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iPhone pre-order fraud and phishing scams

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-27 08:17 UTC → 2026-09-29 14:43 UTC · added removed

Fraudulent activities targeting iPhone pre-orders have emerged, involving both direct credit card theft and phishing scams. In Hong Kong, a large-scale credit card fraud incident involving approximately 25 million HKD affected over 1,200 citizens during the pre-order period. The incident was reportedly facilitated by a simplified ordering process that lacked strict two-factor authentication or multi-step verification. Analysts noted that some banks may have relaxed security protocols to maintain high transaction conversion rates, highlighting vulnerabilities in the region’s digital payment infrastructure. Following these events, cybersecurity Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has identified multiple a global wave of fraudulent websites globally that use fake pre-order offers exploiting the high demand for the iPhone 18 series to lure victims. series, specifically targeting the iPhone 18 Pro Max. These sites, which appear sites operate in languages multiple languages, including English, Arabic, and Portuguese, offer and use deceptive interfaces to mimic credible retailers. To entice victims, these scams often promise significant discounts of up to 25 percent and non-official product variations percent. Beyond stealing credit card information, these schemes aim to steal extract personal data such as full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and sensitive payment information. WhatsApp contact details. Some fraudulent actors encourage payments via Bitcoin or use deceptive terms—such as promising full refunds or partial balance payments—to lower a victim’s guard. Additionally, some schemes involve tricking users into installing unofficial applications, which can lead to remote device locking or further social engineering attacks.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-29 14:43 UTC iPhone pre-order fraud and phishing scams
  2. 2026-09-27 08:17 UTC iPhone pre-order fraud and phishing scams

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