Apple has introduced a new lineup of iPhones, including a foldable model called the iPhone Duo, as well as two updated Pro models, the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at £1,199, and the larger 18 Pro Max is priced at £1,299. In the days before the official announcement, security experts noticed a sharp rise in the number of scam websites registering domain names that included words like "Apple" and "iPhone." These sites aim to trick consumers into buying the new devices at prices lower than those offered by official retailers. Alexandre François, a researcher specializing in online scams at the intelligence firm WhoisXML API, explained that criminal activity around domain registrations typically spikes before and after major product launches. He noted that during the previous four iPhone releases, the number of domain names referencing the new models reached its peak on the day of the product launch. In one instance, more than 200 new domains were registered within 24 hours, compared to just one or none on a regular day. These domains are often used to create phishing websites that mimic legitimate retailers. Fraudulent sites use artificial intelligence to generate realistic-looking content that makes them appear trustworthy. These websites may claim to offer early access to the new iPhones at significantly reduced prices. Some may create urgency by setting strict deadlines for purchases, while others may only accept payments through bank transfers, which bypass the security features of debit or credit cards. Some scams even require cryptocurrency payments, which can be a warning sign of illegitimate activity. Apple has built-in safeguards in its Safari browser to alert users when they visit potentially harmful or fraudulent websites. Consumers are encouraged to double-check the legitimacy of any site before making a purchase. Official retailers will always provide multiple payment options, including credit and debit cards. Apple does not run lotteries or recruit individuals to test new devices. If consumers have shared financial information with a scam site, they should immediately contact their bank, report the fraud, and change their passwords to protect their accounts.