How do I stop someone from using my Apple Pay?

Reclaiming Control: How to Stop Unauthorized Apple Pay Use

Discovering unauthorized activity on your Apple Pay account is unsettling, but swift action can mitigate the damage. Losing your phone or having your Apple ID compromised grants unwelcome access to your linked payment cards. Fortunately, Apple provides tools to regain control quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to immediately stop someone from using your Apple Pay:

1. Immediate Action: Deactivate Apple Pay on the Compromised Device

The first and most crucial step is to immediately remove your payment cards from the affected device. This prevents further transactions. There are two primary ways to accomplish this:

• Using a Computer: Log into your Apple ID account on a computer (icloud.com). Navigate to your Apple ID settings. Look for the “Devices” section. Locate the compromised device. You can then selectively remove individual cards or completely remove the device from your Apple ID, effectively disabling Apple Pay on that device. This method is preferred if you can’t access another Apple device.

• Using Another Apple Device: If you have another iPhone, iPad, or Mac logged into your Apple ID, you can manage your devices more directly. Open the “Settings” app, tap your name at the top, then tap “Devices.” Select the compromised device and remove it, thereby disabling Apple Pay on that specific device.

2. Contact Your Card Issuers – The Crucial Next Step

Removing your cards from the compromised device is only half the battle. Unauthorized transactions may have already occurred. Immediately contact your bank or credit union for each card linked to your Apple Pay. Report the unauthorized access and request that they investigate any suspicious activity. This step is critical to preventing further financial losses and protecting your credit history. They will be able to place a fraud alert and potentially reverse any fraudulent charges.

3. Change Your Apple ID Password (and Enable Two-Factor Authentication)

After securing your Apple Pay, prioritize strengthening your Apple ID security. Change your Apple ID password to a strong, unique password that you don’t reuse for any other accounts. More importantly, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a verification code from a trusted device in addition to your password, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your account.

4. Review Your Account Activity for Suspicious Transactions

Regularly review your Apple ID account and your bank/credit card statements for any unusual activity. Even after taking these steps, it’s wise to remain vigilant for a period of time to ensure that the issue is fully resolved.

Preventing Future Issues:

• Keep your Apple devices updated: Software updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across different accounts. Use a password manager if needed.
• Be mindful of phishing attempts: Don’t click on suspicious links or provide your Apple ID information to unsolicited sources.
• Consider using a screen lock: A strong passcode or biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) adds an additional layer of security to your device.

By taking swift and decisive action, you can regain control of your Apple Pay and minimize the potential impact of unauthorized access. Remember, acting quickly is key to protecting your financial well-being.