RCMP Warn of Fake iPhone 15 Series Devices Sold Online

Airdrie RCMP in Alberta are currently investigating a fraud case where sellers on online marketplaces are hawking knockoff iPhone 15 Pro devices as the real thing, enough to trick buyers.

A supposed “seller” had listed an iPhone 15 Pro Max for sale, which appeared real to the unsuspecting buyer. The phone was sealed in a box and had all the correct labelling, making it look just like the real thing.

The security numbers on the label were linked to legitimate iPhone products, which made the device seem real. However, when the buyer attempted to log into Apple features at home, the phone did not work as expected. Upon taking the phone to an Apple Store, it was confirmed to be a “well done fake phone.” Ouch.

Looking at the photos from the RCMP, this iPhone 15 Pro Max ‘dummy’ unit looks to be possibly running an Android skin that mimics iOS 17, down to the lock screen wallpaper and a semi-accurate date and time representation that can trick a casual buyer.

“Airdrie RCMP are urging the public to use extreme caution when buying online, and that products that appear legitimate can be fake,” said police.

Police have reiterated the importance of vigilance in online transactions and encourage anyone who falls victim to such scams to contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7267.

“The security numbers associated to the label were related to iPhone products and were further used to deceive the consumer,” police stated, according to CTV News.

It’s stories like these as why some people are willing to take a massive hit for device trade-ins and buy refurbished or open-boxed iPhones, instead of risking huge amounts of cash on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. What can you do to verify if an iPhone is real or not? Enter the device’s serial number shown in Settings on this Apple website, or meet the buyer at an Apple Store to get employees to verify it’s authentic.