Technology

New iPhone scam tricks owners into giving phones away

Published

2 weeks ago

December 25, 2025

New iPhone scam tricks owners into giving phones away

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Getting a brand-new iPhone should be a moment you enjoy. You open the box. You power it on. Everything feels secure. Unfortunately, scammers know that moment too.

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 to be from a major carrier. They said a shipping mistake was made. They insisted the phone needed to be returned right away. One message stood out because it shows exactly how convincing and aggressive this scam can be.

“Somebody called me (the call said it was from Spectrum) and told me they sent the wrong iPhone and needed to replace it. I was to rip off the label on the box, tape it up and set it on my porch steps. FedEx was going to pick it up and they’d put a label on it. And just for my trouble, he’d send me a $100 gift card! However, the guy was just too anxious. He called me again at 7 am to make sure I would follow his instructions. Right after that, I picked up my box on the steps and called Spectrum, who confirmed it was a scam. There are no such things as refurbished i17 phones because they’re brand new. I called the guy back, said a few choice words and hung up on him. Since then, they have called at least twice for the same thing. Spectrum should be warning its customers!”
— Kris L, Columbus, Montana

That second early morning call was the giveaway. Pressure is the scammer’s favorite tool.

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HOLIDAY DELIVERIES AND FAKE TRACKING TEXTS: HOW SCAMMERS TRACK YOU

Scammers often strike right after a new iPhone purchase, using urgency and fake carrier calls to catch you off guard before you have time to verify. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How the new iPhone replacement scam works

This scam relies on timing and pressure. First, criminals focus on people who recently bought a new iPhone. That information often comes from data-broker sites, leaked purchase data or marketing lists sold online. Next, scammers spoof a carrier phone number. As a result, the call appears 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 a shipping mistake occurred. Then they insist the phone must be returned right away. To reinforce urgency, they say a courier is already scheduled. If you follow the instructions, you hand over a brand-new iPhone. At that point, the device is gone. The scammer either resells it or strips it for parts. By the time you realize something is wrong, recovery is unlikely.

Why this scam feels so believable

This scam copies real customer service processes. Carriers do ship replacement phones. FedEx does handle returns. Gift cards are often used as apologies. Scammers blend those facts together and add urgency. They count on you acting before you verify. They also rely on one risky assumption, that a phone call that looks real must be real.

REAL APPLE SUPPORT EMAILS USED IN NEW PHISHING SCAM

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

Red flags that give this scam away

Once you know what to watch for, the warning signs are clear.

• Unsolicited calls about returns you did not request

• Pressure to act fast

• Instructions to leave a phone outside

• Promises of gift cards for cooperation

• Follow-up calls to rush you

Legitimate carriers do not handle returns this way.

THE FAKE REFUND SCAM: WHY SCAMMERS LOVE HOLIDAY SHOPPERS

Once a phone is handed over, it is usually resold or stripped for parts, leaving victims with no device and little chance of recovery. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from iPhone return scams

Protecting yourself starts with slowing things down. Scammers rely on speed and confusion. You win by pausing and verifying.

1) Never return a device based on a phone call alone

Hang up and contact the carrier using the number on your bill or the official website. If the issue is real, they will confirm it.

2) Do not leave electronics outside for pickup

Legitimate returns use tracked shipping labels tied to your account. Carriers do not ask you to leave phones on porches or doorsteps.

3) Be skeptical of urgency

Scammers rush you on purpose. Pressure shuts down careful thinking. Any demand for immediate action should raise concern.

4) Use a data removal service

Scammers often know what phone you bought because your personal data is widely available online. Data removal services help reduce your exposure by removing your information from data broker sites that criminals rely on. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s 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 of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

5) Install strong antivirus software

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

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

6) Save messages and call details

Keep voicemails, phone numbers and timestamps. This information helps carriers warn other customers and spot repeat scams.

7) Share this scam with others

Criminals reuse the same script again and again. A quick warning to friends or family could stop the next victim.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Scams aimed at new iPhone owners are getting more targeted and more aggressive. Criminals are timing their calls carefully and copying real carrier language. The simplest defense still works best. Verify before you act. If a call pressures you to rush or hand over a device, pause and contact the company directly. That one step can save you hundreds of dollars and a major headache.

