iPhone 13 Pro Max Price in USA Scam - How to Protect Yourself

iPhone 13 Pro Max Scams

• Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: Scammers list devices on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist at unbelievably low prices. They may use one genuine, open-box phone to gain your trust and then hand you counterfeit boxes containing dummy or Android-based fake phones.
• Phishing/Fake Purchases: You receive an automated call or text claiming you purchased an iPhone 13 Pro Max for $999 (from "Amazon" or "Apple") and are urged to verify the charge by clicking a link or calling a fake number. The goal is to steal your credit card details or account passwords.
• Stolen/Locked Devices: Online sellers may offer a real iPhone at a reasonable price, but the phone is blacklisted by carriers or locked with a previous owner's iCloud account.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never Pay Upfront: Avoid paying through non-reversible methods (e.g., Zelle, CashApp, or wire transfers) for online deals. Insist on cash in hand or meeting in a safe place like a police station parking lot.
• Verify the IMEI: Before handing over money, locate the IMEI number (by dialing *#06#) or checking in the phone's settings) and use the Apple Activation Lock Checker or the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker to ensure it isn't blacklisted or locked.
• Inspect the Hardware: Fake iPhones often have clunky packaging, missing blue camera tints, or poorly performing screens. Ensure the App Store opens—counterfeit phones will often incorrectly open the Google Play Store or a web browser.
• Stick to Reputable Sellers: If you aren't buying directly from Apple, use well-known, trusted platforms with buyer protection guarantees like Back Market or Amazon Renewed.