Support in Lebanon and Apple doesn't do support by email unless they initiate it.

If Apple cannot, or will not, help you transition to two factor authentication then it is quite possible you will have to simply abandon the old account and everything it contained. In that case, if you were using the Find My service, the Activation Lock support request support article at: - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support may at least let you regain use of your equipment. If not, you will also have to say goodbye to the device as well.

Good luck!

*More about identity verification problems here —> Cannot Reset Security Questions - Apple Community

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