If a carrier called you tomorrow claiming a mistake with your new phone, would you verify first or would urgency take over? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Related Topics:cybercrime Featured iphone Privacy Security smart and safe tech

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Technology

Intel is planning a custom Panther Lake CPU for handheld PCs

Published

4 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Intel is planning a custom Panther Lake CPU for handheld PCs

Intel announced yesterday that it’s developing an entire “handheld gaming platform” powered by its new Panther Lake chips, and joining an increasingly competitive field. Qualcomm is hinting about potential Windows gaming handhelds showing up at the Game Developers Conference in March, and AMD’s new Strix Halo chips could lead to more powerful handhelds.

According to IGN and TechCrunch, sources say Intel is going to compete by developing a custom Intel Core G3 “variant or variants” just for handhelds that could outperform the Arc B390 GPU on the chips it just announced. IGN reports that by using the new 18A process, Intel can cut different die slices, and “spec the chips to offer better performance on the GPU where you want it.”

As for concrete details about the gaming platform, we’re going to have to wait. According to Intel’s Dan Rogers yesterday, the company will have “more news to share on that from our hardware and software partners later this year.” The Intel-based MSI Claw saw a marked improvement when it jumped to Lunar Lake, and hopefully the new platform keeps up that positive trend.

Technology

Don’t lock your family out: A digital legacy guide

Published

5 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Don’t lock your family out: A digital legacy guide

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

This is not a happy topic. But it’s essential advice whether you’re 30 or 90.

If something happened to you tomorrow, could your family get into your digital life? I’m talking about your bank accounts, emails, crypto and a lifetime of memories stored on your phone or computer.

Big Tech and other companies won’t hand over your data or passwords, even to a spouse, without a hassle, if at all.

1. The 10-minute setup

Start with a Legacy Contact. Think of someone you trust who gets access only after you’re gone. Who is that? Good.

SECRET PHRASES TO GET YOU PAST AI BOT CUSTOMER SERVICE

One day, you won’t be here anymore, but your tech will bel. Here’s how to plan for that. (iStock)

· iPhone: Open Settings > tap [Your Name]. Tap Sign-In & Security > Legacy Contact. Go to Add Legacy Contact and follow the prompts.

· Google: Search for Inactive Account Manager in your Google Account settings. Choose how long Google should wait before acting (e.g., three months). Add up to 10 people to be notified and choose which data (Photos, Drive, Gmail) they can download.

Google has an “Inactive Account Manager” feature. (Chesnot/Getty Images)

2. The master key problem

Apple and Google don’t help with banking, insurance, investment or other sites or apps. You need a solid password manager like NordPass that offers emergency access features.

1. Open your Password Manager and look for Emergency Access.

2. Add a Digital Heir: Enter the email of a spouse or trusted child.

3. Set the Safety Delay: Choose a wait period. Usually 7 days is the sweet spot.

4. How it works: If your contact ever requests access, the app sends you an alert. If you’re fine, you hit Deny. But if you’re incapacitated and can’t respond within those seven days, the vault automatically unlocks for them.

Pro tip: Your Emergency Contact only gets viewing privileges. They can’t delete or change anything in your vault.

YOU’LL NEVER TRUST VIDEO AGAIN ONCE YOU SEE WHAT SORA 2 CAN DO

Facebook and Instagram have after-death options for accounts. (Karly Domb Sadof, File/AP )

3. Crypto and social media

· Crypto: Without your seed phrases, that money is gone. Store them physically along with any instructions and receipts of you buying crypto with your estate paperwork. If you use a crypto hardware wallet, keep that in a fireproof safe.

· Social media: On Facebook or Instagram, go to Settings > Memorialization. Choose to either have your account deleted or managed by a contact who can post a final tribute.

Be sure someone knows the passcode to your phone. That’s important for 2FA codes, among other things.

One more thing. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to get my free newsletter at GetKim.com to stay tech-savvy and secure every day!

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Technology

Power bank feature creep is out of control

Published

16 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Power bank feature creep is out of control

There was a time not too long ago when buying a power bank was as easy as choosing the cheapest portable battery that could charge your phone and quickly slip into your pocket, purse, or backpack. The hardest part was deciding whether it was time to ditch USB-A ports.

Recently, however, brands have been slathering on features, many of which are superfluous, in an attempt to both stand out from the commodified pack and justify higher price points. It’s especially prevalent amongst the bigger power banks that can also charge laptops, those that butt right up to the “airline friendly” 99Wh (around 27,650mAh) size limit.

At CES 2026, we’re seeing a trend towards power banks with integrated cables, which is very convenient. But a similar trend to slap large, energy-sapping displays onto these portable batteries is just silly. And that’s just the start of the atrocities witnessed in recent months.

