Scammers have launched a hunt for Kazakhs eager to buy the latest iPhone models. The Abai Region Police Department has exposed traps involving fake smartphone pre-orders, according to infohub.kz.
According to the department, fraudsters have begun creating private Telegram channels where they offer to buy an iPhone on the first day of sales. Prices below market rates serve as bait: the scammers explain the low cost as "wholesale purchases" and, to appear convincing, show forged invoices, photos of boxes, and chats with supposed couriers and warehouse employees.
"Buyers are asked to make an advance payment to an individual's card or pay in cryptocurrency. Once they receive the money, the scammers delete the channel, block the client, and stop responding," police warned.
Kazakhs are advised not to trust offers that seem too good to be true, to verify the seller, not to transfer money to strangers, and to buy electronics only from official stores.
In addition, citizens are urged not to share bank card details, SMS codes, or personal data with outsiders.
Recall that Apple recently unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, active noise-canceling headphones, and improved smartwatches.