Fake Apple Pay charge texts that tell you to call a number

The Scam

According to the Corning (Calif.) Police Department, scammers send text messages claiming there's a problem with an Apple Pay payment or purchase, with a phone number or link to get help. Many people who get them don't even use Apple Pay. Police say people who call are asked for personal information such as their date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number, may be told to download apps that could install spyware or give access to their phone, and are then asked to log in to online banking to "fix" their account. Other police departments have described similar texts: Burnet (Texas) police said the messages may list a dollar amount or case number for a purchase you never made, and Nassau County (N.Y.) police said a 76-year-old woman lost $60,000 after a text about her Apple Pay account led to callers who had her withdraw cash and hand it over.

The Targets

Anyone with a cellphone, including people who don't use Apple Pay; Nassau County police said scammers frequently target older adults.

Red flags

• A text about an Apple Pay charge or problem you don't recognize, with a phone number or link to call for help
• A "support" agent who asks for your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number
• Being told to download an app so someone can help fix your account
• Being asked to log in to online banking, read off a verification code, or move or withdraw money to "secure" it

Your Move

• Don't call the number or tap the link in the text; check your account in your bank's or Apple's official app or website instead
• Never share personal information, banking passwords or verification codes with someone who contacted you unexpectedly
• If you shared information or installed an app, contact your bank right away, change your passwords from a trusted device and secure your phone
• Police suggest considering a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion if you gave out personal details, and reporting it to local police and ReportFraud.ftc.gov

More steps for any scam link: I clicked a scam link. What now?

Still circulating?

Police in California, Texas, Tennessee and New York have warned about versions of this text since September 2026, most recently Corning police in late October.

Related sources

• North State Now: Corning police warn of fake Apple Pay texts (Oct. 30, 2026)
• FOX 7 Austin: Fake alerts about 'fraudulent Apple purchases' in Burnet
• ABC7 New York: Nassau police warn of Apple Pay text scam after woman lost $60,000 (Sept. 14, 2026)
• WSMV: Cybercrime officials warn of new Apple Pay text scam (Sept. 3, 2026)