In the last week, an alarming wave of fraudulent websites has emerged across the RuNet, mirroring the online storefronts of well-known Russian electronics and home appliance retailers. These clones are designed to lure shoppers seeking popular devices, with the iPhone 15 repeatedly cited as a prime target. An expert from the Solar AURA external digital threat monitoring center, part of RTK-Solar, emphasized that these fake outlets were crafted to trap ordinary users planning to purchase high-demand devices. The assessment aligns with observed patterns in digital fraud where attackers quickly adapt to new product launches and consumer interest.
Analysts note that the fraudulent sites operate with a familiar, well-practiced playbook. They lure visitors through eye-catching discounts, tempting sweepstakes, and time-limited offers. These promotions propagate across social networks, messaging apps, and email, creating a perception of urgency that pushes users toward a purchase. What makes the threat particularly troubling is not just the potential financial loss but the risk to personal accounts. Scammers increasingly embed fake login forms on these pages, leveraging popular services like Telegram to harvest credentials and gain access to other connected accounts. This multidimensional risk multiplies damage, especially for users who reuse passwords across multiple services.
Experts warn that the attention is already shifting toward the next wave: baiting users to download pre-release software, such as iOS updates, or to pre-order devices via fraudulent portals. While there may be no confirmed instances of the iPhone 15 being sold through these sites yet, the trajectory is clear. The attackers tend to calibrate their scams around a fresh product cycle, exploiting anticipation and the fear of missing out. Consumers are urged to exercise caution, verify domain legitimacy, and avoid clicking on unsolicited links that promise exclusive deals.
To protect themselves, users should rely on official retailer channels, scrutinize the URL for authenticity, and enable multi-factor authentication where possible. Financial and social accounts benefit from strong, unique passwords and regular monitoring for unusual activity. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is—especially when presented with flash discounts, unspecified shipping details, or pressure-filled claims about limited stock. Staying informed about common fraud vectors, such as unsolicited emails, social posts, and messaging campaigns, helps reduce exposure to these scams. Victims are advised to report suspicious pages to their platform administrators and to perform routine checks on their device’s security status.