Apple Pay charge text scam

Updated October 23, 2026

The text people are getting

your Apple ID charge of $443.74 via Apple Pay at Apple Store Orlando "FL". If you do not authorise this, then call [phone number] […]

As reported by WXYZ Detroit, December 2025.

$8,250.00 APPLE PAY - 35-MINUTE DEADLINE. […]
will auto-approve in 35 minutes. […]
Do not ignore this. […]
You must call. […]
Apple Pay Account Services

As reported by Fox News CyberGuy (received as an iMessage), August 2026.

How to tell it's a scam

It wants you to call, fast. "35-minute deadline," "will auto-approve," and "You must call" are pressure tactics. A real fraud alert lets you check things on your own.
The amount is scary on purpose. $443.74 or $8,250 is big enough to make you act before you think.
Odd details. A lowercase start, British spellings like "authorise," and quote marks around a state name don't look like Apple.
Apple doesn't work this way. Apple says it will never ask for your Apple Account password or verification codes to help you, and will never ask you to turn off a security feature.

What Apple actually does

Your real Apple Pay transactions are in the Wallet app and on your bank statement. Apple's support page on social engineering says real Apple support won't ask for your Apple Account password or the verification codes it sends you. If you're worried about a charge, check Wallet or your bank's app directly, or contact Apple through support.apple.com.

If you called or shared anything

Shared your Apple Account password or a code? Change your password right away at account.apple.com or in Settings, and make sure two-factor authentication is on. See what to do if you shared a verification code.
Gave card details or sent money? Call your bank or card company using the number on your card. Ask them to block the card and reverse the payment if they can.
Installed an app or let them "connect" to your phone? Delete the app and get help from Apple Support or your bank.

Report it

Email a screenshot of the text to reportphishing@apple.com.
Use Report Spam (or Report Junk) under the message, then forward it to 7726. How to report spam texts on iPhone.
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Questions

Is there really a charge on my Apple Pay?

Check for yourself: open the Wallet app and tap your card to see recent transactions, or check your bank's app. Don't call the number in the text.

I called the number. What should I do?

Hang up if you're still talking to them. If you shared your Apple Account password, change it right away and make sure two-factor authentication is on. If you shared card details, sent money, or installed anything they asked you to, call your bank using the number on your card.

Why is there no link?

This is a callback scam. Once you're on the phone, the scammer can pressure you in real time and walk you through handing over passwords, codes, or money.

Sources

Facts checked October 23, 2026.