How to Spot Real Apple Communication and Watch Out for Scams

Scams have become the bane of our existence these daysand scammers constantly impersonate companies like Apple to steal personal informationmoneyand more. These scams have become increasingly sophisticated and similar to the real onesmaking it difficult to tell the difference. Which is why I have created this User Tip to help you spot real Apple communication and on the other handwatch out for scams. 

Check the Email Address

The first and easiest thing to check from an email claiming to be Apple is the sender. A legitimate Apple email will always come from an official Apple domain. If you receive an email claiming to be from Applealways first check the domain and see if you can verify it for any anomalies. If you receive an Apple email that is not from their official domains ([email protected]@[email protected])it is likely a scam. Note that email addresses can sometimes also be spoofedso you must review the content of the emailas demonstrated later. Below I have included the most common email addresses from Applebut are not limited to: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• 
  

Why Apple May Email You 

Apple will only email you to inform or update you on somethingusually related to your accountpurchasesor services. Apple will never ask you to perform any tasks. Legitimate Apple emails will always be professional and relevant. Below include some common reasons Apple might contact youbut are not limited to: 

• Changes or login to your Apple Account
• Billing and subscription updates
• Apple Support follow-up
• Order confirmations and shipping updates
• Legal and policy updates. 
• 
  

How to Identify an Apple Scam Email 

Scammers will always try to trick you into giving them your personal informationApple Account credentialsyour passwords or device passcodecard detailsor any other sensitive informationetc. Unlike Apple who does not ask you for any sensitive information at all. Scammers typically create a sense of urgencyand pressure you to take immediate actionsuch as clicking a suspicious link or providing sensitive information. Keep an eye out for odd grammar which is another sign of a scam. Scammers may also try to trick you into opening a linkwhich usually leads you to a fake Apple Account or other website sign-in pagenor should you click accept in any two-factor authentication box or provide any verification codes. If you are ever unsure about a linkyou can hover over it on Mac or hold it on iPhone and iPad to see a preview of the link to make sure it's real. Apple will address you by your real name while scammers often use generic greetings such as “Dear Customer” or “Dear User”. All of these Apple will never do.

Common Apple scams includebut are not limited to: 

• Claiming your Apple Account is compromised or hacked.
• Claiming your Apple Account is lockednot activeor disabled. 
• Claiming your device has malware/viruses. 
• Claiming your payment method has issues and needs updating.  
• Claiming your Apple Account or credentials needs verification or resetting.
• Claiming your device has been seen or found in Find My. 
• Claiming your storage is full and needs upgrading. 
• 
  

Text Messages from Apple 

Apple usually communicates through emailbut there are a few instances where you may receive a text message from them. Oneyou requested a two-factor authentication code which was sent to you in Messages. Twoyou started a live-chat with an Apple representative in text messages. Anything else is certain to be a scam. 

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

If you happen to follow up with a scam and provided your Apple Account credentialsyou need to change your password immediately and remove any unknown devices and numbers off your account. If you provided the scammers your banking or card informationyou need to contact them and have them issue you new cards and file any fraud reports as necessary. 

If you do happen to receive a scamthere are a few things you can do.

• Report it to Apple in a screenshot to [email protected].
• Report it to the FTC Complaint Assistant.
• Report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. 
• Warn your friends and family. 
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Never interact with these scams at allafter reporting it abovesimply delete and block them after. 

If you are unsure if an email is from Apple or notfeel free to contact Apple Support where they can determine if the email is legitimate. You can also ask the Apple Support Community here and our fellow volunteers will assist you in doing so.

• Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

Please also review these Apple Support Articles: 

• Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messagesphony support callsand other scams - Apple Support
• Identify legitimate emails from the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

Do let me know of any feedback or suggests below. Hope this helped and stay vigilant out there.