Hong Kong police ask Apple to close online store loophole after $3.8M iPhone 18 Pro fraud

Since the iPhone 18 Pro went on sale, Hong Kong police have logged 1,503 suspicious credit card transactions worth over $3.82 million, with fraudsters buying the phones in bulk using stolen card data. Police Commissioner Joe Chow said one-time passwords and mobile app verification were not required for web purchases, and police have asked Apple to review its transaction process.

• 1,503 suspicious transactions worth $3.82M since the iPhone 18 Pro launch
• Police say web purchases skipped one-time passwords and app verification
• Fraudsters used VPNs and false addresses, collecting orders at public locations
• Police expect more fraud attempts after the iPhone Duo launches in October