Beware of These 7 Common Scams When Buying an iPhone 17 Pro Max on AliExpress

Navigating the Risks: Common Scams on AliExpress for iPhone 17 Pro Max Purchases

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, a highly sought-after device released in September 2025, is unfortunately a prime target for various scams on platforms like AliExpress. While the platform offers competitive pricing, often significantly lower than official retail, it's crucial to be aware of the fraudulent schemes designed to exploit buyers. This guide will detail the most common scams to watch out for when purchasing this premium smartphone.

1. Unrealistically Low 'Choice' Prices

Scammers often list the iPhone 17 Pro Max at prices that are too good to be true, sometimes as low as $289-$319 or even significantly less, while the official retail price is well over $1000. These 'choice' prices are a lure to draw in unsuspecting buyers. You might receive a counterfeit, a non-branded device, or even just rocks and paper instead of the actual phone. Always compare prices with reputable retailers and be highly suspicious of drastic discounts.

2. Bait-and-Switch Quality

Sellers may advertise high-quality images of a genuine iPhone 17 Pro Max but ship a counterfeit or significantly inferior product. This can include phones with inflated specs that don't match the actual hardware, outdated operating systems, or even fake components. Always scrutinize product details, seller reviews, and if possible, look for detailed unboxing videos.

3. Brushing (Fake Review) Padding

This scam involves sellers creating fake orders and reviews to boost their product's rating and visibility. While you might not directly fall victim to receiving a fake product in this instance, it manipulates the system, making it harder to identify legitimate sellers. Be wary of listings with an unusually high number of positive reviews that seem generic or lack detail.

4. Fake Tracking Number Loophole

Sellers might provide a fake or invalid tracking number to make it appear as though the item has shipped. This tactic is often used to delay the buyer's awareness of non-shipment until the dispute window closes. Always verify tracking information through official courier websites and be skeptical if the tracking details do not update for an extended period.

5. The 'Confirm Receipt' Trick

Some sellers will pressure buyers to confirm receipt of the item before it has actually been delivered or inspected. Doing so prematurely can forfeit your buyer protection and make it impossible to open a dispute if the item is missing or faulty. Never confirm receipt until you have thoroughly inspected your order.

6. Shipping Extortion via Message

After an order is placed, a seller might contact you directly via message demanding additional payment for 'shipping upgrades' or 'customs fees' that were not part of the original agreement. This is an attempt to extort more money from you. All payments and shipping arrangements should be handled through AliExpress's official channels.

7. Customs Clearance Phishing

You might receive a sophisticated phishing attempt that mimics official customs notifications. These messages often claim that your package is being held and requires immediate payment or personal information to clear customs. These are fraudulent attempts to steal your financial details or money. Always verify any customs-related inquiries directly with the shipping carrier or AliExpress.

• ✓ Be highly skeptical of prices significantly lower than market value.
• ✓ Thoroughly check seller ratings, reviews, and transaction history.
• ✓ Use AliExpress's secure payment system; avoid off-platform transactions.
• ✓ Document the unboxing process with clear video evidence.
• ✓ Never confirm receipt of an item until you have verified its condition.
• ✓ Communicate only through AliExpress's official messaging system.
• ✓ If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.