iPhone replacement scam targets new phone owners with fake carrier calls

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Receipt brand new iPhone there must be a moment that you enjoy. You open the box. You turn it on. Everything seems safe. Unfortunately, scammers also know this point.

Over the past few weeks, we've heard from a number of people who received unexpected phone calls shortly after activating a new iPhone. The callers claimed they were calling from a major telecom operator. They said there was a delivery error. They insisted that the phone must be returned immediately. One message stands out because it shows how convincing and aggressive this scam can be.

“Someone called me (the call said it was from Spectrum) and said they sent me the wrong iPhone and it needed to be replaced. I had to tear the label off the box, tape it shut, and place it on the porch steps. FedEx was going to pick it up and put a label on it. And just for my concern, he sent me a $100 gift card! Immediately afterwards I picked up my box on the steps and called Spectrum who confirmed it was a scam. There are no refurbished i17 phones because they are brand new. I called the guy back, said a few words and hung up. Since then, Spectrum has called at least twice about the same thing!

— Chris L., Columbus, Montana

The second call early in the morning was the decisive moment. Pressure is a favorite tool of scammers.

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HOLIDAY DELIVERY AND FAKE SMS TRACKING: HOW FRAUDERS TRACK YOU

Scammers often attack immediately after purchasing a new iPhone, using urgency and fake calls to the carrier to catch you off guard before you have time to check. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How the new iPhone replacement scam works

This scam is all about time and pressure. First, criminals are targeting people who have recently purchased a new iPhone. This information often comes from data broker sites, leaked purchase data, or marketing lists sold online. More scammers fake a telecom operator's phone number. As a result, the call appears to be legitimate. They sound confident and informed because they already know the device model you ordered.

Once the call begins, the story moves quickly. The scammer claims that there was a delivery error. Then they insist that the phone be returned immediately. To emphasize the urgency, they say that a courier has already been assigned. If you follow the instructions, you will turn in a brand new iPhone. At that moment the device disappeared. The scammer either resells it or dismantles it for parts. By the time you realize something is wrong, recovery is unlikely.

Why does this scam seem so plausible?

This scam replicates real customer service processes. Telecom operators are sending replacement phones. FedEx handles returns. Gift cards are often used as apologies. Fraudsters mix up these facts and add urgency. They expect you to act before you confirm. They also rely on one risky assumption: a phone call that looks real must be real.

REAL APPLE SUPPORT LETTERS ARE USED IN NEW PHISHING Scam

By spoofing trusted phone numbers and knowing details about your device, criminals make these calls seem real enough to trick you into acting quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Red flags that indicate this is a scam

If you know what to look for, the warning signs will become obvious.

• Unwanted calls about a refund you didn't request

• Pressure act quickly

• Instructions leave the phone outside

• Promises gift cards for cooperation

• Follow up calls rush you

Legitimate carriers do not process returns this way.

FALSE REFUND FRAUD: WHY FRAUDERS LOVE HOLIDAY SHOPPERS

A woman talks on the phone while sitting.

Once the phone is handed over, it is usually resold or dismantled for parts, leaving victims without a device and with little chance of recovery. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to protect yourself from iPhone return scams

Protecting yourself starts with slowing down the process. Fraudsters rely on speed and confusion. You will benefit from pausing and checking.

1) Never return a device based solely on a phone call.

Hang up and contact your carrier at the number listed on your invoice or on the official website. If the problem is real, they will confirm it.

2) Don't leave electronics outside to be picked up.

Legitimate returns use trackable shipping labels linked to your account. Telecom operators do not ask to leave phones on entrances or thresholds.

3) Be skeptical about urgency

The scammers are deliberately trying to rush you. Pressure shuts down careful thinking. Any demand for immediate action should raise concern.

4) Use a data removal service

Fraudsters often know which phone you bought because your personal details are widely available online. Data removal services help reduce your vulnerability by removing your information from data broker sites used by criminals. While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is indeed a smart choice. They don't come cheap, and neither does your privacy. These services do all the work for you, actively monitoring and systematically removing your personal information from hundreds of websites. This is what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk that scammers will link leaked data to information they can find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data deletion services and get a free scan to see if your personal information is already posted online by visiting Cyberguy.com.

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5) Install powerful antivirus software.

Powerful antivirus software adds another layer of protection. Many antivirus tools help block fraudulent calls, alert you to phishing links, and alert you to suspicious activity before damage is done.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your personal information is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for 2025's top antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

6) Save messages and call information.

Save voicemails, phone numbers and timestamps. This information helps telecom operators warn other customers and detect repeat fraud.

7) Share this scam with others

Criminals use the same script over and over again. A quick warning to friends or family can stop the next victim.

Kurt's key takeaways

Scams targeting new iPhone owners are becoming more targeted and aggressive. Criminals carefully time their calls and copy the real language of the telecom operator. The simplest defense still works best. Check before you act. If a call forces you to rush or hand over a device, pause and contact the company directly. This one step can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of headaches.

If your carrier calls you tomorrow and tells you there's a problem with your new phone, would you check first or be urgent? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist with a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make lives better through his reporting for Fox News and FOX Business, starting with the morning programs “FOX & Friends.” Have a technical question? Get Kurt's free CyberGuy newsletter, share your voice, story idea, or leave a comment on CyberGuy.com.