Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has issued a warning about a wave of fraudulent websites targeting consumers in the UAE and wider region with fake discount offers on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. the fraudulent sites advertise tempting deals, including discounts of around 25 percent, and operate in multiple languages including English, Arabic and Portuguese to widen their reach. The scam sites typically ask victims to pay part of the price upfront, with the remainder due later, and dangle promises of a full refund if the buyer cancels — a tactic designed to lower victims' guard. Bitcoin is commonly accepted as a payment method on these platforms.
One telltale sign of the fraud, researchers say, is that the fake listings often offer colour options and storage capacities that do not actually exist in Apple's official specifications for the devices. Beyond taking payment, the scam sites also harvest sensitive personal data, including full names, phone numbers, email addresses, city of residence, WhatsApp details and bank card information — information that can be exploited for further fraud or identity theft.
Olga Altukhova, senior web content analyst at Kaspersky, said "offers that seem too good to be true... should be treated as clear warning signs." The warning comes as demand for the iPhone 18 Pro line remains high following its recent launch, creating fertile ground for scammers looking to exploit eager buyers searching online for the best available price.
Cybersecurity experts advise shoppers to purchase only through Apple's official website or authorised retailers, avoid cryptocurrency payments for routine consumer purchases, and treat any listing offering non-standard colours or storage options as an immediate red flag. Consumers who have already shared payment or personal details with suspicious sites are urged to contact their bank immediately and monitor accounts for unauthorised activity.