EcoFlow’s modular accessories are easy to lose and that big display sucks power, is difficult to navigate, and requires a screensaver.

Image: EcoFlow

The power bank that pushed things over the edge for me is the $270 EcoFlow Rapid Pro X Power Bank 27k that I received for review. Here’s my review: it’s bad. Do. Not. Buy. As a power bank, it tries too hard to do too much, making it too expensive, too big, too slow, and too heavy.

The snap-on decorative faceplates are ridiculous and the proprietary magnetic modules for its Apple Watch charger and retractable USB-C cable are too easy to misplace.

The giant display EcoFlow uses scratches easily and is too dim to easily read outdoors. The confusing UX on the Rapid Pro X model is especially offensive in its touch-sensitive clumsiness. Nobody needs a display that takes 30 seconds to wake up from sleep and plays swirly graphics and blinking eyeballs when awake, slowly sapping the power bank’s energy reserves. The fact that it has a screensaver tells me that the product team completely lost the plot.

Anker’s also guilty of putting large displays onto its power banks. Most people don’t need anything more than four dots to show the remaining capacity, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to buy a power bank without a colorful LCD display. In the 20,000mAh range, Anker doesn’t even list a display-less model anymore. I, like many Verge readers, love to see the actually wattage pumping in and out of those ports — but the vast majority of people have no need for that.

Anker’s fast-charging, proprietary dock upsell.

Image: Anker

Anker, like EcoFlow, also offers power banks with proprietary pogo-pin connectors, Both companies use those connectors to lure owners into buying expensive desk chargers that don’t work with anything else. Those extra-fast charging speeds are unlikely to justify the premium expense for most people.

Most people, even tech savvy Verge readers, don’t even need a power bank that can output 140W of power delivery over USB-C. The majority of non-gaming laptops require 65W or less. And the primary computing device for most people — the phone — only requires about 20W.

We certainly don’t need power banks with built-in hotspots when that’s already built into our Android and iOS phones. Baseus made one anyway.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity are becoming a common feature in some flagship power banks. I’m all for remotely monitoring massive power stations used to power off-grid homes and campers, but not a portable power bank that’s charging the phone in your hand or is plugged into a nearby wall jack.

The phone you’re charging also has a flashlight.

Image: Pangootek

We also don’t need integrated flashlights. Why random Amazon brand, why?

All these extra “features” just add weight, size, and cost to power banks. They also increase the risk that something will go wrong on a device that’s meant to always be with you and just work when you need it. And power banks don’t need any extra help justifying a recall.

Kickstands and integrated cables are useful features I’ll pay extra for.

Image: Kuxiu

One power bank trend I can get behind is integrated cables like the retractable version found on EcoFlow’s Rapid Pro Power Bank 27k (note the lack of “X” in the name). Always having a properly specced cable that matches the device’s max input and output is super convenient. I like that Kuxiu’s S3 MagSafe power bank, for example, neatly wraps the cable around the chassis to plug into a hidden USB-C jack. That way the cable can be replaced if it frays or breaks.

I’m also a fan of adding kickstands to MagSafe power banks that prop phones up at your preferred angle for extended viewing or recording. More importantly, a few companies are now adopting semi-solid state chemistry that makes their power banks less susceptible to thermal runaway, which was an industry plague in 2025. They cost more to buy, but they’re cheaper to own over their extended lifetimes.

Sharge’s counter argument to everything I’ve written.

Image: Sharge

I can’t help but enjoy the look of Sharge’s Retractable 3-in-1 Power Bank, even though its integrated wall outlet and underwhelming specs for a battery pack of this size and price completely undercuts my entire argument. I’m a sucker for Braun design, forgive me!

Basic power banks like Anker’s PowerCore 10k are a rarity these days.

Image: Anker

There are still basic power banks available that charge phones and even laptops without too much feature creep and attempted upsell. If all you want is to charge your phone then there’s Anker’s trusty $26 PowerCore 10k or, if you’re feeling fancy, Nitecore’s $65 NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim USB-C Power Bank. If you also want to charge laptops then you might consider INIU’s delightfully named Cougar P64-E1 Power Bank Fastest 140W 25000mAh for $90, or even Belkin’s more capable $150 UltraCharge Pro Laptop Power Bank 27K coming in March.

The fastest and most powerful power banks with lots of gee-whiz features will often generate headlines for pushing the envelope of what’s possible. But the “best” power bank might not be best for you, when basic affordability is all you really need.

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