The highly anticipated release of Apple’s iPhone 17 has triggered a global surge in online scams, cybersecurity experts are warning. Criminals are taking advantage of consumer excitement with schemes ranging from fake Apple websites to bogus giveaways, all aimed at stealing personal data or money.
Fake Websites and Phishing Traps
According to Kaspersky, fraudsters have rapidly scaled operations since the smartphone’s launch earlier this month. One of the most common tactics involves look-alike Apple websites designed to trick visitors into entering login credentials, banking details, or shipping information. With convincing branding, these sites are often hard for untrained eyes to distinguish from Apple’s official pages.
Attackers are also promoting fake lottery and giveaway campaigns, luring consumers with promises of winning an iPhone 17 for a small “processing fee.” Once the payment is made, the scammers disappear without delivering any device.
“Tester” Recruitment Scams
A rising trend involves fraudulent recruitment drives inviting people to sign up as iPhone 17 “testers” for a supposed Apple research program. Victims are asked to provide taxpayer identification numbers or sensitive financial details under the pretense of receiving compensation for product trials.
Protecting Consumers
Experts urge consumers to remain cautious during the hype cycle surrounding major tech launches. They recommend:
- Avoiding unfamiliar links and unverified websites.
- Verifying official Apple communications before sharing details.
- Purchasing only from authorized retailers or Apple’s official channels.
“Cybercriminals thrive during major product launches because excitement lowers people’s guard,” one analyst explained. “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
A Global Problem
The scams are surfacing worldwide, with reports across Europe, North America, and Asia. Authorities in several countries are already investigating large-scale phishing networks believed to be orchestrating the campaigns.
For now, security professionals stress that consumers should exercise extra caution when seeking out the iPhone 17, sticking to official Apple channels and authorized partners to avoid falling victim to scams.
