As Apple initiated preorders for the iPhone 17, Kaspersky reported a notable increase in scams leveraging the excitement of the launch. Cybercriminals are employing deceptive websites, phony lottery schemes, and false “tester” recruitment offers to obtain personal and financial information, posing significant risks for identity theft and monetary loss.
One particular scam features fake sites that closely resemble Apple’s authentic store, luring users with messages about “preorders before they run out,” while capturing credit card details during the purchasing process.
Additionally, scammers are advertising fake lotteries that claim to offer complimentary iPhones. Participants are required to fill out surveys, disclose personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, and pay fees for service or delivery. To lend credibility, these pages often showcase fabricated testimonials from supposed winners claiming to have received their “prizes.”
Another scheme promotes opportunities for users to act as “testers” for the iPhone 17, particularly targeting technology enthusiasts willing to provide their contact and shipping details. Victims end up paying a delivery fee for units that never arrive, often leading to spam or phishing attacks.
“Cybercriminals take advantage of the buzz surrounding significant product launches, transforming consumer excitement into opportunities for data breaches. We have observed a shift from rudimentary phishing to sophisticated sites that can appear legitimate. Users should prioritize verification over impulse to protect themselves from these opportunistic threats,” states Tatyana Shcherbakova, a web content analyst at Kaspersky.
To aid users in safeguarding themselves against these scams, Kaspersky recommends:
- Purchase exclusively from official sources, such as Apple’s site, verified carriers, or authorized sellers.
- Check URLs, be cautious of unsolicited offers, and dismiss emails, texts, or advertisements that promise deals or prizes.
- Never disclose sensitive information for “freebies”—genuine contests seldom require card or address details beforehand.
- Activate two-factor authentication on your Apple ID and financial applications, and routinely check account activities.