Ahead of the imminent launch of Apple’s new iPhone 15, Kaspersky experts have discovered numerous scams that take advantage of the enthusiasm for this tech innovation and involve several fraudulent screens with distinct risks for users, including possible data and financial losses .
One of the most used techniques leverages users’ desire to be among the first to own the latest Apple model, offering the possibility of purchasing it before the official launch. Typically, scammers claim to be able to provide iPhones in preview and offer users the opportunity to purchase them, often at a premium. To secure the “exclusive” purchase, victims must make an advance payment or provide their financial information, as well as personally identifiable information, such as name, address and telephone number. After making the payment, the scammers disappear, leaving the victims without the promised iPhone and without their money. In addition to the financial risks, this scam raises important privacy concerns, since the stolen data can be sold on the Dark Market.
Another scam offers the chance to win the new iPhone 15, upon paying a minimum sum in advance. Users are attracted by the desire to get an iPhone 15 for free, demonstrating how much this launch is eagerly awaited. To enter the giveaway, you must pay a small fee, often described as a “handling” or “registration” fee. However, after payment, users receive nothing resulting in financial losses.
“In the digital age, scammers are constantly evolving and exploiting our enthusiasm for new tech. It is essential to be attentive, check offers and protect your personal information. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” said Tatyana Kulikova, Security Expert at Kaspersky.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, Kaspersky experts recommend:
Be sure to turn to reliable and authorized sellers, especially when it comes to preview purchases. Be careful of offers that require upfront payments for giveaways or pre-sale products. Use official channels, such as the Apple website or authorized resellers, to make safe purchases. Research the seller and check customer reviews before making any online purchases. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your online accounts, especially those linked to payment methods. Use an advanced security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, to protect your device from known and unknown scams. Stay up to date on the most common scams and cybersecurity best practices.