Scam Text Or Email On Your iPhone? What To Do If You Tapped The Link

Guide 11e · Security & Find My

Tapped a link in a strange text or email? Don't panic. Tapping usually just opens a web page. What matters is what happened next.

Does This Look Familiar?

• A text or email says "Your iPhone has been infected" or your Apple Account is locked. (These are scam messages.)
• A "delivery problem" text with a link.
• A message from your "bank" asking you to confirm details.
• You tapped the link, and now you're worried.

How To Spot A Scam Message

Apple lists these warning signs:

• The sender's email or number doesn't match the company.
• A link looks right, but the web address is different from the company's real site.
• It asks for a password, card number or code.
• It looks different from real messages you've had from that company.
• You weren't expecting it, and it has an attachment.

To check a link without opening it, touch and hold it. You'll see the real address.

Step 1: Stop And Close The Page

If a web page opened, don't type anything. Close the tab. Our pop-up guide shows how.

Step 2: Think About What You Did

• Just tapped and closed it? Go to Step 6 and report it.
• Typed a password? Go to Step 3.
• Gave card or bank details? Go to Step 4.
• Installed something or allowed a profile? Go to Step 5.

Step 3: If You Typed A Password

Apple says to change your Apple Account password right away if you typed it on a scam site.

Have another device you trust? Like another iPhone, iPad or computer? Change the password from that device right away. Don't wait.

Only have this phone? Do the cleanup first: Steps 5 and 6 below. Then change the password right after, using our lock-down guide.

Used the same password anywhere else? Change it there too, the same way.

Step 4: If You Gave Card Or Bank Details

Call your bank. Use the number on the back of your card, not a number from the message. Tell them what happened.

Step 5: If You Installed Something

Check for unknown profiles and apps. See removing unknown profiles and finding apps you didn't install.

Step 6: Report It And Delete It

1. Text message? Tap Report Junk under the message.
2. Email that looks like it's from Apple? Forward it to reportphishing@apple.com.
3. Fake text that looks like Apple? Take a screenshot and email it to reportphishing@apple.com.
4. Then delete the message.

You can also report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Quick Answers

Can tapping a link give my iPhone a virus?
Usually, tapping just opens a web page. The bigger risk is typing a password, giving card details or installing something. Close the page and check what you did.

Will Apple text me to verify my account?
Be very careful. Apple never asks for your password or verification codes. If you're unsure, go to Settings yourself instead of tapping a link.

Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.