iPhone replacement scam targets new phone owners with fake carrier calls
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Getting a brand new iPhone should be a moment you enjoy. You open the box. You turn it on. Everything seems secure. Unfortunately, scammers also know this moment.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard from a number of people who received unexpected phone calls shortly after activating a new iPhone. The callers claimed to be from a major carrier. They said a shipping error was made. They insisted the phone had to be returned immediately. One post stood out because it shows exactly how convincing and aggressive this scam can be.
“Someone called me (the call said it was from Spectrum) and told me they sent the wrong iPhone and had to replace it. I had to tear off the label on the box, tape it back and place it on my porch steps. FedEx would pick it up and they would put a label on it. And just for my trouble, he would send me a $100 gift card! However, the guy was just too anxious. He called me back at 7am to make sure I would follow his instructions After that I picked up my box from the steps and called Spectrum who confirmed it was a scam “Refurbished i17 phones don’t exist because they are new. I called the guy back, said a few choice words to him and hung up on him since then.
That second call early in the morning was the gift. Pressure is the favorite tool of scammers.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive offers straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM bulletin.
HOLIDAY DELIVERIES AND FAKE TRACKING TEXTS: HOW SCAMMERS FOLLOW YOU
Scammers often strike right after you buy a new iPhone, using urgency and fake carrier calls to surprise you before you have time to check. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How the new iPhone replacement scam works
This scam relies on timing and pressure. First, criminals focus on people who recently purchased a new iPhone. This information often comes from data brokerage sites, leaked purchasing data, or marketing lists sold online. Then, the fraudsters spoof an operator’s phone number. Accordingly, the appeal appears legitimate. They appear confident and informed because they already know the device model you ordered.
Once the call begins, the story moves quickly. The scammer claims a shipping error occurred. Then they insist that the phone must be returned immediately. To add urgency, they say a courier is already planned. If you follow the instructions, you’ll be handed a brand new iPhone. At this point the device is gone. The crook resells it or dismantles it for parts. By the time you realize something is wrong, recovery is unlikely.
Why this scam seems so credible
This scam copies real customer service processes. Carriers ship replacement phones. FedEx handles returns. Gift cards are often used as excuses. Scammers mix up these facts and add urgency. They’re counting on you to act before they check. They also rely on a risky assumption that a phone call that seems real must be real.
REAL APPLE SUPPORT EMAILS USED IN NEW PHISHING SCAM
By spoofing trusted phone numbers and knowing your device details, criminals make these calls real enough to pressure you into acting quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Red flags that reveal this scam
Once you know what to watch out for, the warning signs are clear.
• Unsolicited calls on returns you did not request
• Pressure act quickly
• Instructions leave a phone outside
• Promises gift cards for cooperation
• Follow-up calls to hurry you
Legitimate carriers do not handle returns this way.
The fake refund scam: WHY Scammers love vacation buyers
Once a phone is surrendered, it is typically resold or disassembled, leaving victims without a device and with little chance of recovery. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to protect yourself from iPhone return scams
Protecting yourself starts by slowing things down. Fraudsters rely on speed and confusion. You win by pausing and checking.
1) Never return a device based solely on a phone call
Hang up and contact the carrier using the number on your invoice or on the official website. If the problem is real, they will confirm it.
2) Don’t leave electronic devices outside for retrieval
Legitimate returns use tracked shipping labels linked to your account. Carriers don’t ask you to leave phones on porches or doorsteps.
3) Be skeptical of urgency
Scammers intentionally rush you. Pressure prevents deep thinking. Any call for immediate action should raise concerns.
4) Use a data deletion service
Fraudsters often know which phone you bought because your personal data is widely available online. Data removal services help reduce your exposure by removing your information from the data broker sites that criminals rely on. Although no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the Internet, a data deletion service is definitely a wise choice. They’re not cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically deleting your personal information across hundreds of websites. This is what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the Internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of fraudsters cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my top picks for data deletion services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already available on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
Get a free analysis to find out if your personal information is already available on the web: Cyberguy.com.
5) Install powerful antivirus software
Powerful antivirus software adds another layer of protection. Many antivirus tools help block scam calls, warn you of phishing links, and alert you to suspicious activity before damage is done.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
6) Save messages and call details
Retain voicemails, phone numbers and timestamps. This information helps operators warn other customers and detect repeat scams.
7) Share this scam with others
Criminals reuse the same script over and over again. A quick warning to friends or family could stop the next victim.
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Scams targeting new iPhone owners are becoming more targeted and aggressive. Criminals carefully time their calls and copy the operator’s actual language. The simplest defense always works best. Check before you act. If a call causes you to rush or hand over a device, take a break and contact the company directly. This step alone can save you hundreds of dollars and a major headache.
If a carrier called you tomorrow to report an error with your new phone, would you check first or would urgency take over? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive offers straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM bulletin.
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
