Fake sites target buyers of iPhone 18 Pro and first foldable iPhone Duo
Cybercriminals are deploying networks of spoofed websites offering discounted prices to steal personal and financial data from eager Apple customers.
Fraudulent websites are targeting consumers following the unveiling of Apple's latest hardware, including the company's first foldable smartphone. These scams leverage the high demand for new releases to steal sensitive financial information and personal data.
According to The Guardian, criminals have launched networks of fake sites designed to lure victims with suspiciously cheap deals on the iPhone 18 Pro and the newly introduced iPhone Duo. These platforms are engineered to mimic legitimate retailers, prompting users to enter full credit card details and shipping addresses under the guise of securing a discounted device.
The September Surge
Apple typically releases its new hardware in September, a cycle that creates a predictable window of high consumer curiosity and urgency. The introduction of the iPhone Duo represents a significant shift in Apple's product strategy as the company's first foray into the foldable smartphone market. This new form factor has generated an intensified level of interest, which scammers are now exploiting by creating high-pressure, low-price offers on spoofed websites to capture the attention of eager buyers.
Risks Beyond Financial Loss
The implications of these fraudulent sites extend beyond the immediate loss of funds used to "purchase" the non-existent phones. Because these sites collect comprehensive personal profiles—including full names, home addresses, and payment credentials—they frequently serve as gateways for broader identity theft. Once this data is harvested, it can be sold on dark web marketplaces or used to commit further financial fraud against the victims.
Protecting Your Data
Industry experts warn that consumers should remain skeptical of any offer that significantly undercuts official Apple pricing, especially during the initial launch window. Buyers are encouraged to purchase hardware only through Apple's official store or authorized retail partners. As these fraudulent networks evolve, security researchers will be monitoring for new spoofing techniques used to bypass browser warnings and deceive users into trusting fake storefronts.