iPhone 17 launch fuels wave of online scams, experts warn

Kaspersky said cybercriminals are exploiting demand by setting up fake websites, launching online lotteries, and recruiting product testers to steal personal and financial data.

The most common tactic involves phishing sites that mimic the Apple Store, advertising discounted phones to create urgency and tricking users into entering payment details that are then stolen.

Other scams include fake lotteries that promise iPhone 17 Pro Max devices as prizes. Participants are asked to submit emails and phone numbers and pay delivery or service fees. To appear convincing, fraudsters post fabricated comments from supposed winners, luring victims to believe the giveaways are legitimate.

iPhone 17 Pro Max (left) and iPhone 17 Pro. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

Another scheme invites users to "test" the iPhone 17 at home. Victims are required to provide personal details and pay shipping fees, but no devices are delivered. Instead, they receive spam emails and face the risk of their data being sold and used in future scams.

Tatyana Shcherbakova, an analyst at Kaspersky, said cybercriminals often exploit major events to prey on consumer excitement. She noted their tactics have become more sophisticated, moving beyond fake emails to websites closely resembling official ones."Users must verify information carefully and avoid acting on impulse."

The 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max officially went on sale in Vietnam on Friday, after pre-orders opened on Sept. 12. Many models quickly sold out, with some buyers even paying extra to secure early delivery.

In response to rising scams, Kaspersky urged consumers to be cautious of unusually cheap offers, free giveaways, or suspicious promotions. The firm advised against clicking links in unsolicited emails, text messages, or ads, and warned users not to share personal data without verifying the source.