Apple opened pre-orders for its new flagship foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at 8 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 16). Demand was huge. But police have received more than 100 reports of credit cards being used without permission to buy Apple phones, with losses of at least several million Hong Kong dollars.
Online, many users said they got credit card payment alerts from HSBC and other banks. Some had successfully pre-ordered but were charged twice. Others failed to get the phone but were still charged several times. One person reported charges totalling about HK$175,000. Some said they never even ordered an iPhone Duo.
HSBC said it is aware of the reports of duplicate and unauthorised card transactions linked to the pre-orders. Customers are not liable for duplicate charges, and the bank will identify and cancel them.
For unauthorised transactions, HSBC said customers can freeze their card through the HSBC HK App or by calling the customer service hotline. Customers who used their cards reasonably and carefully, and reported the issue quickly, will get help with the refund process under the rules of the card organisations.
Apple earlier said all orders received will be reviewed before processing. It is working to identify submitted transactions as soon as possible and will cancel any fraudulent ones.
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