Fake iPhone 18 Pro pre-order sites use countdown timers and artificially low prices to defraud buyers

What is this scam?

Ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro Max launch, fraudsters registered copycat websites impersonating Apple's branding and product imagery to sell non-existent devices. The sites use countdown timers and artificially low prices — typically 30–50% below RRP — to pressure visitors into making rapid purchasing decisions before stock purportedly runs out. Which? flagged these sites as active in September 2026. Victims who pay receive no device and risk having their payment card details harvested for further fraud. Apple does not sell products through third-party pre-order sites — all genuine purchases are made at apple.com or official Apple Stores.

Example scam message

Red flags to look out for

• The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
• Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
• You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
• It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
• The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

1. Do not call any numbers or click any links in the message.
2. Log in to your account directly via the official website or app to check for any real alerts.
3. Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
4. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.