Apple unveiled its new iPhone lineup, including the Duo foldable model and two iPhone 18 Pro variants, prompting a significant surge in fraudulent websites targeting consumers seeking discounted prices. Security researchers discovered a notable spike in domain registrations incorporating Apple and iPhone-related keywords in the days surrounding the product announcement.
Criminals have established networks of fake retail sites designed to deceive consumers into purchasing nonexistent devices. According to security intelligence firm WhoisXML API, more than 200 new domains incorporating iPhone-related terms were registered within 24 hours of the announcement, compared to zero or one on typical days. Domain registrations historically spike on launch day across recent iPhone releases, with hundreds of fraudulent sites expected to emerge in the coming period.
These counterfeit websites employ sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate, including AI-generated content mimicking genuine retailers. Scam sites typically feature the new device models with realistic product specifications, offer prices substantially below official retail rates of £1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and £1,299 for the Pro Max, and claim early access availability. Fraudsters create artificial urgency through limited-time purchase deadlines and exclusively accept bank transfers to avoid consumer protections available through card payments.
Authorities advise consumers to verify available models—currently only the Duo and iPhone 18 Pro variants are available—and recognize that Apple does not operate lotteries or recruit product testers. Legitimate retailers offer multiple payment options including debit and credit cards, while sites demanding cryptocurrency payments are immediate red flags. Consumers who suspect fraud should contact their banks, report suspicious activity, and change account passwords immediately.
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