{
  "id": 7070713,
  "title": "‘Cheap iPhone deal’: warning over scam sites selling latest Apple mobiles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/cheap-iphone-deal-warning-over-scam-sites-selling-latest-apple-mobiles",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-13T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Business",
    "slug": "guardian-business",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/sep/13/cheap-iphone-18-pro-duo-deal-price-scam-sites-apple-mobiles"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Apple unveils a new range of iPhones, including foldable models, criminals are taking advantage of the demand to set up fraudulent websites offering deals on the latest devices. According to security researchers, a significant increase in scam sites registered with \"Apple\" and \"iPhone\" as keywords is expected in the days leading up to the launch. Alexandre François, who investigates scams for the intelligence company WhoisXML API, notes that the period around the announcement typically sees hundreds of such sites being created. These fraudulent websites often mimic legitimate retailers and use AI to create convincing content. They may offer early access to the devices and prices substantially lower than the officially announced prices, which range from £1,199 for the iPhone Pro to £1,299 for the Pro Max. To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers are advised to be cautious of prices that are significantly lower than the official price, websites that only accept bank transfers, and any pressure tactics such as deadlines to buy. Legitimate websites will offer a variety of payment methods, including debit and credit cards, and Apple itself warns users about fraudulent sites through its Safari browser.",
  "summary": "Criminals exploit demand for iPhone 18 Pro and foldable Duo to trick people eager to get their hands on one Apple has just launched a range of new iPhones, including a foldable handset, just as you decide it is time to replace your own ageing mobile. But you balk at the £1,199 price tag for the cheapest of the new options. Searching online for a better price with the words “cheap”, “iPhone” and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TechRadar",
        "title": "ICYMI: the 7 biggest tech stories of the week, from Apple's iPhone Duo debut to Sonos' best compact speaker yet",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/icymi-the-7-biggest-tech-stories-of-the-week-from-apples-iphone-duo",
        "published": "2026-09-12T08:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "AppleInsider",
        "title": "Apple Store goes down as iPhone 18 Pro preorders loom",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/apple-store-goes-down-as-iphone-18-pro-preorders-loom",
        "published": "2026-09-12T10:50:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Techmeme",
        "title": "Spec sheets show Apple's C2 modem is used in iPhone Duo and 18 Pro worldwide, and in iPhone 18 Pro Max everywhere except the US, where it likely uses Qualcomm (Joe Rossignol/MacRumors)",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/spec-sheets-show-apples-c2-modem-is-used-in-iphone-duo-and-18-pro",
        "published": "2026-09-13T04:50:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Guardian Technology",
        "title": "‘Cheap iPhone deal’: warning over scam sites selling latest Apple mobiles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/cheap-iphone-deal-warning-over-scam-sites-selling-latest-apple-mobiles-7071940",
        "published": "2026-09-13T06:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Apple quietly hikes iPhone Air, 17, 17e prices in Malaysia after 18 Pro launch",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/apple-quietly-hikes-iphone-air-17-17e-prices-in-malaysia-after-18-pro",
        "published": "2026-09-13T13:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}