Apple ID Was Recently Used At Apple Store POP-UP Scam (Mac)

What is "Apple ID Was Recently Used At Apple Store"?

We have inspected the website and determined that it is a scam. This fraudulent scheme involves fake warnings designed to trick visitors into contacting scammers. Falling for such scams can lead to consequences such as identity theft, computer infections, or financial losses. This and similar web pages should be ignored.

Apple ID Was Recently Used At Apple Store scam

"Apple ID Was Recently Used At Apple Store" scam overview

The fake warning (a pop-up message) on the deceptive site claims that the visitor's Apple ID was recently used to make a $277.89 purchase at the Apple Store via Apple Pay pre-authorization. It states that the transaction has been put on hold for security reasons and urges the recipient to immediately call Apple Support at a provided number (+1 (801)613-8358) to freeze the account.

This fraudulent page also presents the same message in the background. The goal is to trick visitors into calling the provided number. Once contacted, scammers usually try to get personal information (e.g., login credentials or credit card details) from unsuspecting individuals.

They can also attempt to trick users into downloading unwanted or malicious apps or to grant them remote access to devices (examples of similar scams include UltraViewer and TeamViewer tech-support scams). Moreover, fraudsters may urge users to pay for fake products or services to steal money.

Typically, victims of such scams experience financial losses, account hijacking, computer infections, identity theft, and other negative consequences. It is important to recognize scams like this one to avoid the associated risks.

Threat Summary:
Name	Apple ID Was Recently Used At Apple Store fake alert
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam
Fake Claim	User's Apple ID was used for a $277.89 purchase
Related Domain	bitrefill[.]sbs
Detection Names (bitrefill[.]sbs)	Netcraft (Malicious), Webroot (Malicious), Full List (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	191.96.144.114
Fake Phone Number	+1 (801)613-8358
Symptoms	You see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, scam emails, notifications from untrustworthy pages, unwanted apps.
Damage	Loss of private information, monetary loss, identity theft, computer infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Conclusion

This scam uses a fake Apple ID warning to trick visitors into calling a fraudulent number. Scammers then try to steal personal information, money, or access to devices. Recognizing these scams is crucial to prevent financial loss, identity theft, and other consequences.

How did I open a scam website?

Users often end up on scam websites in several ways. They may click on links in deceptive emails, text messages, or social media messages that appear legitimate. They can also be redirected from malicious ads or pop-ups on dubious websites or sites that use rogue advertising networks (e.g., illegal movie streaming or torrent sites).

Also, users can land on fraudulent websites via notifications (e.g., fake warnings or offers) from untrustworthy websites and advertisements displayed by adware or other questionable software.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

Always download software from official websites or trusted app stores, and make sure the operating system and applications are always up to date. Avoid interacting with ads, pop-ups, or suspicious links on dubious sites, and do not allow untrusted websites to send notifications.

Be careful with messages or emails from unknown senders, and never open attachments or click links in them. Regularly scan the device with reputable security software to detect and remove potential threats. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Appearance of "Apple ID Was Recently Used At Apple Store" scam (GIF):

Appearance of Apple ID Was Recently Used At Apple Store scam (GIF)

Text in the fake alert:

Your Apple ID was recently used at APPLE STORE for $277.89 Via Apple Pay Pre-Authorization!We have placed those request on hold to ensure safest and Security. Not you? Immediately call Apple Support +1 (801)613-8358 to Freeze it!.

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

What is "Apple ID Was Recently Used At Apple Store"?
STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
STEP 4. Remove unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1 Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2 Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3 Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5 Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

A pop-up scam usually involves deceptive messages mimicking legitimate alerts, offers, or notifications. In most cases, those messages are designed to appear urgent and important.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Scammers use them to steal information or money, or distribute unwanted applications or malware.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Users often reach scam websites by clicking links in deceptive emails, messages, or social media posts, or by being redirected from malicious ads, pop-ups, or other content on shady websites. Fraudulent sites can also be opened through fake notifications or ads delivered by adware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan all websites you visit and identify those that are malicious. Websites that host pop-up scams are included, so it will alert you right away and block access.