Is this security alert from Apple a scam?
Tech companies like Apple are impersonated with fake security-alert, account-locked and subscription-renewal scams. A text, email or pop-up alert that looks like it's from Apple can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Apple message from a fake.
Genuine Apple links only ever go to apple.com, icloud.com. Below is exactly what a real Apple message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Apple message looks like
Genuine messages from Apple only ever link to apple.com, icloud.com.
- Genuine Apple emails always come from an address ending in @apple.com or @icloud.com
- Apple never sends unexpected security alerts that ask you to click a link to unlock an Apple ID
- Real Apple communications never contain urgent threats about your device being locked or infected
- Apple does not display browser pop-ups or banners claiming your Mac has a virus
- Apple ID sign-ins only occur when you deliberately visit apple.com or icloud.com yourself, or open Settings on your device
Crucially, Apple will never ask for your password or a verification code, or demand remote access to 'fix' or 'secure' your account.
Common Apple scams
- Emails claiming your Apple ID has been locked or suspended, with a link to 'verify' your details on a fake login page
- Browser pop-ups or ads claiming your Mac is infected and urging you to call a listed number for Apple Support
- Messages that direct you to enter your Apple ID password on a lookalike site to 'prevent account closure'
Red flags to watch for
- The message or pop-up shows a phone number and asks you to call Apple immediately
- The link domain does not end in apple.com or icloud.com
- You receive an urgent warning without having tried to sign in to your Apple ID
- The email or pop-up contains spelling errors or odd formatting that Apple would never use
- It pressures you to act within minutes or risk losing access to your account or device
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Apple, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Subject: Your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons We have detected unusual activity on your Apple ID. To prevent permanent suspension, please verify your details immediately at appleid-secure-login.com/verify. Apple Support
What gives it away:
- The message or pop-up shows a phone number and asks you to call Apple immediately
- The link domain does not end in apple.com or icloud.com
- You receive an urgent warning without having tried to sign in to your Apple ID
- The email or pop-up contains spelling errors or odd formatting that Apple would never use
- It pressures you to act within minutes or risk losing access to your account or device
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Apple text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Apple
- Type apple.com or icloud.com directly into your browser and sign in via Settings on your device
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and manage your Apple ID there
Where to report a scam impersonating Apple
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Apple? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got an email saying my Apple ID is locked with a link — is it a scam?
Yes. Apple never sends emails that ask you to click a link to unlock your Apple ID. Go directly to apple.com or open Settings on your device instead.
How do I know if an Apple email or popup is real?
Check the sender address ends in @apple.com or @icloud.com, and only ever sign in by typing those domains yourself. Ignore any pop-ups claiming your device is infected.
What should I do if I clicked a suspicious Apple link?
Change your Apple ID password immediately at apple.com, enable two-factor authentication, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au.
Apple says my Mac has a virus and gives a phone number — is that legitimate?
No. Apple does not display security warnings in browsers or provide phone numbers in pop-ups. Close the window and report it at cyber.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Apple usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other tech names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Apple through an official channel.