Apple faces a new challenge with store pickup for online orders, as security researchers at the Black Hat Asia conference uncovered a cybercrime scheme that has cost the tech giant over $400,000. The scheme exploits Apple Store Online’s ‘Someone else will pick it up’ feature.
In this sophisticated scam, cybercriminals sell Apple products at lower prices on second-hand online platforms in South Korea. Once a buyer agrees to purchase, the criminals use stolen credit card information to buy the product from the Apple Store. Instead of shipping the item, they select the ‘Someone else will pick it up’ option, allowing the buyer to collect the product from an Apple retail store using a government ID and QR code/order number.
The researchers, Gyuyeon Kim and Hyunho Cho, named the scam PoisonedApple. Criminals can profit substantially from this scheme, with a single iPhone 15 bought for $700 and resold at $800 resulting in a $700 profit. However, victims have faced challenges in reporting these incidents due to Apple’s internal policies causing delays in investigations.
While the current focus is on South Korea and Japan, evidence suggests that the culprits may be based in China, with potential expansion to other regions, including the United States. To avoid falling victim to such scams, it is crucial to remain cautious when making online purchases, verify sellers’ authenticity, and report any suspicious activities promptly.
Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself from falling prey to similar cybercrimes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the scam involving Apple's 'Someone else will pick it up' feature?
The scam involves cybercriminals using stolen credit card information to purchase Apple products from the Apple Store Online at a discounted price and selecting the 'Someone else will pick it up' option. The buyer then collects the product from an Apple retail store using the government ID and QR code/order number provided by the criminals.
How much money has Apple lost due to this scam?
The tech giant has lost over $400,000 due to this cybercrime scheme.
What is the name of the scam as identified by the security researchers?
The scam is named PoisonedApple by researchers Gyuyeon Kim and Hyunho Cho.
How do criminals profit from this scheme?
Criminals profit by selling Apple products purchased at discounted prices using stolen credit card information at a higher price on second-hand online platforms, resulting in large profits.
Where is the current focus of this scam?
The current focus of the scam is in South Korea and Japan, but there is evidence suggesting that the culprits may be based in China, with potential expansion to other regions including the United States.
How can individuals protect themselves from falling victim to such scams?
To avoid falling victim to similar cybercrimes, individuals should remain cautious when making online purchases, verify sellers' authenticity, and promptly report any suspicious activities to authorities.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
