Criminals are asking for personal data or money in exchange for Apple’s new cell phone.
On September 12, Apple will unveil the iPhone 15, a moment that many users are waiting for to get to know the cell phone and evaluate a possible purchase. Cybercriminals have taken advantage of this expectation to create scams and steal from interested parties, even though the device has not been launched and its price is not known.
Kaspersky, a cybersecurity company, found a series of attacks that are moving around the world asking victims for money or data, offering in exchange the chance to win a model of the new cell phone.
The scammers claim to have access to the iPhone 15 in the pre-release and offer users the opportunity to buy them, at low prices to get their attention.
How these scams work
Through online sales, cybercriminals promise an “exclusive” purchase of the cell phone. For that they ask victims to make an advance payment or hand over their financial information.
In addition, they are asked to provide details of personal information such as name, address and phone number. Once payment has been made, the scammers disappear without a trace, leaving victims without the promised iPhone and without their money.
Beyond the financial losses, this scam seeks to keep the users’ data and with that execute other attacks in the future or sell that information on illegal pages, thus increasing their capital.
Another scam method that has become evident in recent weeks is to offer users the opportunity to win the new iPhone 15, provided they pay a nominal fee in advance.
This method takes users’ anticipation of getting the coveted Apple device for free and turns it into money for the criminals. To enter the sweepstakes, the scammers invite users to pay a small fee, which is shown as a “processing” or “registration” fee.
However, once payment is made, participants discover that they receive nothing in return and instead handed over their money.
“In the digital age, scammers are constantly adapting and exploiting our excitement for the latest technology trends. It’s crucial for consumers to remain vigilant, verify offers and protect their personal information. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it often is,” said Tatyana Kulikova, security expert at Kaspersky.
How to avoid these scams
After finding this mode of theft, the security company delivered a list of recommendations for users to take into account the context and not to give money or information in exchange for the desire to have a device, which has not yet been made official. These are the security tips:
– Verify the source: make sure you are talking to authorized sellers, especially in pre-launch purchases.
– Avoid upfront payments: be wary of offers that require upfront payments on sweepstakes or pre-launch products.
– Use official channels: always prioritize the purchase of products in official stores, in this case the Apple website or chain stores.
– Check reviews: before making any online purchase, research the seller and check customer reviews.
– Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): this is a critical feature to protect online accounts, especially those linked to payment methods.
– Keep informed: with such massive launches, such as the case of the iPhone 15, it is important to be aware of sale dates and prices, either by using official social networks or the media.