The "Apple Security Alert" text below, which claims an Apple Pay Pre Authorization was made on the recipient's iCloud account, is a scam. The fake message is a trick scammers use to frighten potential victims into contacting them at a fake Apple support telephone number.
The Apple Security Alert Scam Text
Apple Approval Notice
We have noticed that your Apple iCloud id was recently used at "APPLE STORE - CA" for $143.95, paid by Apple Pay Pre Authorization. Also some suspicious sign in request and apple pay activation request detected. That looks like suspicious to us. In order to maintain the security and privacy of your account we have placed those request on hold. If NOT you? talk to an Apple Representative. Failing may lead to auto debit and charge will not be reversed. Call +1 8087697436 immediately to cancel this charge.
Billing Department : …support.apple.com.billing…..
If potential victims call the fake Apple support number in the text scam, they will be connected to scammers pretending to be from Apple. They will attempt to trick potential victims into disclosing their account credentials, personal, and financial information, which they will use fraudulently. Therefore, if you were tricked into contacting the scammers and disclosed your sensitive information, please contact Apple for help.