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Here’s another Apple criminal gang for you.





I think I’m going make this the Apple store criminal thread, where people can post the latest crimes committed by Apple Store employees. I really like apple so I hope it’s not a long thread
 
dont trust anyone ever :p
Fr man, this scheme came after some young thieves got tracking numbers of iPhone 16 orders from AT&T and took them off porches. They even traveled from east coast to Texas and rented a car which had a hidden camera (dashcam)… they did not realize that they were being tracked and recorded by the authorities.
 
Fr man, this scheme came after some young thieves got tracking numbers of iPhone 16 orders from AT&T and took them off porches. They even traveled from east coast to Texas and rented a car which had a hidden camera (dashcam)… they did not realize that they were being tracked and recorded by the authorities.

Doesn't make sense to me because Apple can easily brick these phones. I guess the idea is fence them to others who don't realize this for as much as possible as quickly as possible?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Doesn't make sense to me because Apple can easily brick these phones. I guess the idea is fence them to others who don't realize this for as much as possible as quickly as possible?
  • iPhone Return Fraud Prevention: Sellers can prevent return fraud by using video proof, blocking ESN/IMEI, or locking the SIM card.
  • Apple Store Security: Apple Stores use a specialized Find My iPhone system that triggers an alarm and alerts authorities if a demo iPhone is taken outside the store boundaries.
  • iPhone Return Fraud Tactics: Fraudsters may attempt to deceive by returning a different device in an iPhone box, highlighting the importance of seller vigilance.

  • Theft Prevention Method: Disconnecting the battery can deactivate the “Find My iPhone” feature.
  • Thief’s Knowledge: Thieves need to know how to cut open an iPhone and pry out the battery.
  • Continuous Siren Functionality: The siren will continue even if the iPhone is charged after the battery is reconnected.


In an Apple Store setting, since apple removed the security cables in newer stores like Apple Park and other locations in communities where the crime rate is low they still have a specialized Find My iPhone that uses location services and is built into the demo software on all devices that are on the tables regardless if they have a retractable security cables or not. If the iPhone is apparently outside the Apple Store boundaries (usually around a few meters away from the entrance), a loud alarm 🚨 sound will go off which is loud enough like an Apple Watch Ultra siren sounds like. The display will turn gray and text will appear reading: “Please return to Apple (location of Apple Store here). This device is being monitored and tracked. Local authorities will be notified.”

But in these locations where the cables are not attached, some thieves deactivate the find my by disconnecting the battery if they know how to cut open an iPhone and pry it out. The siren will even continue if the iPhone is charged back up if it drains out after it left the store. See below 👇 a video of a YouTube star and Apple Watch Ultra user who specializes in  repair, Apple tips and even unboxes accessories in his shop:
 
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