Scams involving fake iPhones have been proliferating on online platforms recently, targeting unsuspecting buyers and prompting the Police to issue warnings to the public.
One man fell victim to this deceit, meeting a seller claiming to offer a brand-new iPhone sealed in its box at an address in Wavell Heights. After paying $1,100, he discovered it was a clever fake—resembling an iPhone but running on an Android system, lacking access to iCloud.
Similar incidents have surfaced across North and South Brisbane in recent weeks. These fake phones look real but lack vital features, leaving buyers out of pocket and disappointed.
Photo Credit: Reddit / u/theEdmard
Police advise vigilance when making online purchases. Look out for sellers avoiding addresses, pressuring for cash, providing dateless receipts, offering hefty discounts, or refusing product testing.
Photo Credit: Reddit / u/theEdmard
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) stresses caution. Watch for unusually low prices, new or suspicious sellers, and avoid communication outside secure platforms. Use reliable payment methods like PayPal or Apple/Google Pay and report any scams through Scamwatch.
This warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to nab those behind these scams. They urge anyone with suspicions or information to reach out immediately.
To shield yourself from scams:
- Check seller credibility.
- Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices.
- Use secure payment options.
- Avoid off-platform communication.
- Stay informed and report any suspicions promptly.
As investigations continue, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant. Your awareness and caution are crucial shields against these deceitful practices, safeguarding you and the community from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or have any information, report it promptly to authorities or the ACCC via Scamwatch.
Stay alert, Wavell Heights, and protect yourself against online purchase scams!
Published 18-December-2023