- By Vikas Yadav
- Sat, 21 Oct 2023 05:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple launched the iPhone 15 series last month at a high-profile event. Soon after the debut, the device was available via sale. However, users quickly reported heating issues on the new models, especially the Pro ones. In the latest update, scammers have devised a method where they promise a fix in exchange for delivering the new iPhone 15 to their address while posing as official staff.
According to a report from Mashable, these fraudsters are posing as Verizon (an American telecom network operator) employees and asking users to dispatch their iPhones to a given address, citing a hoax recall procedure. However, a reader must note that Verizon or any other leading carrier never calls customers for a recall.
Also Read: Waiting For Apple's Foldable Phone? You Might Get A Folding Tablet Instead; Here's Why
iPhone 15 Replacement Scam: How It Works?
Mashable's tech journalist Cecily Mauran started receiving phone calls after ordering the iPhone 15 from Verizon. The caller on the other end introduced them as Verizon staff and checked whether the reporter received the phone. She was told that a remote diagnostics test shall be conducted on the device to measure the presence of heating issues.
All of this appeared genuine as several users have reported heating on the new iPhone models. Upon receiving the order, another call that followed informed the buyer that the iPhone 15 was among the defective devices (citing Apple) and must be dispatched to an address "right away" as it was "dangerous."
If you are facing overheating issues on your new iPhone, you must update to the iOS 17.0.3 update. (Image:Unsplash)
The fraudsters organised a pick-up via FedEx and added that a new unit would be sent to her. Upon sensing the urge of the scammer, the journalist ended up calling the contact number posted on Verizon's website. As a result, the trick adopted by fraudsters to fool new iPhone 15 buyers came to light as the staff denied any such calls from their end.
Once the FedEx delivery partner arrived, it was revealed that the address belonged to Miami, Florida with the site named "RETUNS PROCESING CENTER." As for the question of how the scammers got the associated details around the order, Mashable speculates it could have been due to a data leak at Verizon.
If you get any calls about an iPhone recall drive, make sure to decline them and confirm the information via contact details listed on the official website of the shopping partner. Further, if you are facing overheating issues on your new iPhone, you must install the iOS 17.0.3 version. You can read more about this update here.