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Real or scam?

I have been receiving emails alerting me that my Apple ID has been used to purchase expensive game apps. These purchases don’t show up on my credit card bill—at least they haven’t yet. The alert tells me to open the attached Word document if the purchase is not legitimate to clear the matter. I click and nothing gives me an opportunity to clear anything up. I changed my password and my payment method, but I still receive the emails. Are they scam emails, or do I need to investigate further?

Posted on May 30, 2020 3:22 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 30, 2020 3:26 PM

They are scams!

 

Is it possible that you gave potentially damaging information to someone? If yes, you'll need to follow up, for example, with a credit card company, Apple, Social Security, your bank, etc.

 

Is it possible that you gave you Apple ID password to a scammer? If yes, then 

 

Change your Apple ID password https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201355 I see you did this.

 

Here is What to do after you change your Apple ID or password https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204071

 

To be proactive, learn about phishing, scams, and Apple practices, etc., see:

 

If you see apple.com/bill, itunes.com/bill, or an unfamiliar charge on your statement https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201382

 

Identify legitimate emails from the App Store or iTunes Store https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201679

 

How to avoid scams when using Apple Pay to send and receive money https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208226

 

This scam related information from Apple including reporting scams to Apple see Avoid phishing emails, fake 'virus' alerts, phony support calls, and other scams https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204759

 

How to identify scams related to purported apple notifications—per Eric Root.

 

“Apple will always address you by your name or the name they have on file for you, not Dear Customer, Dear Client or by using your e-mail address. The e-mail will be from @apple.com or @iTunes.com. E-mail addresses can be spoofed. You can go to Mail/View/Message/Show all Headers to see more. Apple emails won't have poor grammar/misspellings. Apple e-mails will never contain an attachment. Apple will never request personal information by email such as Social Security numbers, your Mother’s maiden name or full credit card numbers. ...

The only exception to the above I have noticed is if you order something from the Apple Store (apple.com), your receipt will be addressed to Dear Apple Customer. That is a receipt for a purchase you initiated.”

 

While scams and activities that compromise an account are different, learn about/Increase your security for safety. See:

 

If you think your Apple ID has been compromised https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204145

 

Increase the Security of your Apple ID https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201303

 

iCloud security overview  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202303

 

Ways to keep your information safe on Mac https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh11402/mac

 

Use Two-factor authentication for Apple ID https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 30, 2020 3:26 PM in response to Angel-soft

They are scams!

 

Is it possible that you gave potentially damaging information to someone? If yes, you'll need to follow up, for example, with a credit card company, Apple, Social Security, your bank, etc.

 

Is it possible that you gave you Apple ID password to a scammer? If yes, then 

 

Change your Apple ID password https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201355 I see you did this.

 

Here is What to do after you change your Apple ID or password https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204071

 

To be proactive, learn about phishing, scams, and Apple practices, etc., see:

 

If you see apple.com/bill, itunes.com/bill, or an unfamiliar charge on your statement https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201382

 

Identify legitimate emails from the App Store or iTunes Store https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201679

 

How to avoid scams when using Apple Pay to send and receive money https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208226

 

This scam related information from Apple including reporting scams to Apple see Avoid phishing emails, fake 'virus' alerts, phony support calls, and other scams https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204759

 

How to identify scams related to purported apple notifications—per Eric Root.

 

“Apple will always address you by your name or the name they have on file for you, not Dear Customer, Dear Client or by using your e-mail address. The e-mail will be from @apple.com or @iTunes.com. E-mail addresses can be spoofed. You can go to Mail/View/Message/Show all Headers to see more. Apple emails won't have poor grammar/misspellings. Apple e-mails will never contain an attachment. Apple will never request personal information by email such as Social Security numbers, your Mother’s maiden name or full credit card numbers. ...

The only exception to the above I have noticed is if you order something from the Apple Store (apple.com), your receipt will be addressed to Dear Apple Customer. That is a receipt for a purchase you initiated.”

 

While scams and activities that compromise an account are different, learn about/Increase your security for safety. See:

 

If you think your Apple ID has been compromised https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204145

 

Increase the Security of your Apple ID https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201303

 

iCloud security overview  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202303

 

Ways to keep your information safe on Mac https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh11402/mac

 

Use Two-factor authentication for Apple ID https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915

May 30, 2020 3:26 PM in response to Angel-soft

Definitely scam emails.


  • Apple does not include document, or PDF files to download.
  • Apple would not refer to you as Dear Customer, Dear Client, or anything other than the name on file for your account.
  • Apple would not have such horrible spelling or grammar. 
  • Apple would not send a message to “Undisclosed Recipients”. 


It is a phishing attempt. Do not respond. Do not divulge any personal or financial information. You can use the address below to forward the suspect email message, as an attachment to Apple.


reportphishing@apple.com


If you provided your Apple ID and password at the bogus site, change your password immediately.

  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201355


The links below have information to help identify fraudulent emails.


Identifying legitimate emails from the iTunes Store

 

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204759

Real or scam?

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