As the anticipation for the new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max builds, with their official launch at the Apple Glowtime event on September 9, 2024, buyers are being warned about a rising scam involving counterfeit seals. The new models, set to begin pre-orders on September 13 and start deliveries from September 20, are not yet available for sale globally. However, the excitement has spurred scammers to exploit eager customers with fake seals.
A viral Instagram reel has exposed a disturbing trend: counterfeit seals for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are circulating online. These fake seals mimic the original Apple seals, which are meant to ensure the authenticity of the product. The purpose of these counterfeit seals is to repackage and resell open or illegally imported phones as if they were new, often at inflated prices.
Understanding the scam
According to the experts, scammers often import iPhone Pro models through illegal channels, leading to open boxes sold at lower costs. By using fake seals, they repackage these phones to sell them in India, exploiting customers who are eager to own the latest technology. This deceptive practice undermines consumer trust and can result in buyers receiving devices that are not only tampered with but may also lack proper warranty coverage.
How to verify your iPhone’s authenticity
To protect yourself from falling victim to such scams, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of your iPhone purchase. One way to check the original purchase date is by visiting Apple’s Coverage Check. The purchase date should align with the start of your consumer warranty coverage. For example, if your coverage expires on September 13, 2025, the purchase date should be September 13, 2024.
Additionally, you can check your iPhone’s warranty status directly from the device. Navigate to Settings > General > About, and scroll down to “Limited Warranty” to view the expiration date.
