Apple and Amazon users: Beware this new ‘unauthorized charge’ scam
It seems like hardly a month goes by without some new or increasingly frequent online scam trying to separate us from our money or data. In June, it was the so-called Apple High Alert scam. Now it’s a swindle using both Apple and Amazon as its facade. Here’s what you need to know about the Apple and Amazon “unauthorized charge” scam—and how to protect yourself. What is the Apple and Amazon…
A new scam targeting Apple and Amazon users has emerged, warning them of unauthorized charges on their accounts. Known as the "Apple and Amazon 'unauthorized charge' scam," this phishing scheme aims to trick users into revealing personal information or sending money. It involves a fraudulent pop-up appearing in your web browser, mimicking notifications from Apple or Amazon, stating that a suspicious pre-authorized payment of $149.99 has been detected on your account.
The pop-up then instructs you to call a provided phone number to discuss the issue with a representative, who may attempt to extract sensitive information or trick you into making an additional payment. This scam differs from legitimate alerts from Apple and Amazon, which typically send emails, in-app notifications, or activity log alerts in your account rather than using browser pop-ups.
To protect yourself, do not click on any suspicious pop-ups and instead check your bank or credit card company for any unauthorized charges. You can also visit the official Apple or Amazon website to verify any pending payments. Additionally, be cautious of any urgent or threatening language in the pop-up messages, as these are often signs of a scam.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
