Scammers Deceived Apple for Over 10 Years by Returning Fake iPhones Under Warranty
Since 2014, fraudsters have been exploiting Apple’s warranty return system by submitting counterfeit iPhones with stolen identification numbers of real iPhones, receiving original smartphones in return for resale. Over time, this scam was executed more than 16,000 times, resulting in a total loss of $12.3 million for the company.
Because the scheme involved real identification numbers, owners of genuine iPhones with those numbers could potentially lose their AppleCare coverage.
The scammers also provided false information about themselves in Apple Stores, including fake addresses, names, contact details, and more. It is reported that similar tactics were used to exchange Apple Watches, iPads, and other devices.
The scheme has finally been uncovered, and the accused are now awaiting trial. They face several years of imprisonment.
