Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
Newsroom Update
Apple is introducing a new Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop, matching watch face, and dynamic iOS and iPadOS wallpapers as a way to champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more >
Apple is introducing a new Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop, matching watch face, and dynamic iOS and iPadOS wallpapers as a way to champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more >
Suddenly, on my sister’s iPad a message appeared stating that it has been blocked because of illegal activity and asking my to call an "Apple" telephone number. I’m quite certain it’s a scam - how can I get out of it? Can’t turn off the iPad, or do anything else, the message + blockage won’t go away. I’m using my MacBook Air trying to assist her.
MacBook Air with 10.13.6
That it worked means something (possibly the game, from the sounds of it) is causing her to be redirected to a scam site.
Have her close the game as she did Safari. That is, swipe it up and off the screen so it isn't running at all. Clear Safari again as above.
Now try moving around the web in Safari and use some other typical apps, but don't launch Words With Friends.
If the scam doesn't reappear, then you can make a fairly safe bet the game itself is the cause. If so, delete game and report the scam action it's causing to Apple.
That it worked means something (possibly the game, from the sounds of it) is causing her to be redirected to a scam site.
Have her close the game as she did Safari. That is, swipe it up and off the screen so it isn't running at all. Clear Safari again as above.
Now try moving around the web in Safari and use some other typical apps, but don't launch Words With Friends.
If the scam doesn't reappear, then you can make a fairly safe bet the game itself is the cause. If so, delete game and report the scam action it's causing to Apple.
Thank you for the speedy feedback. It worked - sort of, but the blockage returned after a few minutes as my sister continued to play her 'Words with Friends'. She’s using the game app on her iPad, not Safari (as far as I can tell). Any advice at this point would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for the speedy feedback. It worked - sort of, but the blockage returned after a few minutes as my sister continued to play her 'Words with Friends'. She’s using the game app on her iPad, not Safari (as far as I can tell). Any advice at this point would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry about my wondering fingers - I intended to tell you that I’ll tell my sister to follow your directions regarding Words with Friends in order to kill the pesky problem. I’m grateful for your help and speedy responses. Good wishes, Lynkaeus.
Yes, it's a scam.
Tap the home button twice to open the application switcher. Slide Safari up and off the screen to close it.
Open Settings > Safari. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Not sure what to tell you. Since you copy/pasted your previous response, there’s no way to know what did, or didn’t help.
If the problem persists, please return to this topic. I, or any other member with an idea will help.
iPad blocked by scam
