Published: 03/14/2025By: Claire Young
Mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay have transformed the way we handle our transactions. You can now pay for your groceries, book an Uber ride, or send money to a friend with just a couple of taps. However, every new technology comes with a catch.
The rise of Apple Pay has attracted a growing number of cybercriminals looking to exploit its popularity. In the United States alone, the number of cybercrime incidents, including online fraud, has skyrocketed from around 467,000 in 2019 to more than 880,000 in 2023. These figures prove that it’s more important than ever to be vigilant.
This article is going to explore the most common types of fake Apple Pay scams you might come across, how to spot them, and how to protect yourself from falling victim to such scams.
Types of Fake Apple Pay Scams
Apply Pay is a mobile payment system developed by Apple that allows you to make secure, contactless payments using an Apple device. All you have to do is save your card information in the app, and you can then pay or transfer money online without carrying physical cards.
Fake Apple Pay scams often fool you into thinking you’re using the real app while actually handing over your financial info to scammers. Here are some scams you need to be aware of:
Phishing Scams
Phishing is one of the most common types of online scams and Apple Pay users are no strangers to it. In this scam, you’ll often receive an email, text, or call from someone pretending to be from Apple or another trusted company. They might say there’s a problem with your Apple Pay account or that urgent verification is needed to keep it active.
The scammer might send you a link to a fake website that looks just like Apple’s official site. When you visit, they’ll ask you to enter sensitive info like your Apple ID, payment details, or even your social security number. Once you enter your details, they’re sent directly to the scammer.
Here’s how you can spot this scam:
- Look out for any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and visual inconsistencies in the email or message. If you notice obvious misalignment, inconsistent font sizes, or poor-quality images, there’s a high chance it’s a fake and not from Apple.
- Check the sender’s email address. It might look similar but won’t be exactly like the official company email.
- Highlight the use of urgent language or threats like “Your account will be suspended” if you don’t act immediately.
Fake Apple Pay Apps
Some cybercriminals are skilled at creating fake applications that look like Apple Pay or other legitimate payment apps. These apps mimic the real thing with nearly identical interfaces, making it easy to mistake them for the genuine app. You might come across such apps through unofficial app stores, pop-up ads, and phishing links.
Similar to phishing scams, you’ll be asked to provide sensitive information once you download and open the fake app. However, instead of securely processing the data, it will send it directly to the scammer, who can make unauthorized purchases and gain access to your financial accounts.
Here’s how to avoid this scam:
- Only download apps from the official Apple App Store; avoid unofficial ones at all costs
- Check the reviews and ratings of any application along with the developer’s information before downloading it
- Watch out for apps requesting unnecessary permissions, such as access to your contacts or location
Fake Payment Requests
Scammers can also use fake Apple Pay payment requests to trick you into sending them money. They might pose as a friend, family member, or business to make the request seem urgent and believable. These are known as “romance scammers,” and they exploit emotional connections to manipulate you into sending money or sharing personal information.
They’ll present their situation as an urgent emergency or a special limited-time offer that requires immediate payment.
The scammer’s goal is to exploit your trust and emotions, making you act quickly without checking the legitimacy of the request.
Here’s how you can recognize this scam:
- Double-check the contact information of the person who is asking for the transfer or payment. You can always reach out to them through a different method, like a phone call or direct message, to confirm their identity.
- Go over the details of the payment request carefully, including the amount and the purpose of payment.
- If something seems weird or out of the blue from someone you know, double-check with them directly.
How to Protect Yourself From Fake Apple Pay Scams
To protect your money and avoid fake Apple Pay scams, stay proactive and keep yourself informed. Here are several steps you can take to protect yourself from these scams:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) can provide an extra layer of security to your Apple ID. By using two pieces of information — your password and a verification code sent to your device — you make sure that even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your account without also having your device.
To enable 2FA, go to your Apple ID account settings and click on “Security.” Look for the button labeled “Turn on Two-Factor Authentication” and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
2. Regularly Monitor Your Account
We also recommend you keep a close eye on your bank and Apple Pay transactions. Turn on your notifications so you get regular updates about any activity in your account. Make sure you review your transaction history at least once a week as well. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your bank and Apple immediately so that they can take swift action to protect your funds.
3. Change Your Passwords Regularly
Your first line of defense against hackers and scammers is having a strong password. You need to set a password using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name or birthdate. These are common targets for scammers attempting to access accounts.
Changing your passwords regularly can make it difficult for criminals to access your account easily. You should also avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Use a password manager to manage your changing credentials, but make sure it remains secure and locked.
4. Use People Search Tools
Another thing that can help you spot and avoid fake Apple Pay scams is US People Search’s reverse look-up tool. By entering details like a person’s name, address, and phone number, you can use it to find out who is contacting you.
If you get a suspicious payment request, you can use this site to verify if the person is genuine. Once you enter the details of the person you want to look up, the site will go through publicly accessible information like criminal records, court records, property and real estate, information from lawsuits, social media, and more. If the search shows that the number or ID is linked to someone else or flagged as suspicious, be cautious and report it to local authorities if needed.
Using this type of tool lets you quickly check details and avoid potential fraud before transactions happen. Instead of digging for details yourself, let the people search tool provide a full report on the person in just a few minutes. This is particularly helpful in time-sensitive situations where you may be feeling stressed or pressured by a potential scammer.
Stay Cautious With Apple Pay
With online scams on the rise, it’s easy to feel uneasy about threats to your personal information or finances, especially when it comes to newer services like Apple Pay.
That’s exactly why it’s more important now than ever to keep your eyes and ears open when navigating the online world. As scammers are constantly coming up with new schemes and tactics to trick unsuspecting people, being vigilant can go a long way in protecting yourself.
Pay close attention to the people you engage with online and keep yourself updated on the latest scams that are on the rise. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to spot and avoid fake Apple Pay scams.
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