That Text Message? It's Probably a Scam
You get a text saying your Apple account was charged £143.95.
Or your parcel is waiting. Or your bank account has been locked.
It looks real. But it's not.
The Most Common Scams
Here are the texts people get tricked by most often.
"Your Apple ID was charged £143.95. Call this number to cancel."
This one's everywhere right now. The amount is always similar. There's a phone number to call "immediately".
"Your parcel is waiting. Pay £2.99 to release it."
Fake Royal Mail or DPD messages. They want you to click a link and enter your card details to "pay the fee".
"Your bank account has been locked due to suspicious activity. Click here to verify."
Pretending to be your bank. They want your login details or card number.
"You're eligible for a tax refund of £350. Claim it here."
Fake HMRC messages. They want your bank details to "send the refund".
None of these are real.
How to Spot a Scam
Scammers are getting better. But there are always signs.
The number is random. It's not from Apple, your bank, or Royal Mail. It's a mobile number or weird email address.
There's urgency. "Act now." "Last chance." "Your account will be closed."
There's a link or phone number. And they really want you to click it or call it.
Real companies don't work like that. Your bank won't text you a link to "verify your account". Apple won't text you to cancel a charge.
What They're After
If you click the link, it takes you to a fake website that looks exactly like the real one.
You type in your Apple ID, your bank login, your card number. They steal it.
Now they can access your accounts, see your information, spend your money.
That's the scam.
What to Do
Don't click the link. Don't call the number. Don't reply.
If you're worried the message might be real, check yourself. Don't use the link in the text.
For bank messages: Open your banking app or call the number on the back of your card.
For parcel messages: Check the tracking number on the real Royal Mail or courier website.
If there's no charge, no locked account, no parcel — ignore the text. Delete it.
What If You Already Clicked?
If you clicked the link and entered your details, act fast.
For bank details: Call your bank immediately. Check for unauthorized transactions. Cancel your card if needed.
For any login details: Change the password on that account right away.
The faster you act, the less damage they can do.
Need Help With Something Else?
If you need advice on anything else tech-related, that's what I'm here for.
Device setup. Security. General troubleshooting. Whatever you need.
Remote or in-person across Northern Ireland.