Fake Apple charge text with a number to call? It's a scam

Last checked October 31, 2026

The short answer

A surprise text or email saying a big Apple, Amazon, or PayPal purchase was approved, with a number to call, is a scam. The phone number is the trap. Don't call it. Open your account in the app or by typing the real website yourself, and if the charge isn't there, there's nothing to fix.

The text or email looks like a receipt. It says a big purchase just went through on your Apple account. If it wasn't you, it says, call this number right away. Nobody wants a $1,299.99 surprise, so a lot of people call.

The message
Apple: Your purchase of $1,299.99 was approved. Not you? Call Apple Support at 1-8xx-555-0142 within 24 hours to cancel.

That's an example of the kind of message going around. The same message also shows up with Amazon, PayPal, or Geek Squad in place of Apple. The brand changes. The trick stays the same.

How the scam works

There was no purchase. The scary charge is only there to get you to call. The number goes to the scammer, not the company.

On the call, a friendly "support agent" offers to cancel the charge. Then the asks start. The FTC describes callers who talk people into allowing remote access to their computer to "process a refund." Once they're in, they can see your screen and your accounts. Some fake a refund "mistake" and ask you to send the extra back. Others ask you to move money or buy gift cards.

The red flags

A big charge you don't recognize, plus a phone number. Real receipts don't push you to call a number in the message.
A short deadline. "Within 24 hours" is there to rush you before you check.
They want to get on your computer or phone. The FTC says to never give remote access to someone who contacts you out of the blue.
They ask for a password or a code. Apple says it will never ask for your password, device passcode, or two-factor code.
Caller ID says it's the company. Apple warns that scammers fake caller ID to look like Apple.

What to do

Don't call the number, tap the link, or reply.
Check it yourself. Open the Apple, Amazon, or PayPal app, or type the real website into your browser. Look at your recent orders. If the charge isn't there, it didn't happen.
Still unsure? Call the number on the back of your card, or find the company's number on its real website.
Report it. Forward a fake Apple email or text to reportphishing@apple.com, and report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then delete it.

Already called, paid, or let them in?

Hang up. If they got onto your computer, update your security software and run a scan.
Call your bank or card company now using the number on the back of your card. Tell them it was a scam and ask them to stop any payments.
Change your passwords from a different device, starting with your email, bank, and Apple or Amazon account.
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your personal details were shared, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.

Help a parent spot it

This scam works because it feels like you're protecting yourself. You're calling to stop a charge, after all. Share one simple rule with the people you love: never call a number from a surprise receipt. Open the app or type the real website. If the charge isn't there, the message is lying.

Lock down your accounts

These go beyond any one scam. Do them once and most scams get much harder.

Turn on two-step sign-in for your email and bank. A passkey or security key is safest; a code by text is better than nothing.
Use a different password for every account. A password manager remembers them for you, or write them in a notebook kept locked in a safe.
Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It's free, and it stops new accounts being opened in your name.
Ask your phone carrier for a number lock or transfer PIN, so no one can move your number to their phone.
Pick a family code word that's never been posted anywhere.

Questions people ask

What if the charge really is on my account?

Then deal with it through the real company, not the number in the text. Open the app or type the company's website yourself, or call the number on the back of your card. You'll reach the real people that way.

I called the number but didn't give them anything. Am I okay?

Most likely, yes. Hang up and don't call back. If they call you again, don't answer. Watch your accounts for a few weeks, and report the message at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

They're on my computer right now. What do I do?

Hang up. Then update your security software and run a scan, change your passwords, and call your bank if you shared any account details. The FTC lists these steps for anyone who gave a scammer remote access.

Does Apple ever ask for my password or code on the phone?

No. Apple says it will never ask for your password, device passcode, or two-factor code, and never asks you to log in to a website during a call.