Kaspersky flags fake iPhone 18 stores as scammers target shoppers with tempting offers
Kaspersky has warned consumers looking for iPhone 18 models about scammers using fake websites and heavily discounted offers to steal money and personal information.
The scams have emerged alongside the latest launch of the new devices, with fraudulent websites identified in several languages, including English, Arabic and Portuguese. Kaspersky researchers found that some of the sites mimic legitimate online stores and use detailed product information and attractive discounts to make the offers appear genuine.
One fake website advertises the new iPhones with a 25% discount and provides detailed technical specifications. The site also lists Bitcoin among its payment options, potentially allowing scammers to receive payments that can be difficult for victims to recover.
Another fraudulent website promotes pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro, allowing visitors to choose colours and storage capacities. Some of the colours advertised on the site were not among those officially announced at launch.
The site also claims customers can pay part of the purchase price upfront and settle the remaining balance later. It further promises a full refund if an order is cancelled, but Kaspersky warns that such claims are part of the deception.
After selecting a device, users are asked to provide personal information, including their name, phone number, email address, city, and WhatsApp contact details. They are then prompted to enter bank card information, allowing cybercriminals to collect sensitive data and potentially steal funds.
Kaspersky Senior Web Content Analyst Olga Altukhova said the scams are not new, but major product launches provide cybercriminals with an opportunity to exploit consumer interest.
“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. 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,” said Altukhova.
However, consumers are advised to buy new devices only from official or reputable retailers and to verify website addresses carefully before entering personal or payment information. Suspicious domain names, spelling variations in company names and unusually generous offers can indicate a fraudulent website.
Kaspersky also recommended using virtual cards or dedicated payment services for online purchases, enabling multi-factor authentication on financial and other important accounts, and regularly checking bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
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