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1.8 Billion iPhone Users Warned Over New Money-Draining Scam

By Echos News Editorial Team
Published: April 12, 2026

Cybersecurity experts have sounded the alarm for iPhone users worldwide after a new Apple Pay scam began circulating through fake text messages, leading victims to authorize payments themselves.

How the Scam Works

The fraudulent messages appear to come from Apple Pay, claiming that a suspicious transaction has occurred and urging users to act immediately. Victims are told to transfer funds to a “safe account” or call a phone number for assistance. In reality, these numbers connect directly to scammers posing as Apple investigators.

Consumer Affairs reports that the scam relies on social engineering — manipulating trust rather than hacking devices. One victim nearly lost $15,000 before a bank employee intervened.

Why It’s So Convincing

Scammers use stolen personal data to make messages appear authentic. The texts often include real names, partial card details, or familiar Apple Pay branding. This psychological pressure, combined with urgency, pushes users to act before verifying authenticity.

Global Reach and Impact

With over 1.8 billion active iPhones worldwide, the scale of potential exposure is enormous. Apple Pay’s popularity makes it a prime target for fraudsters exploiting trust in digital payments. Reports of similar scams have surfaced in the UK, US, and South Africa, where mobile banking adoption is high.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Texts claiming “fraudulent activity” or “urgent account verification.”
Requests to call unfamiliar numbers or click suspicious links.
Messages urging immediate action to “protect funds.”
Spelling errors or unusual formatting in messages.

What to Do If You Receive a Message

Experts advise users to pause and verify before responding. Check Apple Pay activity directly on your device and contact Apple or your bank using official numbers — never those provided in the message.

Apple recommends forwarding suspicious texts to reportphishing@apple.com and taking screenshots for documentation. If contacted by phone, hang up immediately and report the incident.

Apple’s Official Statement

Apple confirmed that it never asks users to call specific numbers or visit external websites to resolve payment issues. The company emphasized that Apple Pay remains secure and that scams exploit user trust rather than technical vulnerabilities.

Consumer Protection Tips

Enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID.
Regularly review Apple Pay transactions in your Wallet app.
Never share passwords or PINs over the phone.
Use official Apple Support channels for assistance.
Educate family members about phishing tactics.

Expert Commentary

Cybersecurity analyst Géraldine Carne noted that “scammers are evolving faster than ever, using emotional triggers and urgency to bypass rational decision-making.” She added that awareness campaigns are crucial to prevent widespread losses.

Why Recovery Is Difficult

Because victims authorize payments themselves, banks often classify these transactions as legitimate, making refunds nearly impossible. This highlights the importance of prevention and vigilance rather than post-incident recovery.

Conclusion

The Apple Pay scam underscores the growing sophistication of digital fraud targeting mobile users. By staying alert, verifying messages, and using official support channels, iPhone owners can protect themselves from costly deception.

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