This month, scammers are targeting Apple Pay users by sending an email that appears to be an official message from Apple. The email warns you that an expensive purchase was made using your Apple Pay account, but that the charge was blocked as being suspicious. It includes a phone number and states that you must call within 24 hours to confirm that the charge is actually fraudulent. If you don’t, Apple will supposedly allow the transaction to be charged to your account.
However, there wasn’t really a suspicious charge to your account. The email you received was sent by scammers who are trying to scare you! If you call the number listed in the email, a cybercriminal will answer. They will pretend to work for Apple Support and will request your Apple ID and personal information so they can “help” you. But if you give them these details, they will use them to gain access to your account!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:
- Remember, Apple will not require you to call a phone number to confirm fraudulent activity immediately. You should always be suspicious if you receive an unexpected email that instructs you to act quickly.
- Cybercriminals frequently impersonate well-known brands, such as Apple, to try and gain your trust. Always stop and think before you take action, even if the email looks official!
- If you have concerns about a purchase, never call a phone number in an email. Go to Apple’s official website and contact their customer service team.
Source: Alphastar Capital Management Security Team
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Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter.