Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky warned consumers about fake websites offering iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max deals. The sites are designed to collect personal and payment information from shoppers. The warning comes as scammers promote fake offers in English, Arabic and Portuguese.
One identified website claims to sell the latest iPhone models with a 25% discount. It also accepts Bitcoin as a payment option. Kaspersky stated that the websites use convincing designs to make the offers appear legitimate. Users are then encouraged to enter personal details and proceed with payments.
"Offers that seem too good to be true, as well as product selections that are broader than or differ from those officially announced by the company, should be treated as clear warning signs,” according to Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.
The scam websites also promote pre-order options with different colours and storage configurations. Some offers include colours that do not match the officially announced lineup. The fake sellers claim customers can pay part of the amount first and settle the balance later. Some sites also promise a full refund if an order is cancelled.
Kaspersky confirmed that the sites later ask for details such as the buyer’s full name, phone number, email address, city and WhatsApp contact. Such information could be used in social engineering attempts. Users are then asked to provide bank card information. Kaspersky warned that stolen details could lead to financial losses and unauthorized access to accounts.
Altukhova said, “We have seen scam offers emerge around high-profile device launches for years. Consumer excitement can give cybercriminals an additional advantage and improve their chances of profiting. We strongly advise users to be extremely cautious when choosing where to shop and to make purchases only through official and trusted retailers.”
Kaspersky advised consumers to buy new devices through official or reputable retailers. It also recommended checking website addresses and organisation names carefully before entering personal information. For payments, the company suggested using virtual cards or dedicated payment services. It also advised users to enable multi-factor authentication and regularly check financial accounts for unauthorized activity.
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