"iPhone Duo $500 Discount"—Don't Fall for It: Scammers More Diligent Than Apple [1-Day IT Item]

[Financial News] Clicking a link after being tempted by the extraordinary "iPhone Duo $500 discount" preorder offer could end badly. Ahead of the launch of Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, a malicious site that meticulously imitates the official website has emerged. Some iPhones without security updates may be exposed to attacks attempting to steal personal information, including passwords, messages, and cryptocurrency wallets, simply by accessing the site.
According to foreign media outlets including 9to5Mac and AppleInsider on the 3rd, a fake website offering early preorders for the iPhone Duo is operating online. The site was found to use a design similar to Apple's official website and the phrase "for authorized partners only."
The impersonation site claimed that users who completed a form asking whether they intended to purchase the device would receive a $500 discount voucher, worth approximately 680,000 won, along with Apple's device warranty service, AppleCare+. Rather than directly requesting payment, it lures users to visit by asking whether they are interested in preordering.
After users access the site, the attackers launch an assault using DarkSword, which exploits multiple iPhone security vulnerabilities in succession. The threat is serious enough that, on some iPhones without the relevant security patches, the attack can begin simply by visiting the site. The attack is reportedly attempted even if users take no additional action, such as filling out the form or downloading a file.
If the attackers successfully breach a device, they attempt to steal stored passwords, notes, and cryptocurrency wallet data. They have also been found to attempt access to messages, contacts, call logs, emails, and location data. However, not all iPhones face the same level of risk; the targets are vulnerable devices that have not received the relevant security updates.
The impersonation site was reportedly offering color options that are not available on the actual iPhone Duo. The extraordinary promise of providing both a $500 discount voucher and AppleCare+ was identified as a clear warning sign.
An industry official said, "Rather than clicking preorder links sent by text message or email, we recommend accessing Apple's official website directly. Updating the iPhone's operating system to the latest version supported by the device and enabling automatic updates are also effective preventive measures."


[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter