Be aware of scams involving AppStore & iTunes Gift Cards and AppleStore Gift Cards.
A string of scams are taking place, in which people are asked to make payments over the phone for things such as taxes, hospital bills, bail money, debt collection and utility bills. The scams are carried out using many methods, including gift cards. As the fraudsters are sometimes requesting codes from App Store & iTunes Gift Cards or Apple Store Gift Cards, we want to make sure our customers are aware of these scams.
Regardless of the reason for payment, the scam follows a certain formula: The victim receives a call instilling panic and urgency to make a payment by purchasing App Store & iTunes Gift Cards or Apple Store Gift Cards from the nearest retailer (convenience store, electronics retailer etc.). After the cards have been purchased, the victim is asked to pay by sharing the code(s) on the back of the card with the caller over the phone.
It's important to know that App Store & iTunes Gift Cards can ONLY be used to purchase goods and services from the iTunes Store, App Store, Apple Books, for an Apple Music subscription or for iCloud storage. Apple Store Gift Cards can ONLY be redeemed on the Apple Online Store and at Apple Retail Stores. If you're approached to use the cards for any other payment, you could very well be the target of a scam and should immediately report it to your local authorities (police department, trade commission etc.).
Never provide the numbers on the back of the card to someone you do not know. Once those numbers have been provided to the scammers, the funds on the card will probably be spent before you are able to contact Apple or law enforcement.
Tips on how to avoid becoming the victim of a scam
- If you are NOT purchasing an item from Apple — such as from the Apple Store, iTunes Store, App Store, Apple Books, for an Apple Music subscription or for iCloud storage — do NOT make a payment with an App Store & iTunes Gift Card or Apple Store Gift Card. There's no other instance in which you'll be asked to make a payment with either of these gift cards.
- Do not provide the numbers on the back of the gift card to anyone that you don't know.
- Immediately report potential scams to your local authorities (police department, trade commission etc.).
Contact Apple
If you have any additional questions,or if you've been a victim of a scam involving App Store & iTunes Gift Cards or Apple Store Gift Cards, you can contact Apple Support.
