What Is an Apple Pay Scam?

How Do Apple Pay Scams Work?

Apple Pay scams often rely on tricking users rather than breaching Apple’s technical infrastructure. Scammers use phishing emails, text messages, fake websites, and phone calls to impersonate Apple or legitimate merchants. Their goal is to convince users to:

• Share Apple ID credentials or verification codes
• Add a scammer’s card to their Apple Pay account
• Send money via Apple Cash or another platform
• Download malicious apps disguised as legitimate payment tools

Once a scammer has access to your account or personal data, they can make unauthorized transactions, steal your identity, or even lock you out of your device.

Main Types of Apple Pay Scams

Apple Pay scams can take many forms, each designed to exploit a different weakness in technology or human behavior. Let’s go over some of the most common tactics fraudsters use to deceive users and gain access to their accounts or money.

Phishing Emails and Texts

Scammers send fake emails or SMS messages that appear to be from Apple, claiming there’s suspicious activity on your account or asking you to verify your Apple Pay information. These messages typically include a link to a fraudulent website that looks nearly identical to Apple’s official site.

Fake Tech Support Calls

You may receive a phone call from someone claiming to be Apple Support. They’ll say your Apple Pay account has been compromised and ask for your Apple ID, password, or two-factor authentication code. In reality, Apple will never make unsolicited calls or ask for sensitive information over the phone.

Fraudulent Refunds or Overpayments

In these scams, someone might send you money via Apple Pay, then claim it was a mistake and ask you to return it. In many cases, the original payment turns out to be fraudulent or is reversed later, meaning you end up out of pocket.

Apple Cash Scams on Marketplaces

Scammers often target users who are selling goods through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. They offer to pay via Apple Cash but then claim the transaction didn’t go through or pressure the seller to send the item before the payment is confirmed.

Romance and Impersonation Scams

Like with other digital wallets, scammers may use Apple Pay in romance scams, where someone builds a relationship online and eventually asks for money or gifts to be sent via Apple Pay. Impersonation scams may also involve fraudsters pretending to be someone you know or trust, such as a friend or colleague.

Malicious Apps or QR Codes

Some scammers design fake apps that mimic payment or wallet apps to trick users into entering their Apple credentials. QR code scams are also on the rise—a scammer may send or display a QR code that, when scanned, leads to a phishing site or initiates a payment to the scammer’s account.

Scams Involving Verification Codes

If someone convinces you to share a verification code sent to your phone, they may be trying to access your Apple ID or Apple Pay account. Once logged in, they can authorize payments or lock you out of your account.

How to Avoid Apple Pay Scams

The best defense against Apple Pay scams is awareness and caution. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Never share verification codes: These are meant to protect your account. If someone asks for it, it’s a red flag.
• Don’t click suspicious links: Whether in emails, texts, or social media messages, avoid clicking links from unknown senders.
• Verify directly with Apple: If you get a suspicious message or call, contact Apple Support through official channels to verify.
• Use Face ID or Touch ID: Keep authentication secure by using biometric login features.
• Double-check payments: If you’re sending or receiving money, verify the recipient’s identity and confirm payment details.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Always use 2FA for your Apple ID to add an extra layer of security.
• Install updates: Keep your Apple devices and apps up to date to ensure you have the latest security features.

Being skeptical is your best friend. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.

Key Takeaways

• Apple Pay scams use phishing, fake support calls, and social engineering to steal personal or financial information.

  Common scams include fraudulent payment requests, impersonation on marketplaces, and malicious QR codes.

• Stay safe by never sharing verification codes, verifying directly with Apple, and enabling strong authentication measures.