Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Scammers Exploit Demand With Fake Deals for New iPhones
Scammers are making fake websites to sell the newest iPhones.
These sites may look like real stores and offer prices that seem much lower.
Some also promise phones before they are officially available.
They use countdown clocks and limited-stock messages to make people act quickly.
Artificial intelligence can make the fake websites look more convincing.
Paying by bank transfer or cryptocurrency can make it harder to get money back.
Shoppers should visit Apple’s website directly instead of clicking unfamiliar links.
Anyone who has shared financial information with a suspicious site should contact their bank right away.
Fake shopping websites have appeared around Apple’s iPhone launch, offering steep discounts and supposed early access.
Security researchers found more than 200 domains referencing new iPhone models registered within 24 hours during each of the past four launches.
Scammers use copied retailer designs, product details, reviews, AI-generated content, countdowns and limited-stock claims to appear legitimate.
Fraudulent sellers may demand bank transfers or cryptocurrency, which can provide fewer protections than card payments.
Consumers are advised to verify prices and availability through Apple or authorized resellers and contact their bank immediately if they share financial details with a suspicious site.
- Who
- Online scammers are targeting consumers interested in Apple’s newest iPhones.
- What
- Fraudsters are creating fake retail and phishing websites offering fake discounts, early access and unavailable devices.
- When
- The activity increased around Apple’s September 9 launch and the related pre-order period; the iPhone Duo is scheduled for pre-order on October 16 and shipping on October 23.
- Where
- The scams are appearing through online shopping websites, advertisements, emails and text messages.
- Why
- Scammers are exploiting strong demand for new iPhones and using publicly available product specifications and prices to make fraudulent sites appear credible.
- Apple launch date
- September 9
- Models highlighted
- iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo
- Official starting prices
- The iPhone 18 Pro starts at £1,199, while the Pro Max starts at £1,299.
- Fake-domain activity
- More than 200 domains referencing new models were registered within 24 hours during each of the past four iPhone launches.
- iPhone Duo availability
- Pre-orders are scheduled to begin October 16, with shipping starting October 23.
- Payment warning
- Bank transfers and cryptocurrency may offer fewer protections than debit or credit cards.
- Recommended response
- Contact the bank, report suspected fraud and change relevant passwords if financial details were shared.