Apple Tech Support Scam UK: Spot a Fake Pop-up
Fake Apple support alerts are costing UK residents thousands — here's how to spot the difference.
What an Apple tech support scam looks like
An Apple tech support scam uses a pop-up, browser alert, or unsolicited call claiming your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is infected, locked, or compromised, and that "Apple support" needs remote access or payment to fix it. An example of the pop-up style is: Apple Security Alert: your device has been locked due to suspicious activity. Call Apple Support immediately to unlock it.
Apple says browser pop-ups or alerts that warn about security problems or viruses and tell you to call a number should be treated as fraudulent. This guide shows the warning signs, how to stay safe, and what to do if you have already responded.
Why these scams are convincing
A pop-up that fills the screen and mimics Apple's design language, combined with alarming language about being "locked" or "infected", creates panic that stops people questioning it. A caller using confident, technical-sounding language and the Apple name adds to the pressure.
The fact that protects you: do not trust a browser pop-up or unexpected call just because it uses Apple's name. Apple says not to answer suspicious calls claiming to be Apple Support; contact Apple yourself through official support channels if you need help.
Signs an Apple support contact is a scam
- A browser pop-up claims your device is infected, locked, or compromised and gives a phone number to call.
- You receive an unsolicited call claiming to be Apple support about a device problem.
- You are asked to install remote-access software or grant screen-sharing access.
- You are asked to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or an unusual payment method.
- The caller or pop-up pressures you to act immediately or stay on the line.
- You are asked for your Apple ID password or a verification code.
How the scam works
First, a pop-up or unsolicited call claims a device problem and gives a number to call or asks you to act. Second, you are talked into installing remote-access software or sharing your screen. Third, the scammer shows fake "evidence" of a problem, then asks for payment or your Apple ID details. Fourth, with access to your device or account, they can install malware, steal data, or lock you out.
Closing the browser or restarting your device, and never calling a number from a pop-up, breaks the chain.
How to stay safe from Apple support scams
Treat any unsolicited "your device has a problem, call this number" message as a scam.
- Close the browser tab or restart your device to clear a pop-up — do not call any number it shows.
- Hang up on unsolicited calls claiming to be Apple support.
- Never install remote-access software or share your screen with an unexpected caller.
- Never share your Apple ID password or a verification code with anyone who contacts you.
- If you need genuine support, contact Apple only through apple.com or the Apple Support app.
Our Microsoft Support Scam UK: Spot Fake PC Virus Calls and Windows Tech Support Scam UK: How to Spot and Stop Fake Microsoft Calls guides cover the same pattern targeting other devices.
If you responded or granted access
If you granted remote access, disconnect your device from the internet and have it checked by Apple or a technician you trust. Change your Apple ID password and any reused passwords from a different, clean device, and turn on two-factor authentication.
If you paid by card or gift card, contact your bank or the gift card issuer as soon as possible; recovery for gift card payments is often very limited. If you sent money by UK bank transfer on or after 7 October 2024, mandatory APP fraud reimbursement rules may apply to Faster Payments and CHAPS transfers. The PSR rules include a 13-month claim window, a maximum claim amount of £85,000, possible exclusions, and a possible excess of up to £100. Report it to your bank as soon as possible.
If you shared personal details, consider Cifas Protective Registration at cifas.org.uk and monitor your credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Keep the caller's number and any payment details as evidence.
How to report an Apple tech support scam (UK)
You can report phishing or scam contact impersonating Apple to Apple at reportphishing@apple.com. For a suspicious Apple-looking text, Apple asks you to email a screenshot to that address. If the scam reached you by email, also forward it to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk; if by text, forward it to 7726.
If you lost money or shared sensitive information, report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 if you are in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101. Keep all your evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Does Apple ever call about a problem with my device?
Treat any unexpected Apple support call as suspicious. Apple says to hang up on unsolicited or suspicious calls claiming to be Apple or Apple Support, then contact Apple yourself through official support channels if you need to check.
A pop-up says my iPhone is locked and gives a number to call — is it real?
No. Close the browser tab or restart your device. Do not call the number shown; it connects to scammers, not Apple.
I let someone remotely access my Mac after a support call — what could they have done?
They may have installed malware, viewed or copied files, or tried to access your Apple ID or online accounts. Disconnect from the internet, get the device checked, and change your key passwords from a clean device.
I paid the scammers by gift card — can I get that money back?
Recovery is often very limited for gift card payments. Contact the gift card issuer as soon as possible and report it, but be realistic about the chances of getting it back.
How do I report an Apple tech support scam?
Report it to Apple at reportphishing@apple.com, forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726. If you lost money, report it to Report Fraud in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.