Duo uses fake iPhones and aliases in RM14mil scheme to defraud Apple, US officials say

Apple iPhone 15 Pro smartphones at a store in Canada. The duo submitted more than 5,000 fake iPhones to Apple, complete with spoofed serial numbers. The men claimed they were defective iPhones, prompting the company to replace them with real ones, as per policy. — Bloomberg

Two Maryland men have been found guilty of a scheme to defraud Apple of millions of dollars.

According to government evidence, the men received shipments of fake iPhones from Hong Kong at various UPS mailboxes, using numerous aliases.

Alongside other conspirators, the duo then submitted more than 5,000 of the fake iPhones to Apple, complete with spoofed serial numbers. The men claimed they were defective iPhones, prompting the company to replace them with real ones, as per policy.

Their aim was to gain over US$3mil (RM14.22mil), according to a Feb 20 news release.

The men were arrested on Dec 5, 2019.

On Feb 20, 2024, they were found guilty of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Their sentencing is scheduled to take place in June.

The men’s lawyers did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on Feb 22. – The Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service