Recognize and avoid phishing messages,

phony support calls, and other scams

Use these tips to avoid scams and learn what to do if you receive suspicious emails,
phone calls, or other messages. 

If you receive a suspicious email or SMS text message that looks like it's supposed to be
from Apple, please email it to reportphishing@apple.com.1

Phishing refers to fraudulent attempts to get personal information from you, usually by email. But
scammers use any means they can to trick you into sharing information or giving them money, including: 

Fraudulent emails and other messages that look like they're from legitimate companies, including Apple
Misleading pop-ups and ads that say your device has a security problem 
Scam phone calls or voicemails that impersonate Apple Support
Fake promotions that offer free products and prizes
Unwanted Calendar invitations and subscriptions

If you're suspicious about an unexpected message, call, or request for personal information or money, it's
safer to presume it's a scam and contact that company directly if you need to. If you're concerned about a
security issue with your Apple device, you can get help from Apple.

If you believe that your Apple ID has been compromised, or if you might have entered
your password or other personal info on a scam website, change your Apple ID
password immediately.

How to protect your Apple account and devices

Here are some things you can do to avoid scams that target your Apple account and devices.

Never share personal information like credit card numbers, unless you can verify the recipient is who
they claim to be.
Protect your Apple ID. Use two-factor authentication, always keep your contact information secure and
up to date, and never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with anyone. Apple never asks
for this information to provide support.
Never use Apple Gift Cards to make other kinds of payments. 
 Learn how to identify legitimate Apple emails about your App Store or iTunes Store purchases. If
you send or receive money with Apple Pay (U.S. only), treat it like any other private transaction.
Learn how to keep your Apple devices and data secure.
Download software only from sources you can trust.
Don't follow links or open or save attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages.

How to report suspicious emails, messages, and calls

If you receive a suspicious email that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, please forward it
to reportphishing@apple.com.1  
To report a suspicious SMS text message that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, take a
screenshot of the message and email the screenshot to reportphishing@apple.com.
To report spam or other suspicious emails that you receive in your iCloud.com, me.com, or mac.com
Inbox, send them to abuse@icloud.com.
To report spam or other suspicious messages that you receive through Messages, tap Report Junk
under the message. You can also block unwanted messages and calls.
Report scam phone calls to the Federal Trade Commission (U.S. only) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to your
local law enforcement agency.

More information about phishing and other scams

Learn how to identify phishing messages, handle fraudulent phone calls, and avoid other online scams. 

How to identify fraudulent emails and messages

Scammers try to copy email and text messages from legitimate companies to trick you into giving them
your personal information and passwords. These signs can help you identify phishing emails: 

The senderʼs email or phone doesnʼt match the name of the company that it claims to be from.
The email or phone they used to contact you is different from the one that you gave that company.
A link in a message looks right, but the URL doesnʼt match the companyʼs website.2
The message looks significantly different from other messages that youʼve received from the company.
The message requests personal information, like a credit card number or account password.
The message is unsolicited and contains an attachment.

If you get a suspicious phone call or voicemail

Scammers use fake Caller ID info to spoof phone numbers of companies like Apple and often claim that
there's suspicious activity on your account or device to get your attention. Or they may use flattery or
threats to pressure you into giving them information, money, and even Apple gift cards.

If you get an unsolicited or suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be from Apple or Apple
Support, just hang up.

You can report scam phone calls to the Federal Trade Commission (U.S. only) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to
your local law enforcement agency.
 If you see suspicious Calendar events
If you get an unwanted or suspicious calendar invitation in Mail or Calendar, you can report it as Junk in
iCloud. If you might have unintentionally subscribed to a spam Calendar, you can delete it.

If your web browser displays annoying pop-ups

While browsing the web, if you see a pop-up or alert that offers you a free prize or warns you about
security problems or viruses on your device, don't believe it. These types of pop-ups are usually
fraudulent advertisements, designed to trick you into downloading damaging software or giving the
scammer personal information or money.

Don't call the number or follow the links to claim the prize or fix the problem. Ignore the message and
simply navigate away from the page or close the entire window or tab.

If you're prompted to download software

Use extreme caution if you download content from the internet. Some downloads found on the internet
may not contain the software they claim to, or may contain software that you didn't expect or want. This
includes apps that ask to install configuration profiles that can then control your device. If installed,
unknown or unwanted software may become intrusive and annoying and could even damage your Mac and
steal your data. 

To avoid unwanted, fake, or malicious software, install software from the App Store or get it directly from
the developer's website. Learn how to safely open software on your Mac or remove unwanted
configuration profiles from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

1. To report an SMS text message, take a screenshot of the message and send it via email. If you forward a message from Mail
on your Mac, include the header information by selecting the message and choosing Forward As Attachment from the
Message menu.

2. To confirm the destination of a link on your Mac, hover your pointer over the link to see the URL. If you can't see the URL in
the status bar in Safari, choose View > Show Status Bar. On your iOS device, you can touch and hold the link.

 
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or
endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no
representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Published Date: January 13, 2022

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