$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
fake Apple support call scam
Robocalls or live callers impersonate Apple Support, claiming your iCloud account has been breached and requesting remote access to your device or payment to fix the issue.
“tech support scam”
↑ 336%Key indicators
Usually targetsOlder adults
Often hitsRetirees and seniors
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$1.8K
median reported loss
Typical range$180 – $45K
Recovery rate~20%
Annual reports37,560
Scam breakdown
1
Victims receive a robocall with an automated message claiming suspicious activity on their Apple account, pressing 1 to connect to 'Apple Support.'
2
A live scammer then claims the account is compromised and asks for remote access to the device or requests Apple ID credentials.
3
With access, they install malware, steal personal data, or make unauthorized purchases.
What to do first
Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems.
Related terms
Apple tech support scam callfake Apple helplineTech support scamsAppleSurgingOlder adultsAdultsMac usersRetirees and seniorsDrivers and gig workersUnited StatesCanadaUnited KingdomApple tech support scam callfake Apple helpline
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Carlos, 35, a older adults, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate tech support scams situation while using Apple. Victims receive a robocall with an automated message claiming suspicious activity on their Apple account, pressing 1 to connect to 'Apple Support.'
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: A live scammer then claims the account is compromised and asks for remote access to the device or requests Apple ID credentials.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: With access, they install malware, steal personal data, or make unauthorized purchases.
The outcome
Carlos realized something was wrong when caller id shows 'apple' or an apple-like number, but apple does not make unsolicited support calls. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems. Carlos's experience shows why caller id shows 'apple' or an apple-like number, but apple does not make unsolicited support calls and caller requests remote access to your mac or iphone are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Caller ID shows 'Apple' or an Apple-like number, but Apple does not make unsolicited support calls
- Caller requests remote access to your Mac or iPhone
- Caller asks for your Apple ID password or verification codes
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems.
- ✓If concerned about your account, contact Apple directly at support.apple.com or 800-275-2273.
- ✓Report the scam call to the FTC and add your number to the Do Not Call Registry.
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- Tech support scams were the costliest fraud type reported to the FBI IC3 for victims over 60, with losses exceeding 3.4 billion USD in 2023.
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems.
- ✓If concerned about your account, contact Apple directly at support.apple.com or 800-275-2273.
- ✓Report the scam call to the FTC and add your number to the Do Not Call Registry.
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
Tech support scams were the costliest fraud type reported to the FBI IC3 for victims over 60, with losses exceeding 3.4 billion USD in 2023.
FBI IC3 2024
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Older adults, Adults, Mac users
Geographic concentration
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia
Primary channel
Apple — Tech support scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Older adults are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The rapid increase in reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- Tech support scams were the costliest fraud type reported to the FBI IC3 for victims over 60, with losses exceeding 3.4 billion USD in 2023.
Source notes
- FBI IC3 2024
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about fake apple support call scam
How does the fake apple support call scam work?+
Victims receive a robocall with an automated message claiming suspicious activity on their Apple account, pressing 1 to connect to 'Apple Support.' A live scammer then claims the account is compromised and asks for remote access to the device or requests Apple ID credentials. With access, they install malware, steal personal data, or make unauthorized purchases.
What are the warning signs of fake apple support call scam?+
Caller ID shows 'Apple' or an Apple-like number, but Apple does not make unsolicited support calls Caller requests remote access to your Mac or iPhone Caller asks for your Apple ID password or verification codes
What should I do if I encounter fake apple support call scam?+
Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems. If concerned about your account, contact Apple directly at support.apple.com or 800-275-2273. Report the scam call to the FTC and add your number to the Do Not Call Registry.
Who is most at risk for fake apple support call scam?+
This scam primarily targets Older adults, Adults, Mac users. It is most commonly reported in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and typically appears on Apple.
Is fake apple support call scam getting worse?+
fake Apple support call scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, CA, UK, AU. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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Help someone avoid this scam.
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