In recent weeks, a concerning scam has emerged that should put all iPhone 15 users on alert. Scammers are pretending to be from major carriers like Verizon and using the real issue of iPhone 15 overheating to trick people into sending their phones back as part of a fake recall.
This scam came to our attention when one of Mashable reporters fell victim to it. Here's how it works: You get a call from an unknown number, and the person on the other end claims to be from Verizon. They ask if your iPhone 15 has arrived and promise to call again after delivery to run remote diagnostics for overheating problems.
Because there were widespread reports of iPhone 15 overheating, the scam sounds convincing. But experts always recommend being cautious and not giving out personal information over unsolicited calls.
Cecily Mauran, did the right thing. She called the number listed on Verizon's official website to check if the previous call was legit. Verizon confirmed it wasn't.
The scam continued when a FedEx truck arrived, supposedly sent by Verizon to collect Mauran's iPhone 15 and replace it. But Mauran didn't hand over her phone, and that's where the scam fell apart.
The investigation led to a Miami address and a Kentucky phone number with a recipient name "RETUNS PROCESING CENTER," misspelled to look real.
Even after FedEx left, the scammer called Mauran again, but she didn't fall for it. Verizon commended her for contacting them after the scam call, which is precisely what they advise everyone to do in such situations.
To protect yourself:
- 1.Hang up on any suspicious calls and call Verizon directly if you're unsure.
- 2.Be wary of unsolicited calls, especially about recalls or product issues.
- 3.Always initiate contact when sharing sensitive information.
It's unclear how successful this scam has been, but it targeted a brand-new product. Apple has addressed the overheating issue with a software update, not a recall. So, if you're experiencing iPhone 15 overheating problems, simply update to iOS 17.0.3. There's no legitimate reason for Verizon or any carrier to request a recall. Stay vigilant, and stay safe.
