{
  "id": 15151421,
  "title": "Police receive over 100 reports about credit card charges for iPhone Duo pre-orders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/police-receive-over-100-reports-about-credit-card-charges-for-iphone-15151421",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T07:31:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3371245/police-receive-over-100-reports-about-credit-card-charges-iphone-duo-pre-orders"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Hong Kong, authorities have recorded over one hundred allegations of unauthorized credit card charges in connection with Apple's recent pre-ordering of the iPhone Duo, according to the South China Morning Post. The device launched its online pre-order campaign on Friday at 8pm, leading to complaints surfacing on social media that night. Certain credit card holders alleged multiple or unauthorized purchases of the new model. These transactions totaled a few million Hong Kong dollars but continued to increase. This incident marks the second occurrence of unauthorized credit card use for iPhones within a month, with the prior case linked to pre-orders of the iPhone 18 Pro series on September 12.\n\nWhen contacted by reporters on Saturday, Apple disclosed that all current iPhone Duo orders are undergoing review before processing. The company stated, \"[We] are working to quickly identify and cancel any fraudulent transactions that may have been placed.\" HSBC confirmed awareness of online discussions concerning repeated and unauthorized credit card transactions for these pre-orders. The bank assured customers that they would not be held responsible for duplicate transactions and that HSBC would identify and void any fraudulent charges. HSBC advised customers to suspend their credit cards through its mobile app or by calling the bank, and to investigate refunds while emphasizing the responsibility of customers to use their cards responsibly and report suspicious transactions promptly. The bank also mentioned that 3D Secure could provide additional protection, though the merchant determined its applicability.\n\n3D Secure aids in verifying the buyer's identity during online transactions. HSBC reportedly extended apologies to affected consumers, noting that certain transactions were duplicated on Friday night, and the system would automatically initiate cancellation, expected to conclude within one to two days. The issue drew attention to social media, with users posting on Threads about placing iPhone Duo orders after 8pm using HSBC credit cards and experiencing additional charges around 10pm. Another user reported a similar problem, detailing that Apple required HSBC's authorization a second time to finalize the transaction, and the initial one was pending cancellation. An additional user, who claimed not to have ordered the new iPhone, provided two SMS records from HSBC showing their credit card had been charged twice by Apple.\n\nIn late September, police reported receiving 1,503 complaints about suspicious credit card transactions linked to the iPhone 18 Pro series, with total losses exceeding HK$30 million (approximately US$3.82 million). Initial investigations revealed that online pre-order transactions did not require a one-time password via SMS or any form of authentication, enabling the payment process to proceed without the cardholder's confirmation and enabling fraudsters to exploit this vulnerability. Apple subsequently stated that it was reviewing all current orders to identify and cancel suspicious transactions. Major banks in Hong Kong stated that victims would not be liable, provided the transactions were proven unauthorized and cardholders had acted with due diligence. The price of the Duo begins at HK$17,499, and the device will be available starting October 23.",
  "summary": "Hong Kong police have received more than 100 reports of unauthorised credit card transactions related to pre-orders of Apple’s latest iPhone model, the South China Morning Post has learned. Apple began its online pre-orders for its foldable iPhone Duo on Friday at 8pm, and complaints about suspicious transactions began to appear on social media overnight. Some credit card users claimed duplicate…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
        "title": "Police receive over 100 reports about credit card charges for iPhone Duo pre-orders",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/police-receive-over-100-reports-about-credit-card-charges-for-iphone",
        "published": "2026-10-17T07:31:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}