Kaspersky has issued a warning about fake iPhone Duo websites targeting buyers with fraudulent discount offers of up to 25%, exploiting excitement surrounding Apple’s first foldable phone launch. The cybersecurity firm’s researchers detected multiple scam attempts targeting victims across different parts of the world, with schemes designed to harvest personal data and payment information from unsuspecting shoppers.
Apple’s iPhone Duo officially went on sale this 23 October, marking the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market. For scammers, a high-profile debut like this creates ideal conditions to target buyers chasing early access to a premium device.
How Fake iPhone Duo Scam Websites Operate
One English-language scam site advertised a 25% discount while closely mimicking Apple’s visual design. A countdown timer warning that only 30 minutes remained until the offer expired was used to manufacture a false sense of urgency, nudging visitors toward impulsive decisions. At checkout, users were asked to provide contact details and a shipping address, but notably, no card information was requested at that stage. Instead, the site claimed a manager would follow up to confirm delivery and payment details, a setup that Kaspersky says commonly serves as the opening move in schemes that lead to financial loss.
Kaspersky also identified multilingual fake websites where users could select their preferred language and even choose a purchase currency. These sites promoted various features of the iPhone Duo and invited users to place a preorder, falsely suggesting that the user would be redirected to Apple’s official website upon completing the process.
A separate fraudulent scheme targeted Portuguese-speaking users, where scammers prompted victims to share their WhatsApp-linked phone number and email address under the guise of checking product availability. Kaspersky noted this tactic not only exposes contact information but also opens victims up to further social engineering.
Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, explained that scammers capitalise on the hype around flagship launches because urgency lowers caution. She noted that a flagship buyer represents a high-value target: someone already willing to spend big and therefore more likely to share personal or payment-related details. Unofficial discounts, preorder offers, and availability checks, she warned, should all be treated as red flags.
Kaspersky recommends purchasing new devices only through official and reputable stores. Before entering any personal data, shoppers should verify website authenticity by carefully checking URL formats and organisation name spellings for any irregularities.
Using a reliable security solution is also advised. Kaspersky notes that its Kaspersky Premium product received the “Approved” certification in the Fake Shops Detection test by AV-Comparatives in 2025, with its consumer solutions featuring AI-powered scam protection combining machine learning-based anti-phishing, real-time behaviour monitoring, and data leak and identity theft checkers.
For payment security, Kaspersky recommends using dedicated virtual cards or payment services for online purchases rather than exposing primary credit card or bank account details. Storing credentials in a password manager and enabling multi-factor authentication on financial and account apps are also recommended steps, alongside regularly reviewing account statements for any unauthorised activity.
Pokdepinion: If a website is offering you a 25% discount on an iPhone, run – not away from it, but to the official store.
