Warning on fake iPhone sales scam, North Brisbane - Brisbane North (2024)

FAQs

What is the dummy iPhone scam? ›

Essentially, people would take near-worthless fake lookalike iPhone models into the Apple Store, claiming they are faulty and asking for a replacement device. Apple would exchange the unit for a valuable replacement phone, which can then be sold. This procedure was allegedly carried out 16,000 times.

Check IMEI number

An original Apple iPhone model will always have an IMEI number. If there is no IMEI number, it is likely that the model is fake. To check the IMEI number of your device, go to Settings on your smartphone, tap on General and then go to About section. Here, scroll down to see the IMEI number.

If you receive a pop-up notification on your Mac saying it's been compromised or hacked, then it's a fake Apple security alert. First, don't call any numbers or click on any links associated with the fake pop-ups.

In a new round, Apple is now warning users in 98 countries of potential mercenary spyware attacks. The message sent to the affected users says: “Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID.”

Power off the phone, wait a minute, power up the phone again. Remember that just because you see a message.......it does not mean that it is true. Scams are everywhere. Ignore and delete any messages that claim that "viruses have been detected" or "your phone has been hacked".

The scam first started in December 2015 and ran for close to 10 years. In total, the scamsters fraudulently returned and attempted to return more than 16,000 counterfeit Apple devices, causing Apple at least $12.3 million in losses.

If you're seeing pop-up messages warning you of security alerts or virus attacks against your Apple device, you're most likely worried. But while these messages may look real, they're almost certainly scams.

While iPhones can generally go without additional antivirus software, we always recommend top-of-the-line antivirus software for Android devices. Still, hackers can potentially gain access to your iPhone through vulnerabilities in apps or the iOS operating system, as well as by tricking you into downloading malware.

The fake iPhones run on Android. Despite the fact that iOS and Android are two different Operating systems with different application frameworks made for their respective brands, it is possible to convert the Android phone into iOS at least for some time until the phone is sold.

Do fake iphones have Apple ID? ›

If it is a fake iPhone with a "correct" serial number then it will not run iOS and it will not have a functional Touch ID.

Non-genuine screens will not be as prompt or accurate as genuine iPhone screens. Some of the signs of a non-genuine screen are: Missed screen touches or touches not registering in the intended area. Certain parts of the display not responding to multi-touch.

Make sure that Serial Number in the device under Settings > General >About matches the Serial Number on the box. If it correctly reports your model of iPhone you are presented with, like model, color and capacity, and the expected expiration of warranty, it's genuine.

It's important to note that these messages are fake – no hacking into your device was made, nor your data is at risk. Note: If you want to verify whether an Apple threat notification is real, sign in to your Apple ID account and check if Apple has sent a notification.

A new scam tries to convince you that your Apple ID has been compromised; when you click the link in the email from your phone, it even tells you that your Apple account has been locked due to fraudulent activity.

Safari warns you when a website that you're visiting isn't secure. In any of these cases, you may see a “Not Secure” or “Website Not Secure” message in Safari: The website is encrypted, but its certificate is expired or illegitimate.