A proud first-time iPhone owner was proudly showing off her new “iPhone 16 Pro Max” to her daughter and daughter’s friend when they noticed something odd. Despite coming in what seemed to be a legitimate box, the $600 phone purchased from Facebook Marketplace turned out to be a fake.
The daughter’s friend took to the Reddit forum r/mildlyinfurating to share information and pictures. The first clue that something was off was when the mom referred to the iPhone as a new ‘iPhone Pro Max Mini.’ However, as most people would know, this model does not actually exist. There is no ‘mini’ version of the iPhone Pro Max. Oops!
The friend, who goes by the Reddit username u/Tobias-Tawanda, described the mom as “in her 50s and not very tech-savvy.” Even Tobias-Tawanda admitted that the packaging was “convincing,” which likely contributed to the mom falling for the fake. It may be a long shot, but reaching out to the seller could be worth a try. The phone even looks like it’s 10 years old already.
While some viewers found humor in the situation and the fact that someone believed this was a new iPhone 16, there are real risks at play. A commenter from the security industry advised, “…stop using it immediately and turn it in to the police or proper authorities. This likely has major security vulnerabilities that pose a threat to her and those around her.” Another user chimed in, saying: “As someone not in the security industry and simply not brain dead, I also agree.”
What are the chances that this phone didn’t come loaded with some form of spyware? Hopefully, the mom’s personal information remained secure, and the only consequences were losing $600, feeling embarrassed, and becoming the subject of a few laughs. Theft of personal information and money is no joking matter.
We recommend considering purchasing a used iPhone as a more affordable alternative to brand-new models and a way to avoid potential price increases. If opting for a used device, it’s safer to buy from trusted online retailers like Swappa, Gazelle, and Back Market instead of platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These sites typically offer iPhones that have undergone thorough inspections and may come with a pre-owned warranty or return policy.
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