How does Apple Pay work?

Apple Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable secure, contactless payments. When you hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near a compatible payment terminal, the NFC chip transmits encrypted payment data to complete the transaction. A unique Device Account Number and a one-time security code are used for each purchase — your actual card number is never shared.

Can your Apple Pay get hacked?

The Apple Pay system itself has never suffered a hack, but if your device is compromised through phishing, weak passcodes, or malicious apps, someone could potentially use it fraudulently. That’s why it’s essential to secure your device with strong authentication and keep your software up to date.

Can card skimmers read Apple Pay?

No, card skimmers are designed to capture data from the magnetic stripe on physical cards, which Apple Pay doesn’t use. Since Apple Pay transmits encrypted data via NFC, it cannot be skimmed in the same way as a traditional credit or debit card.

Does Apple Pay have fraud protection?

While Apple doesn’t offer its own buyer protection, Apple Pay transactions are typically covered under your card issuer’s fraud protection policy. This means if you experience unauthorized transactions, you can usually dispute them just as you would with your physical card.

Is Apple Pay safe if I lost my phone?

Yes, Apple Pay remains secure if you lose your phone, as it requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to authorize payments. However, if someone can guess your passcode, there is a risk. To prevent misuse, activate Lost Mode using the Find My app to lock your device and disable Apple Pay remotely.

Is Apple Pay safe? What to know before double-clicking

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