Recognise and avoid phishing messages, phoney support calls and other scams

Employ these tips to avoid scams and find out what to exercise if y'all receive suspicious emails, telephone calls or other letters.

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

Phishing refers to fraudulent attempts to become personal information from you lot, normally past email. Just scammers use any means they can to trick y'all into sharing information or giving them money, including:

  • Fraudulent emails and other letters that look similar they're from legitimate companies, including Apple
  • Misleading popular-ups and ads that say your device has a security problem
  • Scam phone calls or voicemails that impersonate Apple Back up
  • Simulated promotions that offering gratuitous products and prizes
  • Unwanted Agenda invitations and subscriptions

If you're suspicious about an unexpected message, call or asking for personal data or money, it's safer to presume it's a scam and contact that company directly if y'all need to. If y'all're concerned about a security issue with your Apple device, you can become aid from Apple.


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

How to protect your Apple tree account and devices

Hither are some things you can practise to avert scams that target your Apple business relationship and devices.

  • Never share personal information such as credit card numbers, unless you tin verify the recipient is who they claim to be.
  • Protect your Apple ID. Employ two-factor authentication, always keep your contact information secure and up to date, and never share your Apple tree ID password or verification codes with anyone. Apple never asks for this data to provide support.
  • Never use Apple Gift Cards to make other kinds of payments.
  • Discover out how to identify legitimate Apple emails about your App Shop or iTunes Store purchases. If you transport or receive money with Apple Pay (U.s.a. just), treat it like any other private transaction.
  • Notice out how to go along your Apple devices and data secure.
  • Only download software from sources yous can trust.
  • Don't follow links or open or relieve attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages.

How to written report suspicious emails, letters and calls

  • If you receive a suspicious e-mail that looks similar it'due south supposed to be from Apple, please forward it to reportphishing@apple.com.one
  • To report a suspicious SMS text bulletin that looks like it'due south supposed to exist from Apple tree, take a screenshot of the message and email the screenshot to reportphishing@apple tree.com.
  • To study spam or other suspicious emails that yous 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 tin can also block unwanted messages and calls.
  • Report scam phone calls to the Federal Merchandise Commission (US merely) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to your local law enforcement agency.

More data about phishing and other scams

Find out how to place 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 fox you into giving them your personal information and passwords. These signs can assist y'all identify phishing emails:

  • The sender'southward email accost or phone number doesn't match the proper name of the company that it claims to be from.
  • The electronic mail address or phone number they used to contact yous is different from the ane that you gave that company.
  • A link in a message looks right, just the URL doesn't match the company'south website.2
  • The message looks significantly different from other letters that you've received from the visitor.
  • The message requests personal information, such as a credit card number or business relationship password.
  • The message is unsolicited and contains an attachment.

If you lot get a suspicious phone call or voicemail

Scammers use faux Caller ID info to spoof phone numbers of companies such as Apple and often claim that there'southward 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 lot go an unsolicited or suspicious phone telephone call from someone claiming to be from Apple or Apple tree Support, but hang up.

You can report scam phone calls to the Federal Merchandise Committee (Us just) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to your local police force enforcement agency.

If yous see suspicious Calendar events

If y'all get an unwanted or suspicious agenda invitation in Mail or Agenda, you can written report it as Junk in iCloud. If you may have unintentionally subscribed to a spam Calendar, you tin can delete it.

If your web browser displays annoying pop-ups

While browsing the spider web, if yous see a popular-upward or alarm that offers y'all a free prize or warns you most security problems or viruses on your device, don't believe it. These types of popular-ups are commonly 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 set the problem. Ignore the message and just navigate abroad from the page or close the entire window or tab.

If you're prompted to download software

Utilize extreme circumspection if yous download content from the Internet. Some downloads found on the Internet may non comprise 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 tin can then command your device. If installed, unknown or unwanted software may become intrusive and abrasive and could even damage your Mac and steal your information.

To avoid unwanted, fake or malicious software, install software from the App Shop or get information technology directly from the developer'due south website. Find out how to safely open software on your Mac or remove unwanted configuration profiles from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

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

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

Information about products not manufactured past Apple tree, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, functioning 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.

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