Security experts at Kaspersky have reported a sharp increase in online scams following the launch of the iPhone 17. Cybercriminals are exploiting the global excitement around Apple’s latest release by setting up fraudulent websites and promotional campaigns designed to steal financial and personal information from eager buyers.
Key Scam Tactics Reported
Fake Apple Store Websites: Fraudsters are creating websites that closely resemble Apple’s official store. These sites advertise “preorder now” offers, tricking users into entering their payment details, which are then stolen.
Bogus Lotteries and Giveaways: Many scams claim to offer a “free iPhone 17” through fake lotteries or “Apple Celebration Giveaways.” Victims are persuaded to fill out surveys, share personal details, and pay delivery fees, only to have their data misused with no prize ever delivered.
Phony Tester Recruitment: Another tactic involves fake recruitment drives for “tester programmes,” promising early access to the iPhone 17. Participants are asked for shipping details and, in some cases, payment of delivery fees. However, no device is sent, and victims may face repeated phishing attempts afterwards.
Expert Caution
According to Kaspersky analysts, these scams have become increasingly sophisticated and can deceive even experienced users. They warn that the realistic appearance of fraudulent platforms and offers makes it more challenging to distinguish them from genuine ones.
Users are advised to remain cautious and follow basic safety measures. These include verifying the authenticity of any offer, avoiding unsolicited promotions, purchasing only from official or authorised retailers, and ignoring any requests for sensitive information or payments in exchange for early access, contests, or giveaways.
As the popularity of the iPhone 17 continues to rise, security experts stress that awareness and vigilance are the most effective defences against these evolving cyber scams.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
