Is the Apple ID Verification Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a phishing scam that impersonates Apple.

What should I do if I received the Apple ID Verification Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the Apple ID Verification Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the Apple ID Verification Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

Apple ID Verification Scam: Is It a Scam?

Very High Prevalence Type: Phishing Impersonates: Apple

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers send emails or texts claiming your Apple ID has been locked or compromised, urging you to verify your identity immediately. The messages link to a convincing fake Apple login page designed to steal your credentials and payment information.

How This Scam Works

You receive an email or iMessage that appears to come from Apple Support, warning that your account will be suspended unless you verify your identity. The message contains a link to a phishing site that closely mimics the real Apple ID login page. Once you enter your email, password, and security questions, the scammers capture everything. They may also ask for credit card details to 'confirm your identity.' With your Apple ID credentials, they can lock you out of your own devices and make purchases.

Red Flags to Watch For

Email sender address is not from apple.com (e.g., [email protected])
Generic greeting like 'Dear Customer' instead of your name
Urgent language threatening account suspension within 24 hours
Link URL does not go to apple.com when you hover over it
Requests for credit card or Social Security number

Example Scam Messages

Subject: Your Apple ID Has Been Locked Dear Customer, We noticed unusual activity on your Apple ID. Your account has been temporarily locked for security reasons. Please verify your identity within 24 hours or your account will be permanently disabled. Verify Now: appleid-verify.support-login.com Apple Support --- Text: [Apple] Your Apple ID was used to sign in on a new device. If this wasn't you, verify immediately: apple-id-check.com/verify

What to Do If You Received This

Do not click any links in the message
Go directly to appleid.apple.com by typing it in your browser
Check your account status by logging in directly
Forward phishing emails to [email protected]
Delete the message

What to Do If You Fell For It

Change your Apple ID password immediately at appleid.apple.com
Enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID
Check for unauthorized purchases in your Apple account
Contact your bank if you entered payment information
Contact Apple Support at support.apple.com
Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity

How to Report This Scam

Forward phishing emails to [email protected]
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM)

Last updated: February 10, 2026