TL;DR: A text says “Apple Pay has been suspended on your device” and links to a site to reactivate it. It’s phishing for your Apple Account login and card details. Apple Pay problems show up in your Wallet app, not via links from random numbers. Forward the text to 7726, email it to reportphishing@apple.com, and if you entered details, call your bank and change your Apple Account password.
The text
Which? documented the wording: “Apple Pay has been suspended on your device. Please visit [secure-mysuspension-info.com].” It arrives from an ordinary mobile number and urges you to act quickly. When Which? tested the link, the browser blocked the site as dangerous, which is the browser saying out loud what you’re thinking.
Variants say a payment was declined, a card needs re-verification, or an unknown Apple Pay request needs confirming.
What the fake site wants
- your Apple Account email and password;
- your card number, expiry and security code;
- sometimes your phone carrier PIN or a one-time code.
With those, criminals can add your card to their own Wallet or take over your Apple Account.
How to check Apple Pay yourself
Open the Wallet app and tap your card. If there’s genuinely a problem, it will tell you there, or your bank will. You can also check your Apple Account at appleid.apple.com, typed yourself. Apple’s real messages won’t send you to an odd domain from a mobile number.
Report it
- Forward the text to 7726.
- Email it to reportphishing@apple.com.
- Use “Report Junk” under the message in iMessage.
- Report to the FTC.
If you entered your details
- Call your bank using the number on your card and ask to block it.
- Change your Apple Account password and check trusted devices (remove unknown devices).
- Make sure two-factor authentication is on.
- Watch for a follow-up call from your “bank”; it’s often the same scammer.
See our Apple ID hacked guide and is Apple Pay safe? for more.
Why they had your number
Mass texts go to numbers from breaches and brokers. A free email exposure check shows what’s circulating about your email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple text you when Apple Pay is suspended?
Check the Wallet app or your Apple Account yourself. Scam texts from mobile numbers with links are not how Apple handles Apple Pay issues.
How do I report a fake Apple text?
Forward it to 7726, email it to reportphishing@apple.com and use Report Junk in Messages.
I entered my card on the fake site. What now?
Call your bank to block the card, change your Apple Account password and check trusted devices.
Can scammers add my card to their Apple Pay?
If they get your card details and a verification code, they may try. Never share codes with anyone.