TL;DR: The Guardian reported a series of scam websites launched with Apple and iPhone 18 in their domain names to trick shoppers into giving up data and cash for the new phone. Which? shared the warning on September 14, 2026. Buy from Apple or a known carrier, type the address yourself and pay by a method with dispute protection.
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New product launches attract lookalike websites. Which? highlighted a Guardian report on September 14, 2026 about scam sites built around Apple and iPhone 18 domain names, aimed at people who want the new phone quickly.
How the scam works
- A new domain with Apple or iPhone 18 in its name appears.
- The page presents itself as a place to buy the iPhone 18 Pro.
- Shoppers who enter their details give away personal data and cash, and the phone may never arrive.
Red flags
- A price well below Apple's or a carrier's, or a deadline countdown.
- A domain that adds words like deals, shop or preorder to Apple or iPhone.
- Payment only by bank transfer, crypto or a payment app.
- No independent reviews, contact address or returns policy.
How to buy safely
- Buy from Apple directly or a well-known carrier or retailer, reached by typing the address yourself.
- Pay by card or a method with dispute rights.
- Avoid links in texts or ads for launch offers.
Shopping scams peak around big launches and holidays. Our holiday and e-commerce shopping scams guide covers the wider pattern, and QR code scams show a related trick where a code hides the real destination. Lookalike sellers also target buyers of farm machinery, as in the FTC farm equipment seller alert, and another UK story this week is the City Relay breach.
If you already paid
Contact your card issuer to dispute the charge and cancel the card. Change passwords if you entered a login. Then check for fake-refund follow-up calls, described in the fake Action Fraud recovery scam.
FAQs
Are there fake iPhone 18 websites?
Yes. Reports say scam sites with Apple and iPhone 18 in the domain name have been set up to collect data and payments.
How do I check a phone shop is legitimate?
Type the retailer's address yourself, compare prices with Apple or a carrier, and avoid shops that only accept bank transfer or crypto.
What should I do if I paid a fake shop?
Contact your card issuer to dispute the charge and cancel the card, then change any passwords you entered.
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