‘Think before you act.’ Cybercrime officials warn of new Apple Pay text scam | #cybercrime | #infosec

What This Story Is About

• A new phone scam involving a fraudulent claim from Apple Pay that attempts to trick recipients into providing personal information over the phone.

Why It Matters

• Law enforcement agencies are continuously warning residents of new online or phone scams. The schemes often target the elderly.

What Happens Next

• Cybersecurity agents offer several tips to avoid becoming a victim of one of these schemes.

Catch Up

• ‘Defrauded dozens of nearly $4M.’ Murfreesboro police warn of Bitcoin scam targeting elderly residents
• FBI Nashville warns older Tennesseans and families about financial scams. Here’s what you need to know

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A new text scam is forcing people to check their Apple Pay accounts.

The scheme reportedly involves an initial text message warning recipients of a sizeable charge to their Apple Pay accounts. The recipient is then urged to call a number to speak with “Apple Support.”

Generally, the text will include a high dollar amount, such as $8,250, and a timetable for the recipient to call a number before the charge goes through.

That phone call will be answered by a cybercriminal at a call center who will pose as an Apple Support employee in an effort to obtain someone’s personal information, such as name, credit card number, or email address associated with an Apple account.

It is very easy to avoid becoming a victim of this “smishing” scam.

Here are a few tips to remember:

• If you get a text about a big, unexpected charge, don’t call the number in the message. Instead, navigate to your Apple Pay app or to your bank’s website directly to check your account.
• Never share your banking details or personal information with someone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from Apple Support.
• Cybercriminals often use deadlines and fear to rush you into making quick decisions. Always stop and think before you act.

Anyone who receives one of these text messages should not reply, but report it to their local law enforcement agency.