How-to guide
Apple ID and iCloud phishing scams
Your Apple ID unlocks your photos, payments, and devices — which is why it's a prime phishing target. Fake "your Apple ID has been locked" messages are designed to panic you into logging in on a fake page.
Common Apple ID scams
- "Your Apple ID has been locked" — click to "unlock" (a fake login page).
- A receipt for an App Store/iCloud purchase you didn't make, with a "cancel" link.
- A call from fake "Apple Support" about suspicious activity.
What to do
Apple doesn't text or email you a login link to "unlock" your account. Manage your Apple ID only in Settings on your device or at the official appleid.apple.com. Paste any suspicious message into Scam Doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Did Apple really lock my account?
Check by going to Settings on your device or appleid.apple.com directly — never through a link in a text or email, which is how Apple ID phishing works.
I entered my Apple ID on a link — what now?
Change your Apple ID password immediately, enable two-factor authentication, and check for unfamiliar devices on your account.