New iPhone Preorders Spark Rise in Scam Campaigns, Experts Warn

Apple’s decision to open preorders for the new iPhone has led to a sharp rise in scams exploiting the excitement around the launch. Cybercriminals are rolling out fake websites, bogus lotteries, and fraudulent “tester” recruitment schemes to steal personal and financial information.

Counterfeit sites mimicking Apple’s official store are tricking users with preorder offers for the iPhone 17, capturing bank details at checkout. Similarly, online lotteries promising “free iPhones” require participants to complete surveys, share personal data, and pay bogus delivery fees. These scams are further reinforced by fake feedback panels showing false winners.

Another growing tactic involves “tester” scams, where users are asked to provide contact details and shipping addresses — along with advance delivery payments — in exchange for early access units that never arrive. Victims often face spam, phishing attempts, and data breaches as a result.

“Cybercriminals thrive on the excitement of major product launches, turning consumer enthusiasm into a gateway for data breaches. Users must prioritise verification over impulse to stay safe and avoid falling victim to these opportunistic threats,” said Tatyana Shcherbakova, Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.

Experts recommend buying exclusively from official sources such as Apple’s website, authorised retailers, or verified carriers. Users are urged to double-check URLs, avoid unsolicited offers, never share personal data for “freebies,” and enable two-factor authentication to safeguard accounts.