Fake iPhone Alerts and Security Scams: What's Real?

That pop-up saying your phone is infected? Your Apple ID used at a fake store? How to tell real alerts from scams.

Many seniors see fake alerts — you're not alone

Scammers create fake pop-ups and messages that look like real security alerts. As one family member shared: "I can't tell you the number of alerts my mother shows me from her iPhone, telling her that the phone is infected, that she's been locked out of her accounts, that her Apple ID was used to purchase $xxx amount of things at a not named Apple store, etc. All while she's on FB." Here's how to tell what's real and what's a scam.

Common fake alerts

These pop-ups and messages are almost always scams — especially if you see them while browsing Facebook, a website, or an app:

  • "Your phone is infected" — Real Apple security messages don't look like this. Apple doesn't send "virus detected" pop-ups in Safari or apps.
  • "You've been locked out of your accounts" — Scammers want you to panic and call a fake number or click a link.
  • "Your Apple ID was used to purchase $xxx at [store]" — Real Apple receipts name the store and come from Apple. Fake ones often say "a not named Apple store" or similar.
  • "Click here to fix" — Never click. Real Apple messages don't ask you to tap a link in a pop-up.

Red flags (it's probably a scam)

  • It appeared while you were on a website or app (like Facebook) — not from your Settings or Mail.
  • It asks you to call a number or click a link.
  • It uses urgent or scary language — "Act now", "Your account will be closed".
  • It mentions a vague or fake store — "a not named Apple store".
  • It asks for passwords, payment, or personal info.

What to do when you see a suspicious alert

  1. Don't click anything on the pop-up.
  2. Close the tab or app — Swipe up to close the app, or close the browser tab.
  3. Don't call the number shown on the pop-up.
  4. If you're worried, check your real Apple account — Go to Settings → [your name] on your iPhone, or sign in at appleid.apple.com on a computer. See if there are any real alerts there.
  5. Ask a family member or trusted friend — Show them a screenshot. They can help you tell if it's real.

Real Apple messages vs. fake

Real Apple messages come from the Mail app, the App Store, or Settings. They never appear as a pop-up overlay on a website. Real purchase receipts name the exact store and item.

Fake alerts appear as pop-ups inside Safari, Chrome, or apps like Facebook. They're designed to look urgent. Closing the tab or app makes them go away — and your phone is fine.

Quick tips

  • If you see an alert while on Facebook or a website, it's almost certainly fake. Close it.
  • Apple will never ask you to pay with gift cards or wire transfers.
  • When in doubt, don't act. Pause and ask someone you trust.