iPhone Scams on Facebook Where You Get Redirected to a "Store"

Exec-Matrix on 28/01/2023 - 15:38

This is more of a PSA and I'm surprised it's not mentioned enough.

I've noticed multiple ads selling newish iPhones on Facebook where the heading will usually read:

"iPhone 14 Pro Max - All colours available with free Apple watch!

In the contents of the ad it's usually photos of random iPhones stacked in boxes and the specs of the iPhone in full along with "Free Apple watch for first 5 buyers".

Out of curiosity knowing full well it's a scam, I've engaged with a few of these sellers/online stores and this is what I've found:

  • Seller will pass on a link to an online store where you will speak with a "Sales Manager"
  • Online stores will have many likes and followers and appear legit with people opening phones and boxes of iPhones stacked all neatly. You'll find no physical address etc
  • The price will be too good to be true. The last one was a 14 Pro Max 256gb for $1500 with a free Series 7 Apple watch. I mean freeze will hell over when the day any brand new iPhones are discounted
  • The online store will respond at usually anytime of the day and swiftly. You are promised 30 day money back guarantee
  • "Physical stores" are either a random block in a major city or at a shopping centre in a regional town. When looking into it, the shop doesnt actually exist
  • When pressing them for a physical address its either a store that is getting renovated and online only at the moment.
  • The only option is to pay into a "business bank account where the accountant will check prior to express over night shipping". No option of PayPal or any other form. Once you pay, your money is gone forever and zero recourse
  • They will try and convince you finally by sending a screenshot of a register business ABN/ACN

I've managed to chat to the sellers and they're usually poor people from overseas with basic english. So far Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand. They've told me that it was online work from home where they are promised 2% of the sale and paid weekly. Once chatting with them and realising its a scam, they've all deleted them which is great. It seems like they're none the wiser.

Anyone come across this or dealt with these scum?

Good luck all and stay safe out there!

Mobile

Comments

  • bobbified on 28/01/2023 - 16:25
    +5

    People with at least half a brain just would not buy iPhones off facebook.

    • mapax on 28/01/2023 - 16:45
      +4

      People with at least half a brain just would not be using Facebook in the current year…

      • SF3 on 28/01/2023 - 17:14

        It’s all relative with people with at least half a brain.

        • Julius on 29/01/2023 - 20:57

          Looks like common sense is the first line of defense against these scams!

  • brendanm on 28/01/2023 - 16:44
    -1

    surprised it's not mentioned

    It's an obvious scam, it doesn't need to be mentioned.

    • SF3 on 28/01/2023 - 17:16
      +1

      Once we know something, often it can’t be unseen.

      To the untrained eye, everything seems like a new discovery.

  • thatonethere on 28/01/2023 - 17:38

    There is a whole thread on whirlpool

    https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/3z85xwq3

    • thedriver on 29/01/2023 - 11:29
      +1

      Good post… Exec-matrix. I cane across this recently on FB Marketplace and followed through the whole process to see what the scam was too. Since sellers ask you to "upgrade" your account to a business account so that you can pay them. And the bank will charge you a temporary and reversible upgrade fee.

      And not everyone reads whirlpool.

  • USER DC on 28/01/2023 - 19:39
    -1

    Yea I have also seen a lot of shorts, saying, "You dont know about this, But because I said (company name e.g. Krispy Kreme) if I can have a free (a product they sell, e.g. donuts), they have to give it to me, because it says in there Terms and condition.
    Employee says "OMG how did you know that?"
    Shorts actor say, because I follow (Actor's Name) on tiktok.

    All is BS to be honest, FB just needs money, so gets money from advertising this sort of rubbish

  • Nillionaire on 28/01/2023 - 19:59
    -2

    I can't grasp why someone would buy phones off Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree? Like if I want:

    • Brand New - direct from manufacturer or major retailers
    • Grey Import - OzBargain approved sellers
    • Refurbished - Reebelo or other highly rated Australian sellers
    • Used - Ebay (if you know how to protect yourself as a buyer)

    Yes the prices will look better on FB but if it's too good to be true then it probably is.

    • thedriver on 29/01/2023 - 11:25
      +1

      Sure there are plenty of scams, but I've bought plenty of new model phones and watches (either Samsung Galaxy flagship or Apple flagship models) from both FB Marketplace and Gtree for huge discounts. No problems.

      I've been scammed on Gtree buying other things (like some knives)… But I take risks, and There's plenty of legit items that go for cheap prices. You need to know the signs of a scam to reduce the chances.

      The last iPhone 13 Max Pro 512GB I bought was the closest to dodgy feeling purchase I've made. The seller was in a regional town, I looked up the address on Maps and it was a rundown neighbourhood. But the communication with the seller and my option to pay with PayPal enabled me to have some confidence. And it worked out perfectly.

  • Wiadro on 28/01/2023 - 21:59
    +1

    if youre buying anything on facebook or gumtree its only pick up, not transfer your money to a random bank acct and we will post your iPhone and apple watch for 70% off the retail price to you

  • photonbuddy on 29/01/2023 - 20:52
    -1

    The price will be too good to be true.

    This should be enough to steer people away, but people get greedy.

    While "If it's too goo to be true …" isn't always true, but brand new iPhones for cheap is a pipe dream. I know this, and I don't even use an iPhone.

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