Is this a scam?

Yes, It's obviously a scam, First red flag is that Apple does not reach you via iMessage, and they only do using emails, If there actually was anything with your account, then you would not be able to access it, A second red flag is the personal email address, Block the number and go on with your day, Other people in this community here may provide more info such as links, Also, look out properly as apple will say "Dear name".

I've searched on google the ways and you could use this.

SOURCE: GOOGLE GEMINI

"

Apple phishing alerts and security scams use fake pop-ups, text messages, emails, and phone calls claiming your device is hacked, locked, or infected. [1, 2]

How to Spot Apple Phishing & Scam Alerts

• False Urgency and Fear: Scammers use threatening language like "Act now or lose your account!" or claim unauthorized Apple Pay/App Store purchases. [1, 2]
• 
  
• Fake Pop-Ups and Browser Banners: Web browser alerts claiming your iPhone has a virus or asking you to call a support number are always fake. Apple never sends virus warning pop-ups. [1, 2]
• 
  
• Suspicious Phone Numbers or Senders: Apple does not send SMS text messages asking you to click links, call random 888/800 numbers, or verify bank cards. [1, 2]
• 
  
• Requests for Sensitive Info: Scammers ask for your Apple ID password, two-factor verification codes, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. [1, 2]

How to Protect Yourself

• Never Click Unsolicited Links: Do not tap links in text messages, calendar invites, or emails claiming your account is locked. Always type Apple or use your device's internal settings directly. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• 
  
• Close Suspicious Pop-Ups: If a browser displays a freezing or scary warning page, force-close the browser app completely and clear your cache or history. [1, 2]
• 
  
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect your Apple Account by going to your device settings and turning on 2FA. [1, 2]
• 
  
• Never Share Codes or Passwords: Apple support will never ask you for your password or verification codes sent via SMS. [1, 2]
• 
  
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update iOS, iPadOS, and macOS to patch security vulnerabilities.[1, 2]

What to Do If You Fell for a Scam

• Change Your Password Immediately: Update your Apple Account password right away through official device settings or Apple ID Support. [1, 2]
• 
  
• Check Trusted Devices: Review your account for unauthorized trusted devices, phone numbers, or recovery emails. [1, 2]
• 
  
• Contact Your Bank: If you shared financial details or wired money, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze cards or request a chargeback. [1, 2]"

SOURCE: GOOGLE GEMINI

That’s a phishing attempt from scammers and it’s literally been reported 100’s of times if not 1000’s. 

Apple would never contact you. Your bank (issuer of card) would contract you. Banks do the exact opposite of the message you received. If they suspect fraud the transaction is stopped immediately. You have to call to verify the transaction, not call to stop the transaction. 

“Don't answer suspicious phone calls or messages claiming to be from Apple. Instead, contact Apple directly through our official support channels.”

”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.”

You can report phishing at these links and most importantly your local law enforcement.

Identify legitimate emails from the App Store or iTunes Store.

FTC Complaint Assistant

FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center

Learn about how not to be a victim of Social Engineering.

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

Thank you for reaching out. 🤗

• The text message you received was a scam.
• Simply block, report and delete the message.
• Never click any links or call phony phone numbers they provide!
• The phony text message will never mention you by name because they don’t know it.

🛑 Apple will never send you a text message about Pay‼️⚠️

Important: 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.

Learn how to:

• Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls and other scams.
• Identify legitimate emails from the App Store or iTunes Store.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Another helpful link I use to reach Apple support just in case, is https://getsupport.apple.com/products

As mentioned earlier, Nothing will happen to you, and you are not hacked, DO NOT INTERACT WITH THE MESSAGE and enjoy your day.

Here is a write-up about that scam, and where it lies about reality:

Recognizing Apple Pay Fraud Report Scams - Apple Community

Mu-iOS wrote:

Yes, It's obviously a scam, First red flag is that Apple does not reach you via iMessage, and they only do using emails, If there actually was anything with your account, then you would not be able to access it, A second red flag is the personal email address, Block the number and go on with your day, Other people in this community here may provide more info such as links, Also, look out properly as apple will say "Dear name".

I've searched on google the ways and you could use this.

SOURCE: GOOGLE GEMINI

Did you verify all of those references?

Mu-iOS wrote:

Yes, It's obviously a scam, First red flag is that Apple does not reach you via iMessage, and they only do using emails, If there actually was anything with your account, then you would not be able to access it, A second red flag is the personal email address, Block the number and go on with your day, Other people in this community here may provide more info such as links, Also, look out properly as apple will say "Dear name".

I've searched on google the ways and you could use this.

SOURCE: GOOGLE GEMINI

"

Apple phishing alerts and security scams use fake pop-ups, text messages, emails, and phone calls claiming your device is hacked, locked, or infected. [1, 2]

How to Spot Apple Phishing & Scam Alerts

False Urgency and Fear: Scammers use threatening language like "Act now or lose your account!" or claim unauthorized Apple Pay/App Store purchases. [1, 2• ]

Fake Pop-Ups and Browser Banners: Web browser alerts claiming your iPhone has a virus or asking you to call a support number are always fake. Apple never sends virus warning pop-ups. [1, 2• ]

Suspicious Phone Numbers or Senders: Apple does not send SMS text messages asking you to click links, call random 888/800 numbers, or verify bank cards. [1, 2• ]

Requests for Sensitive Info: Scammers ask for your Apple ID password, two-factor verification codes, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. [1, 2• ]

How to Protect Yourself

Never Click Unsolicited Links: Do not tap links in text messages, calendar invites, or emails claiming your account is locked. Always type Apple or use your device's internal settings directly. [1, 2, 3, 4• ]

Close Suspicious Pop-Ups: If a browser displays a freezing or scary warning page, force-close the browser app completely and clear your cache or history. [1, 2• ]

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect your Apple Account by going to your device settings and turning on 2FA. [1, 2• ]

Never Share Codes or Passwords: Apple support will never ask you for your password or verification codes sent via SMS. [1, 2• ]

Keep Software Updated: Regularly update iOS, iPadOS, and macOS to patch security vulnerabilities.[1, 2• ]

What to Do If You Fell for a Scam

Change Your Password Immediately: Update your Apple Account password right away through official device settings or Apple ID Support. [1, 2• ]

Check Trusted Devices: Review your account for unauthorized trusted devices, phone numbers, or recovery emails. [1, 2• ]

Contact Your Bank: If you shared financial details or wired money, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze cards or request a chargeback. [1, 2• ]"

SOURCE: GOOGLE GEMINI

Hello~ Apple has links and articles for you to use instead of some of the offsite ones that you’re using. Also… using AI to post here should be reconsidered. See here…

Apple Support Communities Use Agreement - Apple Community

~Katana-San~

Hello, If AI is not allowed here, then It would be great to have my comment removed, I do not want to break any rules.

Matter of fact, I don’t even think I’m suitable here, I’ll be filing a request to delete my COMMUNITY account, NOT MY APPLE ACCOUNT.