New iPhone Scam Pressures Buyers Into Handing Over Devices Through Fake Carrier Calls
COLUMBUS, Mont. — As millions unwrap new iPhones this holiday season, a sophisticated scam targeting recent buyers is sweeping across the country, preying on the excitement and trust of consumers. Criminals posing as representatives from major wireless carriers are calling new iPhone owners, claiming a shipping error and demanding the immediate return of the device — a ruse designed to steal the phones before victims realize what is happening.
According to reports collected over the past few weeks, these scammers use pressure tactics and spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate. The calls often come shortly after the buyer activates their new iPhone, a timing that catches many off guard. The scammer insists the phone must be returned immediately due to a supposed shipping mistake and claims a courier, often FedEx, is already scheduled to pick up the device. Victims are instructed to remove labels from the box and place it on their porch, where it is collected — but the device is never replaced.
One victim, Kris L. from Columbus, Montana, recounted how the scam unfolded. “Somebody called me saying they were from Spectrum and that they sent the wrong iPhone. They wanted me to tape up the box and leave it on my porch for FedEx to pick up. They even offered a $100 gift card for my trouble,” Kris said. “The caller was too anxious, calling me again early in the morning to make sure I followed instructions. I called Spectrum directly and confirmed it was a scam.”
This scam is particularly convincing because it mimics real customer service processes. Wireless carriers do ship replacement phones, and FedEx regularly handles returns. Additionally, gift cards are sometimes offered as compensation for shipping errors, lending credibility to the fraudsters’ story.
Experts warn that scammers often obtain information about recent purchases through data-broker sites or leaked marketing lists, allowing them to sound informed and confident when they call. The Federal Communications Commission has noted that spoofing technology enables scammers to display legitimate carrier numbers on caller ID, making it difficult for consumers to discern real calls from fraudulent ones.
Once the scammer convinces the victim to send back the phone, the device is either resold on the black market or dismantled for parts. Recovery of the stolen device is unlikely. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to verify any unsolicited calls by contacting their carrier directly using official contact information and to never ship devices without confirming the request.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Division, are actively investigating these schemes. They emphasize that scammers rely heavily on creating a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting without verification. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends that consumers remain vigilant, especially during peak shopping seasons when scams tend to spike.
As this scam continues to circulate, carriers like Spectrum have been urged to warn their customers proactively. Meanwhile, consumers are encouraged to be skeptical of unexpected calls demanding immediate action and to report suspicious activity to authorities. The holiday season, while joyful, has become a prime time for fraudsters to exploit new technology buyers, making awareness and caution essential defenses against these evolving threats.
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