Cybercriminals are already capitalizing on the excitement of the iPhone 16 launch. Scammers are using the buzz around the release to target eager fans with fake pre-orders, technical support offers, and other fraudulent schemes designed to steal both money and personal information.

Kaspersky researchers have discovered scams offering users the chance to pre-order the iPhone 16 at nearly 40% off, drawing victims to fraudulent websites designed to resemble official Apple pages. Once users submit their payment details, they are left without a phone and their money, while scammers walk away with their personal information. The websites even generate fake invoices and offer “free shipping” for orders over $1,000 to further deceive users.

Worse still, the data collected, including billing and shipping details, can be sold on the dark web, exposing victims to further risk.

Phony Technical Support Sites

Another scam involves a fake technical support website aimed at Latin American users, written in Spanish but curiously asking for Apple ID login details in English. The scam lures users into providing their Apple credentials, which gives fraudsters access to the victim’s personal data, iCloud account, and even their device. Once inside, scammers can make unauthorized purchases, lock the device, and hold it for ransom.

Olga Svistunova, a security expert at Kaspersky, warned: “Cybercriminals are quick to exploit the hype around major tech releases like the iPhone 16. Consumers must remain vigilant and stick to official channels when making purchases.”

How to Protect Yourself

Kaspersky experts recommend several key steps to avoid falling victim to these scams:

• Stick to official channels: Only pre-order or buy the iPhone 16 from Apple’s official website or trusted partners.
• Be skeptical of big discounts: Offers that seem too good to be true likely are, especially those promising exclusive deals or significant price cuts.
• Verify URLs and email addresses: Check for “https://” and ensure the website or email address matches Apple’s official domain.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to accounts linked to your payment information helps protect against unauthorized access.