Apple and HSBC investigate duplicate-charge scams linked to iPhone Duo pre-orders
Apple is reviewing all iPhone Duo pre-order payments after customers reported duplicate or phantom credit-card charges, with HSBC promising to reverse any unauthorised transactions.
Customers in the Hong Kong SAR who attempted to pre-order the newly released iPhone Duo reported being charged multiple times for one order, and in some cases seeing charges that did not match any transaction. Apple responded that it is scrutinising all current iPhone Duo orders before they are fulfilled and is cooperating to swiftly cancel any fraudulent payments. HSBC acknowledged the online complaints involving its credit-card holders, assuring that customers will not be held responsible for duplicate charges and that the bank will locate and reverse them.
Police have logged more than 100 reports of suspected unauthorised credit-card activity, with the total value running into the millions of dollars. This follows a similar scam during the pre-sale of two other iPhone models last month, which involved over HK$30 million in fraudulent charges.
Why it matters
Consumers buying the new iPhone risk duplicate charges, prompting major firms to act to protect customers and prevent financial loss.
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