iCloud "storage full, photos will be deleted" scam
These emails say your iCloud storage is full, your payment failed, and your photos will be deleted today unless you update your payment details through a link.
How this scam works
Fear of losing family photos makes you click fast. The link opens a fake payment page that steals your card details and sometimes your Apple ID.
Common versions of the message
- Storage full and a failed payment
- Photos deleted today
- A link to update your card
What the message looks like
Email from iCloud Support <noreply@icloud-billing.top>: Your photos will be deleted today
Your iCloud storage is full and your payment method failed. Your photos and videos will be permanently deleted today. Update your payment details now to keep your files: http://icloud-billing.top/update
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Fake billing problem: “payment method failed”
Check in your iPhone Settings instead
Check your real storage and billing in your iPhone Settings, under your name.
- 2
Scare deadline: “permanently deleted today”
Apple does not delete photos on a same-day deadline
Apple does not delete your photos on a same-day deadline.
- 3
Asks for your card: “Update your payment details now”
This is what they want to steal
Updating payment details through an email link is how they get your card.
- 4
Not Apple: “icloud-billing.top”
Real Apple links end in apple.com or icloud.com
Real Apple links end in apple.com or icloud.com.
What to do
- Do not tap the link.
- Check your storage in Settings on your iPhone, or by typing icloud.com yourself.
- Delete the email.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you entered card details, call the number on your card right away.
- If you entered your Apple ID password, change it and check that two-factor authentication is on.
- Watch for unexpected charges.
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