Fake Apple security alert says your iPhone is blocked, then a fake "Apple" agent asks you to share your screen
A pop-up says your iPhone is blocked. The caller claims to be Apple, sends a fake badge, asks you to share your screen and then wants your SSN.
- Is it a scam?
- Yes, it's a scam. Apple doesn't put phone numbers in pop-ups, and the person who answers isn't from Apple, whatever badge they send you.
- Type
- Fake warning pop-up
- First reported
- October 21, 2026
- Status
- Still active
- Who it targets
- iPhone users in the US, including older couples; reported in Brown County, Wisconsin
- Tools it uses
- Apple (impersonated), iPhone screen sharing
If a pop-up on your iPhone said your phone was blocked and gave a number to call, it's a scam. Apple didn't send it and your phone isn't locked. Don't call the number, and if you're already on the phone with "Apple", hang up.
WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin reported a case on October 21, 2026. A woman in Brown County was reading on her iPhone when the pop-up appeared. She told the station it said she was "completely blocked due to pornography", with a toll-free number to call. The station didn't publish the number.
What does the fake Apple alert look like?
It shows up while you're browsing, often on an ordinary page. It claims your iPhone has been blocked or has a security problem, and it gives a number. It's only a web page. Apple says pop-ups that claim your device has a security problem are a common scam, and that you should ignore them and leave the page.
How the call plays out
According to WBAY, the man who answered said he was from Apple. To seem official, he texted her a picture of a "security supervisor" badge with an ID number, and claimed he was certified by the FTC and FBI. He also knew details about the couple's accounts at their credit union, which made him harder to doubt.
He talked her into sharing her iPhone screen and going into her settings. After about an hour and a half, he asked for her driver's license and Social Security number. A neighbor stepped in, told them it was a scam and they hung up. The station didn't report any money lost, and the credit union locked their online banking as a precaution.
I saw the pop-up but didn't call
You're fine. Close the tab. To clear it fully, open Settings, then Apps, then Safari (just Safari on older iPhones), and tap Clear History and Website Data.
I called, shared my screen or gave details. What now?
These scams catch careful people, and it's not too late to act.
- Hang up and stop sharing your screen.
- Call your bank or credit union using the number on the back of your card. Ask them to watch or lock your accounts.
- Change your Apple Account password and your email password. If you can, do it from a different device.
- Delete any app they told you to install.
- If you gave your Social Security number or a photo of your license, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step plan and think about freezing your credit.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
For the rest, follow our two-minute checklist. Our guide on what to do after a remote access scam covers what to check in the days after.
How to tell it's fake next time
Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number, says the FTC. Apple won't text you a badge, ask you to share your screen with a stranger, or ask for your Social Security number to fix a pop-up. Knowing a few account details proves nothing, because scammers often buy that information. If you're unsure, hang up and contact Apple yourself through its website. Our tech support scam guide and how to protect your parents explain the warning signs to share with family.
Xcelcor Guardian is a Windows 11 app, so it can't help on an iPhone. If the same scammers turn to a family PC, it holds any new remote connection (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Assist and others) until the account holder approves it by email or on xcelcor.com.
Phone numbers, messages and files linked to this scam
Web addresses are written with [.] so they can’t be clicked by mistake. If something you received matches, it’s this scam.
What the message or pop-up says
completely blocked due to pornography
How the victim described the pop-up to WBAY (Oct 21, 2026)
Other signs
security supervisorTitle on the fake Apple ID badge the caller texted, which claimed FTC and FBI certification
Questions people ask
Is the Apple security alert on my iPhone real?
No. Apple says to ignore pop-ups that warn about a security problem and not to call any number they show. Close the tab and move on.
The caller sent me an Apple security badge. Does that prove it's Apple?
No. Anyone can make a picture of a badge. A real Apple employee won't text you an ID card to prove who they are.
I shared my screen with them. What now?
Hang up, then call your bank or credit union using the number on your card. Change your Apple Account and email passwords, and follow our checklist.
I gave them my Social Security number. What should I do?
Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan, and think about freezing your credit with the three credit bureaus. Tell your bank too.
Sources
Last updated