Pre-Release Purchase Scam: Scammers exploit the anticipation surrounding the iPhone 15 by offering it for sale before its official launch. Interested consumers are asked to make an upfront payment and provide personal information, only for the scammers to disappear after receiving payment, leading to financial and data losses.
"Win the iPhone" Scam: Another scam presents users with an opportunity to win the iPhone 15 for a nominal upfront fee disguised as a "processing" or "registration" fee. Once the payment is made, participants never receive the promised iPhone, resulting in financial losses.
Data and Privacy Risks: In addition to financial losses, these scams pose significant privacy risks as personal identification and financial information collected may be sold on the Dark Market.
Expert Advice: Tatyana Kulikova, a security expert at Kaspersky, stresses the need for consumer vigilance. She advises consumers to verify offers and safeguard their personal information, emphasizing that if something seems too good to be true, it often is.
Prevention Guidelines: Kaspersky recommends a set of best practices for consumers to protect themselves, including verifying the source, avoiding upfront payments, using official channels for purchases, checking reviews, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying updated on common scams and cybersecurity best practices.
Beware of iPhone 15 scams exploiting consumer excitement ahead of release
Unveiling fraudulent pre-orders and fake giveaways, experts warn of financial and data loss as new iPhone anticipation builds
At a glance
In anticipation of the imminent release of Apple's iPhone 15, Kaspersky experts have uncovered a range of scams that exploit the excitement surrounding this tech innovation. These scams encompass various fraudulent schemes, each carrying distinct risks for unsuspecting consumers, including potential data and financial losses.
In one prevalent deceptive maneuver, scammers entice users with the chance to purchase the iPhone 15 ahead of its official launch. This scheme capitalizes on users' eagerness to be among the first to possess Apple's latest device.
Here's how this scam typically unfolds: Scammers claim they can provide pre-release iPhones and promise users the opportunity to acquire them, often at a premium price.
To secure their "exclusive" purchase, victims are required to make an upfront payment or divulge their financial information.
Additionally, users are asked to provide personal identification details such as their name, address, and phone number. Following the submission of payment, the scammers vanish, leaving victims without the promised iPhone and deprived of their funds. Beyond the financial risks, this scam raises significant privacy concerns, as the stolen data may be sold on the Dark Market.
Another scam presents participants with the chance to win the new iPhone 15, provided they pay a nominal upfront fee.
The typical progression of this scheme unfolds as follows: users are drawn in by the allure of a free iPhone 15, perfectly complementing their anticipation for the impending release. To enter the giveaway, participants are instructed to pay a small fee, often disguised as a "processing" or "registration" fee. After remitting the payment, participants receive nothing in return. The promised iPhone remains elusive, resulting in financial losses for those involved.
"In the digital age, scammers constantly adapt and exploit our excitement for the latest tech trends. Consumers must stay vigilant, verify offers, and safeguard their personal information. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it often is," comments Tatyana Kulikova, security expert at Kaspersky.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, Kaspersky experts recommend:
• Verify the Source: Ensure you are dealing with reputable and authorized sellers, especially for pre-release purchases. • Avoid Upfront Payments: Exercise caution with offers demanding upfront payments for giveaways or pre-release products.
• Use Official Channels: Rely on Apple's official website or authorized retailers for genuine purchases. • Check Reviews: Before making any online purchases, research the seller and review customer feedback.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Safeguard your online accounts, especially those linked to payment methods, with 2FA.
• Use Security Solution: An automated security solution, like Kaspersky Premium, will protect you from all known and unknown scams. • Stay Informed: Stay current on common scams and cybersecurity best practices.