Apple Approval Notice text message scam

12/24 just got this txt. Had to look it up. America is +1 before area code, this number had +63. I don’t open up any text unless I know who it is and is on my contact list. If not on my contact list, I don’t open them.

I just got it this morning, 12/19/24. I always check the phone number. The country dial code on my scam text was 63, meaning it came from the Philippines. I blocked it. If you're unsure about whether a text is legit Been Verified is a good way to check. You type in the phone number and it will tell you if it's possible scam call or text.

midgiesmom58 wrote:

I just got it this morning, 12/19/24. I always check the phone number. The country dial code on my scam text was 63, meaning it came from the Philippines. I blocked it. If you're unsure about whether a text is legit Been Verified is a good way to check. You type in the phone number and it will tell you if it's possible scam call or text.

Yup, it's a scam. Delete it and move on.

joethinkley wrote:

got the same today 12/20/2024

There's usually an uptick in this sort of scam around the winter holidays. People are very busy and often buying lots of stuff. It's easier to trick people into thinking maybe they did something with their card they don't remember.

Delete the message and move on.

Got this today, it looks like they revised the message:

Apple Approval Notice

We have noticed that your Apple iCloud id was recently used at \"APPLE STORE - CA\" for $143.95, paid by Apple Pay Pre Authorization. Also some suspicious sign in request and apple pay activation request detected. That looks like suspicious to us. In order to maintain the security and privacy of your account we have placed those request on hold.  If NOT you? talk to an Apple Representative. Failing may lead to auto debit and charge will not be reversed. Call +1 866xxxxxx immediately to cancel this charge.

Billing Department

Have a great day!

[Edited by Moderator]

waiminghe wrote:

Got this today, it looks like they revised the message:

It's not necessarily the same people sending out the message. The actual words differ from message to message. That's why it's important to learn to recognize the patterns.

Good morning everybody I just got this text today and I was going through the process of doing what the person said who said he was a representative of Apple Store approval you told me to go to Apple Store and then download a app called SOSH App and I was about to do it downloaded on my phone and I got a second thought maybe the Lord Advise me to Google this so-called department of Apple approved notice and this is where I found you at:

Here is what was texting to me:

Apple Approval Notice

We have noticed that your Apple iCloud id was recently used at \"APPLE STORE - CA\" for $143.95, paid by Apple Pay Pre Authorization. Also some suspicious sign in request and apple pay activation request detected. That looks like suspicious to us. In order to maintain the security and privacy of your account we have placed those request on hold.  If NOT you? talk to an Apple Representative. Failing may lead to auto debit and charge will not be reversed. Call +1 866895**** immediately to cancel this charge.

Billing Department :  Subscriptions and Billing - Official Apple Support

Have a great day!

[Edited by Moderator]

Eric8866 wrote:

Good morning everybody I just got this text today and I was going through the process of doing what the person said who said he was a representative of Apple Store approval you told me to go to Apple Store and then download a app called SOSH App and I was about to do it downloaded on my phone and I got a second thought maybe the Lord Advise me to Google this so-called department of Apple approved notice and this is where I found you at:

Here is what was texting to me:

Yes, it's still a scam. There is no point in posting it again. Also, Apple doesn't permit the phone number or URL.

I also got this text message 6 Jan 2025. The message was from "mail@rambler.ru". That was the first of several suspicious elements. Also, I haven't been in California for over 30 years.

[Edited by Moderator]

1/7/25

I have received two suspicious Apple texts today. Of course they make it sound authentic and by supplying Apple links and threatening to process excessive charges they’re looking for our reaction.- well I did, but I continue to play stupid as I screenshot every screen that he was asking me to move to, every app that he was trying to revise or remove, the dollar amount for humongous… then he was asking me on another page where there was an email intending to send a gift card to change my name from sender replaced with Apple as sender… I desperately tried to find a voice memo recording app so that I could record his desperate, plea with me, nearly 1 hour on the phone- I could not find an app to record for the life of me… but he could see everything that I was doing… I told him to F* off and I’ve never received a notice from Apple, but he could rest assured that I would be going directly to Apple because I’m sure he’s trying to hack my account. He proceeded to scream and scream and scream into my phone while he was on mute for a clear total of 93 minutes and I have not powered off my phone. He would still be there…. Help

Here we are in the new year. Jan 9, 2025, and I got this scam today on my iPhone. I almost fell for it because my credit card got jacked last week, and YESTERDAY, I updated all my info with the new credit card. So, I already have PTSD from getting my life turned upside down. I thought, GREAT, what did I do incorrectly when entering the new credit card number that made me a victim again? I was so relieved when I saw this post.

Recently got the same message 3 days in a row by text. Never hit the link or called the telephone #. The source’s name keeps changing so me marking the texts as spam is not blocking the future texts. I appreciate the help on this forum.

I got this message today, I did call the number, but became very suspicious the person was not professional. did have me look under General then the Language & Region where under Region Format Example there were two charges dated August 19, 2025, in the amts of $12,345.67 and $4567.89. Not sure how they were able to do this, not sure if my phone is now compromised.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

MrHoffman wrote:

Using the region formatting examples is a new one to me. Weird and kind of clever.

Yes, that $12,000 charge would induce panic in anybody. But the future date should be the second clue this is a scam, the term "example" being the first.

But yes, I can see my elderly F-I-L seeing that dollar figure and falling for a scam. (He is the proud owner of one automobile {auto is leased} and two home warranties). Luckly, he's and Android user.

Just got this Jan 17, 2025

Your Apple ID was used at "APPLE STORE" for $227.99. To ensure safety we hold payment for approval. If not you then contact Apple Support  +18*********559

[Edited by Moderator]