iPhones are expensive, so it makes sense that theyd be easy targets for scammers.
New details from a Quartzreport, however, has unearthed a scam to put all others to shame.
Heres how it worked.
Photo: Alex Cranz (Gizmodo)
The fraudsters would pose as legitimate customers by carrying fake IDs and debit cards to local mobile phone stores.
Theyd then ask to upgrade their current phones on existing accounts.
By the time it was noticed, it was already too late.
The scam was revealed in a recentlyunsealed complaintby federal prosecutors.
The court documents reveal some pretty mind-boggling details.
The documents also reveal that the ring itself was operated as a business, with its own hierarchy.
Leading the organization was a group of individuals who referred to themselves as top dogs.
The top dogs were purportedly responsible for organizing and funding trips, as well as selling the stolen iPhones.
Under them were the people who did the leg work of stealing identities and create fake documents.
These packages were also all shipped at an express domestic rate to the same two non-residential or business locations.
Gizmodo reached out to Apple for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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