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You see a charge you don’t know. It looks like it’s from a reputable company. Your emotions kick in. You want to fix it quickly and move on. That’s exactly what happened to Dorothy.
After a simple text, she found herself on the phone with someone who sounded legitimate, confident and completely confident. Here’s how he explains it:
“I got a text from APPLE Pay, which I don’t even use… It says the Apple Store in CA wants to charge me $144… If I have any questions, I should call. DUH! I called and I was talking to a scammer.”
“I got a text from APPLE Pay, which I don’t even use… It says the Apple Store in CA wants to charge me $144… If I have any questions, I should call. DUH! I called and I was talking to a scammer.”
Within minutes, the situation escalated.
“He knew everything about me… He said I had to shell out $15,000… He said he was working with the FBI and the FDIC.”
Then the pressure started. Dorothy told me this story when she joined me on my Beyond Connected podcast, and what happened next shows just how far these scams can go.
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10 WAYS TO SECURE THE BIGGEST IN THE EMAIL WORLD
The text sent to Dorothy shows how a fake Apple Pay alert uses urgency and a phone number to lure you into the scam. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How this Apple Pay text scam works
This scam follows an increasingly common pattern. It combines a fake alert with a live call designed to build trust quickly.
Here’s what happened behind the scenes:
Step 1: False charge alert
You receive a text about a suspicious charge. It looks urgent. It usually includes a number to call.
Step 2: You call the scammer
The number connects you directly to the criminal. They pretend to be Apple, your bank or law enforcement.
Step 3: Build credibility
They may know your name, address or bank. That information often comes from past data breaches.
Step 4: They create fear and urgency
You are told that your money is at risk. You need to act quickly.
Step 5: They control your next move
In Dorothy’s case, the scammer told her to withdraw $15,000 and lie to her bank about why.
“He said he will stay on the phone with me while I go to the bank… If anyone asks me, I say I’m buying a car.”
That’s a huge red flag.
THE POSSIBILITY OF FRAUD SPOTS THE APPLE MAIL ‘TRUSTED SENDER’ LABEL
Once you call, scammers pose as trusted companies or agencies and pressure you to act quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
At that point everything might have gone wrong
Dorothy drove to the bank while the scammer was still on the phone. This is exactly what criminals want. They try to isolate you and control the situation.
But something is wrong.
“When I got to the bank, I saw one of the employees and I told him that I was not comfortable… He immediately hung up.”
That decision changed everything.
The bank confirmed it was a scam. The calls kept coming from different numbers. Dorothy stopped them all. Fortunately, no money was lost.
Why the Apple Pay text scam sounds real
Scammers are getting better at one thing. They make you feel like you’re solving a problem, not being tricked.
Here’s why this one works so well:
- It uses a trusted name like Apple Pay
- It creates urgency with a false accusation
- It goes faster in live chat
- It uses real personal information to build trust
- It forces you to act before you think
They come with authority. Seeking a relationship with the FBI or FDIC makes people feel like they have to comply. In fact, no legitimate agency will ever ask you to transfer money this way.
Big red flags to watch out for
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
- A text about the charge telling you to call the number
- Someone asks you to withdraw a lot of money
- Instructions to lie to your bank or keep a secret
- Claims that your money needs “protection”
- The pressure to act quickly
Each is a warning sign. Together, they confirm that it is a scam.
A big red flag is telling you to move money or keep secrets from your bank or family. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to stay safe from Apple Pay text fraud
You don’t need to get past the scammers. You just need to reduce the situation.
1) Never trust a number in a message
If you receive a suspicious text, do not call the number provided. Check the official number yourself.
2) Pause before you act
Fraudsters rely on urgency. Take a moment. Real companies will not rush you like this.
3) Never transfer money on someone else’s instructions
No bank, tech company or government agency will ask you to withdraw cash to “protect” it.
4) Use strong antivirus software
Solid antivirus software can help detect malicious links, block scam websites and warn you before you engage with malicious content. Find my picks for the best antivirus 2026 winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
5) Remove your personal data from the web
Fraudsters often use data from breaking the law to sound convincing. A data removal service can help reduce your exposure and limit what criminals can find about you online. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out there on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
6) Talk to someone you trust
A quick chat with a friend, family member or bank employee can stop a scam.
7) Add more security
Consider identity monitoring services that alert you if your information is being misused. See my tips and top picks for Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.
What to do if this happens to you
Even if you didn’t lose money, take a few steps immediately:
- Contact your bank using the number on your card
- Put a fraud alert on your credit
- Consider freezing your credit
- Monitor your accounts closely
- Block any follow-up calls or texts
These steps help protect you from future attempts.
What does this mean to you?
This scam didn’t start with a sophisticated hack. Instead, it started with a simple script. That’s what makes it so dangerous. At first, it seems normal. Then there is the urgency. As a result, anyone can feel pressured to act quickly and without thinking.
In many cases, the situation feels real. That is how people are drawn into a seemingly legitimate conversation. In Dorothy’s case, she trusted her instincts at the right time. As a result of that decision, fortunately, he did not lose $15,000.
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Kurt’s priority is taking
Fraudsters aim for more than technology. They focus on human behavior. They build pressure, build trust and keep you engaged long enough to make a mistake. However, you can break the cycle. A pause can disrupt the scam. Asking one question can reveal it. Even a quick conversation with someone you trust can stop it. If you’d like to hear more about Dorothy’s story, you can find our full interview on my podcast Beyond Connected at getbeyondconnected.com/
If you have a text like this right now, can you stop by or call? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Get my best tech tips, emergency security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. For easy, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay safe, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by the millions who watch CyberGuy on TV every day. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Free Scam Survival Guide when you join.
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