Sign up for the GI Daily here to get the biggest news straight to your inbox
Apple iPhone scam: Celebs unwittingly promote $35 mn fraud, global hunt on for scamster
24.02.2024 - 09:18 / tech.hindustantimes.com
A sophisticated Apple iPhone scam has emerged in Iran, amassing a staggering $35 million, with celebrities unwittingly roped in to endorse the fraudulent scheme. Exploiting the absence of Apple's official presence due to US sanctions, the orchestrator of the scam has been traced by Iranian authorities, paving the way for potential extradition through Interpol.
Iran, under US sanctions due to its actions in the Persian Gulf and alleged support for terrorism, creates an unconventional market for Apple products. Since the tech giant cannot directly sell iPhones in the country, Iranians often resort to purchasing them abroad and importing them for resale, forming a humming iPhone gray market. Seizing this opportunity, the alleged scammer positioned his operation as a more affordable alternative, cutting out middlemen.
Also check: Apple iPhone 15
The Financial Times via 9to5mac discloses that Kourosh Company, operating from Tehran, enticed customers with half-priced iPhone deals, claiming to save costs by eliminating intermediaries. Headed by entrepreneur Amir Hossein Sharifian, the company leveraged high-profile endorsements from Iranian sports figures and celebrities, luring in unsuspecting victims, particularly young enthusiasts dreaming of owning the latest Apple gadget.
However, after an agonizing 45-day wait for delivery, most customers discovered the harsh reality- the iPhones never arrived. A subsequent police investigation uncovered Sharifian's departure from the country, but authorities, in collaboration with Interpol, are diligently working to bring him back to face charges.
In a surprising twist, Sharifian admitted owing money to clients in a YouTube interview, acknowledging a debt of approximately $2.7 million, contrary to the $35 million reported by local media. Celebrities associated with the promotion seem to have been oblivious to the scam, yet public outrage and calls for accountability have swirled around them.
Amidst the scandal, questions arise about the company's ability to secure permits and operate, fueling speculations of potential government corruption. The aftermath of this fraudulent episode leaves a trail of disillusioned customers and tarnished reputations, prompting a deeper examination into the intersections of celebrity endorsements, business operations, and regulatory oversight.
Smartphones and kids don't mix well! It was inevitable that access to such power and convenience would exact a price. Increasingly, it appears the most unanticipated and unacceptable has been our children's mental health. Check out the details here.
Human-like robots! Big technology names are investing in a business that's developing human-like robots. This is part of a scramble to find new
The website gametalkz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Authors
Popular Topics
tech.hindustantimes.com
13.03.2024 / 08:27
Apple Vision Pro used to conduct spine surgery for the first time; Doctor says headset eliminates human error
In some very exciting news, Apple's new mixed reality headset, Vision Pro was used to perform surgery at the Cromwell Hospital in the UK. The doctor utilized the VR headset to provide navigation throughout the spine surgery of a male patient. The Apple Vision Pro headset helped to adhere to the right surgical process and use the perfect tools for the job to perform the surgery successfully. However, note that the doctor was not wearing the Apple Vision Pro but the theatre nurse who was providing instructions. Know more about the surgery with an Apple Vision Pro headset.
wccftech.com
12.03.2024 / 14:29
Intel’s Global Desktop & Notebook PC CPU Shipments Reached 50 Million Units, More Than 3 Times Higher Than AMD & Apple Combined
Q4 2023 was strong for Intel as the chipmaker shipped 50 million CPUs in the desktop & notebook space, far exceeding AMD & Apple.
gamesindustry.biz
12.03.2024 / 14:03
From California to the Philippines with friendly goblins: The story of Orc Chop Games
Goblin Stone, the debut title from Orc Chop Games, has two stories behind it. The narrative of the game itself is of innocent goblins turning the tables on the adventurers that so frequently invade their home, inverting a typical fantasy trope.
tech.hindustantimes.com
10.03.2024 / 05:03
Led by billionaire Elon Musk, Silicon Valley inches to the right in big boost for Donald Trump
Since his tumultuous takeover of Twitter, Elon Musk has made an unabashed turn to the right politically, defying the orthodoxy that Silicon Valley is a citadel of well-heeled liberals beholden to Democrats. Long considered non-identifiable ideologically, Musk's politics are now hardline right wing as he uses his platform (now called X) to stoke the themes cherished by Fox News, conservative talk radio and far right movements across the West.
tech.hindustantimes.com
10.03.2024 / 05:03
Stratolaunch conducts first powered flight of new hypersonic vehicle off California coast
U.S. aerospace company Stratolaunch conducted the first powered test flight of a new unmanned craft for hypersonic research on Saturday and called it a success.
gadgets.ndtv.com
09.03.2024 / 07:31
Apple Changes Decision, to Allow Epic Games Store in iPhones, iPads in EU
Under pressure from European regulators, Apple took a step back in its feud with Epic Games on Friday, clearing the way for Epic to put its own game store on iPhones and iPads in Europe.
ign.com
09.03.2024 / 01:11
Activision QA Workers Vote to Form Largest US Video Game Worker Union to Date
A group of roughly 600 quality assurance (QA) workers at Activision under Microsoft have successfully voted to unionize with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), becoming Activision Quality Assurance United.
howtogeek.com
08.03.2024 / 22:31
Apple Will Let You Uninstall Safari on iPhone, But Not in The US
Apple has been slowly opening up its hardware and software in response to new legislation in the European Union. The iPhone 15's switch to USB Type-C was partially due to new EU laws about phone chargers, and more recently, the company created support for installing third-party app stores for phones in the EU. However, most of the changes are still blocked from working outside of the EU, and now more region-locked features are on the way.
gamesradar.com
07.03.2024 / 12:38
Could this patent hint at controllers for Apple Vision Pro?
Apple has been pretty adamant so far that its new mixed-reality headset doesn't need any controllers. While other VR headsets opt for small handheld controllers, interfacing with the Apple Vision Pro is done completely with hand tracking, eye tracking, and integrated Siri voice commands. However, a new patent filed by Apple could hint that the company is expanding the headset's portfolio.
tech.hindustantimes.com
06.03.2024 / 02:24
Apple's iPhone sales in China plunge 24% as Huawei's popularity surges
Apple's iPhone sales in China fell 24% year-on-year in the first six weeks of 2024, according to research firm Counterpoint, as the U.S. company faced increased competition from domestic rivals such as Huawei.
tech.hindustantimes.com
04.03.2024 / 08:19
New iPad Pro, MacBook Air to launch soon but no Apple event, says Mark Gurman; Know what’s coming
A recent report speculates that Apple may not organise any launch event for its upcoming devices including iPads and Macs. Instead, the iPhone maker may announce the new products on its official website with press releases and promotional videos. In the coming months, Apple is rumoured to introduce numerous products including the new generation iPad Pro, iPad Air and 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models. Know what has been planned.