Overview

• The trend originates on TikTok and involves pranksters triggering the Apple Pay confirmation sound on strangers’ phones to feign unauthorized charges.
• In a recent London Tube incident, TikToker F Boogie was restrained by a bystander after claiming a £1,000 withdrawal and later handcuffed by plainclothes police.
• The Met Police have started detaining participants for suspected fraud and conducting searches for devices used in the mobile prank.
• Although no real funds are stolen due to Apple Pay authorization safeguards, victims report feeling distressed and deceived.
• Videos of the confrontations have drawn widespread criticism online and prompted calls for legal action.