Watch Out For Fake Apple Pay Texts Targeting Local Folks

(KMDL-FM) It happened to me just the other day. I looked down at my "not-so-new" version of Apple's very popular iPhone and saw a text suggesting that a purchase on Apple Pay did not go through. That was concerning for me, and if you get a similar text, it could be very concerning for you as well.

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I instantly knew this was a scam attempt on my account because I don't have Apple Pay. You might, and such a text might implore you to investigate further. However, if you get a text like that, Apple is urging caution.

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Did You Get a Strange Text from Apple Pay? Here's the Scam

Here is how the current scam operates. It begins with a text claiming that you have an issue with your Apple Pay account. The message might suggest a purchase failed, was declined, or the account has been locked.

The message also tells the recipient that immediate action is necessary to unlock the Apple Pay account. The text includes a phone number or a link. If you call or click that link, you will be connected with someone impersonating Apple Support or your bank, or who might even claim to be a member of law enforcement.

Here is Why You Should Never Contact or Engage Potential Scammers

Once you're connected to "The Scammers," they will aggressively push you toward moving your money to a "safe" account, or they will instruct you to transfer the funds via Apple Pay, Apple Cash, or they'll instruct you to go purchase gift cards so you can easily transfer the funds.

And those funds that you transfer will go directly into the scammer's account. And if they use the gift card, Apple Pay, or Apple Cash approach, it is very hard to get your money back. So it truly is best that you don't respond to these kinds of texts or calls at all.

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If you feel you have an issue with your Apple account, you initiate contact. Make sure you are dialing an authorized Apple number; don't just "Google Apple" and call the first number that shows up. Scammers know about SEO optimization, too, and they'll make sure their number is the first one you see.

Oh, and if you get a phone call or a text from anyone in these area codes, unless you specifically know someone from that area code, you can almost guarantee they are scammers.