Scam library
Fake account suspended alerts
A message says your account is locked or a payment failed, and the link steals your login or card.
Social interactions today13
TrendSteady
Last 14 days
How much people are talking about "Apple ID scam" online, measured by LunarCrush. Attention, not a count of victims.
What it looks like
Your streaming membership is on hold. We couldn't process your last payment. Update your details here: account-help.example.com
Apple ID: Your account has been disabled for security reasons. Verify your information within 24 hours or it will be permanently deleted.
We've noticed unusual sign-in activity on your account. If this wasn't you, click below to secure your account now.
How it works
The message copies a company you likely use, like a streaming service, shopping site, email or phone account. The link opens a fake sign-in or payment page. When you type your password, card number or the code texted to you, they take over the account or use the card.
Warning signs
- A deadline, like 24 hours, before your account is deleted
- A link that goes to a web address that is not the company's real site
- Generic greetings like Dear Customer
- It asks you to update your card or confirm your password
- It came to an email or number you never gave that company
If you got one of these
- Do not tap the link. Open the company's app or type its website yourself and check your account there.
- Use your mail or messages app's built-in Report Junk or Report Phishing option.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
- Turn on two-step sign-in for important accounts.
If you already paid or shared something
- Change the password on the real site right away, and anywhere else you used the same one.
- Sign out all other devices from the account's security settings and turn on two-step sign-in.
- If you entered a card, call the card's fraud number and ask for a new card.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Who gets targeted
Everyone. These are sent in bulk and match common services by chance.
Also read: Which kind of two-step sign-in is best?
Protect yourself: The Ten-Minute Kit