Gardai have issued a warning to the public across Donegal regarding the advertising and sale of fake iPhone 5’s to unsuspecting customers.
Sgt Paul Wallace
These phones look like the original Apple i Phone 5 come boxed with instruction manual charger, earphones etc but are fakes.
However, these phones will not power up, accept a sim card are useless with no comeback for the purchaser.
Local Garda Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Paul Wallace has advised the public not to be duped by advertisements by unscrupulous persons who use authentic sales platforms to advertise these phones.
Commenting Sgt Wallace said ‘ We have had a number reports again in recent days of people being caught again by this scam. Sales usually take place in car parks (without cctv) or close to the border so that a quick getaway is possible.
“The seller will allow the purchaser to examine a genuine phone and then goes to get the box and accessories. The boxed phone is handed over for payment usually about €470 and the seller makes a quick exit. When the purchaser opens the box, they find a useless piece of plastic which resembles an Apple i phone 5’.
“The public are advised to purchase such items from proper outlets where you have comeback and will be sold a gunine product supporting businesses in your community.
“It is important for the public to be aware that ‘ buyer beware’ as if you are purchase one of these phones which are useless there is usually no comeback or if a proper phone may in fact be stolen remember you have no title to it and you are in possession of stolen property.
“Remember if it sounds too good to be true it normally is ! by purchasing you are feeding into crime in your county and in your community’- Sgt Wallace concluded.
It is important to report to Gardai if you have become a victim of this type of crime.
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