Scam Guide

Scams When Buying iPhone

Common fraud schemes on the used market and how to protect yourself.|

navigation

Guide sections

[01]

Scam Schemes

The most common fraud methods

 [02]

Online Scams

Fraud on marketplaces and classifieds

 [03]

In-Person Scams

Swapping, pressure, rushing

 [04]

How to Protect

Step-by-step safe buying checklist

 [05]

What to Do

If you've already been scammed
01 - scam schemes

Scam Schemes

The most common fraud methods when buying a used iPhone

iCloud Lock after salecommon

the seller sells the iPhone and disables Find My in front of you. After receiving the money, they enable "Lost Mode" via iCloud.com. The device gets locked with a message "This iPhone Has Been Lost." The scammer may then demand money to remove the lock.

ask the seller to sign out of Apple ID in front of you (Settings → Apple ID → Sign Out) and fully reset the device. Verify FMI OFF via @ispyware_bot after the reset.

Refurbished sold as newcommon

an unofficially refurbished iPhone (new housing, display copy, used battery) is sold as "new, sealed." Packaging is reprinted or resealed, films are new. Often sold on marketplaces by "electronics sellers."

check the Scam Schemes (M = new, F = refurbished), True Tone, "Parts and Service" section, activation date via @ispyware_bot.

Carrier Lock without warningcommon

the seller sells a "fully working" iPhone but doesn't mention the Carrier Lock. When you insert your SIM - "SIM Not Supported" error. The seller disappears.

check Carrier Lock via @ispyware_bot before meeting. At the meeting, insert your SIM.

Swap at the meetingmedium

the seller shows a working iPhone but during handover secretly swaps it for a non-working, locked, or dummy device. They use sleight of hand, distractions, or an accomplice.

don't let go of the device after checking. Verify IMEI (*#06#) right before payment. Meet in a public place.

Stolen iPhonemedium

the seller is selling a stolen iPhone. The device can be locked via Find My at any time, IMEI may be in Blacklist, may have Chimaera lock.

check IMEI via @ispyware_bot for iCloud Lock, Blacklist. Order a GSX to check Chimaera. Details: What to Do.

Fake iPhone (clone)rare

a Chinese iPhone clone is sold as original. Modern fakes look similar externally but run Android with a modified interface. Differences: screen quality, speed, camera, no Face ID.

check the serial number via @ispyware_bot - a fake won't be found in Apple's database. Check App Store, Face ID, AirDrop, "Settings → General → About."

02 - online scams

Online Scams

Fraud on marketplaces and classifieds

Prepayment without guarantees. The seller asks for money before meeting "to reserve" or offers to ship "via courier." After the transfer, they vanish. Never transfer money in advance.

Fake stores. A fly-by-night website with "low iPhone prices." They accept payment, never ship. Or ship a fake/dummy. Check: recently registered domain, no reviews, suspiciously low prices.

Fake photos. The listing shows a new iPhone, but the actual device is a beaten-up used one. Ask for a video showing the serial number and today's date on a piece of paper.

"Safe deal" phishing. The scammer sends a fake "safe deal" link that leads to a phishing site. Only use the deal feature from within the app itself, never from links in chat or messengers.

Wrong IMEI in photos. The seller shows someone else's IMEI on the box photo. You check it - all clear. At the meeting, the real IMEI is different - with locks. Always verify IMEI at the meeting: *#06# on the device must match the photo.

03 - meeting scams

In-Person Scams

How scammers operate during face-to-face meetings

Rushing the deal. "I have another buyer in 10 minutes," "Let's hurry, I need to go." The goal is to prevent you from checking. Never rush. If the seller pressures you, walk away.

Won't let you check. "What are you checking, it's obvious," "Why do you need the IMEI, that's private." If the seller prevents checking - it's a red flag.

"Cash only." Scammers avoid electronic transfers that can be traced. Prefer electronic payment - you'll have proof of transfer.

Swap during handover. You check the device, everything's fine. The seller takes it "to put in the box" - and swaps it. Check IMEI again before handover (*#06#).

"Forgot Apple ID password." The seller "can't" sign out of Apple ID in front of you. Promises to unlink later. Never buy a device with someone else's Apple ID. Without unlinking, you'll get a brick.

Unsafe meeting location. Scammers choose places without cameras or witnesses. Meet in malls, cafes, near banks - places with cameras and people.

04 - protection

How to Protect

Step-by-step safe buying checklist

01

Before meeting: check IMEI

Ask for the IMEI and check via @ispyware_bot: iCloud Lock, Blacklist, Carrier Lock. If the seller won't give the IMEI, don't go to the meeting. Full checklist: How to Protect.

02

Choose a safe location

A mall, cafe, bank branch - a place with cameras and people. Don't go to the seller's home or car.

03

Verify IMEI

Dial *#06# on the device. Compare with Settings → General → About and the box. All three IMEIs must match. If not, walk away.

04

Ask to sign out of Apple ID

The seller should in front of you: Settings → Apple ID → Sign Out. Then Erase All Settings. After reset, verify FMI OFF via @ispyware_bot.

05

Inspect the device

True Tone, Face ID, battery, cameras, speakers, "Parts and Service." Insert your SIM - check connectivity and Carrier Lock. Take your time - thorough checking saves money.

06

Safe payment

Prefer electronic transfers - you'll have proof. Never prepay. Only hand over money after a complete check.

05 - what to do

What to Do If Scammed

Action plan if you've become a fraud victim

iPhone with iCloud Lock

Contact the seller - ask to remove the device from Apple ID remotely (iCloud.com → Find My → Remove). If the seller doesn't respond, contact Apple Support with the original purchase receipt. Without a receipt, Apple won't remove Activation Lock.

iPhone with Carrier Lock

If the seller concealed the carrier lock, that's grounds for a refund (item doesn't match description). Gather evidence: listing screenshot, messages, @ispyware_bot report.

Stolen iPhone

File a police report. Provide: seller messages, meeting details, device IMEI, payment proof. Buying stolen property isn't your fault if you didn't know, but the device may be seized as evidence.

Prepayment without product

File a police report for fraud. Contact your bank for a chargeback (for card payments). Save all messages, screenshots, seller data. If purchased through a marketplace, contact their support.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common iPhone purchase scams?

iCloud Lock after sale, refurbished sold as new, Carrier Lock without warning, swap at the meeting, stolen iPhone, fake (clone).

How to protect yourself from scams?

Check IMEI before meeting via @ispyware_bot. Meet in a public place. Verify IMEI (*#06#). Ask to sign out of Apple ID. Don't prepay.

What to do if you bought an iPhone with iCloud Lock?

Ask the seller to remove it from Apple ID. If no response - Apple Support with receipt. Without the original purchase receipt, Apple won't remove the lock.

How to tell a fake iPhone from the real one?

Check serial number via @ispyware_bot. A fake won't be found in the database. Check: Face ID (fakes don't have it), AirDrop, App Store, screen and camera quality.

Can you get your money back if scammed?

Yes: police report + bank chargeback (for cards) + marketplace support. Save all evidence: messages, screenshots, payment confirmations.

Check Before Buying

Don't risk it - check the iPhone in seconds

$ ispy --full-check 356789012345678
→ iCloud: Clean | Blacklist: Clean | Carrier: Unlocked | Chimaera: No ✓
>> Check on Website [ Open Bot ]