$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
iMessage phishing link scam
A text message sent via iMessage impersonates Apple, a delivery service, or a toll agency, containing a malicious link designed to steal login credentials or install malware.
“impersonation scam”
↑ 604%Key indicators
Usually targetsiPhone users
Often hitsRetirees and seniors
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$960
median reported loss
Typical range$60 – $12K
Recovery rate~15%
Annual reports330,000
Scam breakdown
1
Scammers send iMessages or SMS texts that appear to be from Apple, USPS, FedEx, or toll agencies with a link to resolve an 'issue.'
2
iMessage disables links from unknown senders by default, so scammers instruct victims to reply first, which enables the link.
3
Clicking the link leads to a phishing page that mimics a legitimate login portal to harvest credentials.
What to do first
Never reply to texts from unknown senders — replying enables malicious links in iMessage.
Related terms
iMessage smishingApple text message scamiOS phishing textBrand impersonation scamsAppleSurgingiPhone usersAdultsOlder adultsRetirees and seniorsDrivers and gig workersOnline shoppersUnited StatesUnited KingdomCanadaiMessage smishingApple text message scam
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Thomas, 35, a iphone users, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate brand impersonation scams situation while using Apple. Scammers send iMessages or SMS texts that appear to be from Apple, USPS, FedEx, or toll agencies with a link to resolve an 'issue.'
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: iMessage disables links from unknown senders by default, so scammers instruct victims to reply first, which enables the link.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: Clicking the link leads to a phishing page that mimics a legitimate login portal to harvest credentials.
The outcome
Thomas realized something was wrong when text message from an unknown sender with a shortened or suspicious url. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Never reply to texts from unknown senders — replying enables malicious links in iMessage. Thomas's experience shows why text message from an unknown sender with a shortened or suspicious url and message claims urgent action is needed on your apple account or a delivery are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Text message from an unknown sender with a shortened or suspicious URL
- Message claims urgent action is needed on your Apple account or a delivery
- Asks you to reply to the message to activate the link
- 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
- ✓Never reply to texts from unknown senders — replying enables malicious links in iMessage.
- ✓Go directly to the company's official website or app instead of clicking any link.
- ✓Report the message by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM) and then delete it.
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.
- Smishing attacks surged significantly in 2024, with the Anti-Phishing Working Group reporting record phishing activity including mobile-targeted campaigns.
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.
- ✓Never reply to texts from unknown senders — replying enables malicious links in iMessage.
- ✓Go directly to the company's official website or app instead of clicking any link.
- ✓Report the message by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM) and then delete it.
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.
Smishing attacks surged significantly in 2024, with the Anti-Phishing Working Group reporting record phishing activity including mobile-targeted campaigns.
OpenScam research
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
iPhone users, Adults, Older adults
Geographic concentration
United States, United Kingdom, Canada
Primary channel
Apple — Brand impersonation scams
Why this group is vulnerable
iPhone users 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
- Smishing attacks surged significantly in 2024, with the Anti-Phishing Working Group reporting record phishing activity including mobile-targeted campaigns.
Source notes
- OpenScam research
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about imessage phishing link scam
How does the imessage phishing link scam work?+
Scammers send iMessages or SMS texts that appear to be from Apple, USPS, FedEx, or toll agencies with a link to resolve an 'issue.' iMessage disables links from unknown senders by default, so scammers instruct victims to reply first, which enables the link. Clicking the link leads to a phishing page that mimics a legitimate login portal to harvest credentials.
What are the warning signs of imessage phishing link scam?+
Text message from an unknown sender with a shortened or suspicious URL Message claims urgent action is needed on your Apple account or a delivery Asks you to reply to the message to activate the link
What should I do if I encounter imessage phishing link scam?+
Never reply to texts from unknown senders — replying enables malicious links in iMessage. Go directly to the company's official website or app instead of clicking any link. Report the message by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM) and then delete it.
Who is most at risk for imessage phishing link scam?+
This scam primarily targets iPhone users, Adults, Older adults. It is most commonly reported in United States, United Kingdom, Canada and typically appears on Apple.
Is imessage phishing link scam getting worse?+
iMessage phishing link scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, UK, CA. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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What to do first
Do not tap the link from the text.
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What to do first
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↑ 52%Fake lawyer court date payment call
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What to do first
End the call and contact the court through its public website or number.
Targets
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Seen in
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Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.