We are heading into the final part of the year and that means one thing on the tech calendar. New MacBooks could be on their way. Apple almost always uses October and November to announce its latest and greatest PCs and we’re not expecting 2024 to be any different. Rumours are rife that the US tech firm will unveil upgraded Pro models with M4 processors inside which are sure to make them the most powerful MacBooks ever made.
To add to the excitement, one Russian content creator has even published a full video claiming to have had his hands on this upcoming portable PC although it’s not clear how he got it or if it’s even real.
With so much hype surrounding the launch and news of a release expected imminently, it seems scammers are now trying to cash in.
The security team at Kaspersky says it has seen a spike in emails claiming a new MacBook Pro M4 is available for pre-order.
These messages include a picture, full description and way to pay along with an alert claiming that only a few are left in stock.
According to Kaspersky, one site is also promising the victim a testing laptop for just $13 (£10), in exchange for providing feedback to help improve the device.
To claim the offer, users are prompted to fill out a form requiring sensitive information, including their name, full address, phone number, email and credit card data. Of course, there is no M4 laptop to test as it’s not been announced yet and this is something Apple would never offer.
Another scam campaign, spotted by Kaspersky, involves a fake Apple website. Users are first asked to complete a brief survey, after which they are informed that they have won a free new MacBook.
Speaking about the new scams, Dmitry Galov, Head of Research Center, Russia, at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), said: “The recently released video featuring an unreleased laptop has created false expectations, leading people to believe that if an influencer managed to get their hands on the device, it might be available for regular users too.
“Scammers are quick to capitalize on trends, using these moments to push even more convincing scams. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify information through official websites and steer clear of third-party sources when making purchases.”
So, the advice is clear. Don’t be tricked by the lure of cheap Apple laptops and only buy one from an official channel such as Apple.
It’s also worth remembering that Apple is yet to reveal any new devices this month although that might change in the coming weeks.
As always, Express.co.uk will keep you up to date with all the latest Apple launch news so watch this space.