Apple’s recent launch of its latest iPhone models, including its first foldable handset, has been accompanied by a surge in online scams targeting consumers eager to purchase the new devices at discounted prices. Security experts warn that numerous fraudulent websites have appeared, offering the iPhone 18 Pro and related models at significantly reduced prices, but are, in fact, designed to steal money from unsuspecting buyers.

The tech giant revealed the iPhone Duo, along with two versions of the iPhone 18 Pro, during an event on Wednesday. Concurrently, a notable increase in fake websites purporting to sell these new products was detected. Researchers specializing in cybercrime say that scammers mass-register domain names containing keywords like “Apple” and “iPhone 18” immediately before and after product launches, aiming to capitalize on consumer interest.

Alexandre François, a scam investigator at WhoisXML API, detailed that the number of such registrations typically surges to more than 200 domains within 24 hours on the launch day—a sharp rise from the norm of zero or one domain registered daily. While many of these fraudulent sites are identified as hazardous by various security services, they often remain accessible, as they are not always included in browser or antivirus blocklists.

These fake websites frequently use sophisticated tactics, including artificially generated content to closely resemble legitimate Apple retailers. François noted that once Apple publishes the technical specifications of their new models, scammers leverage the detailed information to make their sites more believable. Such sites often promote early access or offer prices substantially lower than Apple’s official starting points of £1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and £1,299 for the Pro Max.

Payment methods on these scam sites often require bank transfers or cryptocurrencies, mechanisms that provide little to no recourse or buyer protection. Additionally, fraudulent sellers may impose time limits on offers to pressure consumers into hasty decisions.

Consumers are advised to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any website selling Apple products. Apple has confirmed that it does not run lotteries or recruit individuals for phone testing and cautions buyers to rely only on official or well-known retail channels. Legitimate outlets typically accept a range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, which carry fraud protections absent from bank transfers or crypto payments.

Apple’s Safari browser incorporates built-in alerts to warn users about potentially harmful sites that engage in phishing or distribute malware. In cases where personal financial information has already been shared with a fraudulent operator, experts recommend immediate contact with one’s financial institution and reporting the incident. Changing all related passwords is advised to prevent further unauthorized access.

With fraudsters actively exploiting the excitement surrounding Apple’s latest releases, consumers should remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated online scams.