05/13/2026
Genuine Alert, Fake Emergency
In this week's scam, cybercriminals are using fake purchase alerts to target Apple users. You receive what appears to be a genuine Apple email that says, "Your Apple Account information has been updated." It states that someone used your account to purchase an iPhone and includes a phone number to call to cancel the order. Since you didn't authorize this purchase, you may be tempted to call the number immediately.
If you call the number in the email, you'll be connected to a "support person" who will tell you that your account has been compromised. But this email is a phishing scam, and the “support person” is actually a cybercriminal! They'll ask you to provide your financial information so that they can fix the problem, or they may ask you to install software that will allow them to access your device. They can then use that information or software to steal your money or personal data!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:
- If you receive an unexpected email claiming that someone used your Apple account to make a purchase, do not call any phone number listed in the email. Instead, go directly to Apple's official website or open the Settings app on your device to check your account activity.
- Read emails carefully, even if they seem to come from a legitimate source. Unusual formatting or grammatical errors can be warning signs of a phishing email.
- Always stop and think before you act! Cybercriminals often create a sense of urgency to try and pressure you into making fast decisions.
