Apple fans on red alert ahead of new MacBook launch – check your inbox

We’re heading into the latter part of the year and that means one thing on the tech calendar. New MacBooks could be on the way. Apple almost always uses October and November to announce its latest and greatest computers, and we don’t expect 2024 to be any different. The American tech firm is rumored to be introducing updated Pro models with M4 processors inside that are sure to make them the most powerful MacBooks ever made.

To add to the excitement, a Russian content creator has even released a full video claiming to have gotten his hands on this upcoming laptop, though it’s unclear how he got it or if it’s even real.

With so much hype surrounding the release and news of a release imminently expected, it seems scammers are now trying to cash in.

Kaspersky’s security team says it has seen an increase in emails claiming a new MacBook Pro M4 is available for pre-order.

These messages include an image, a full description, and a way to pay, along with an alert stating that only a few are left in stock.

According to Kaspersky, one site also promises the victim a trial laptop for just $13 (£10), in exchange for providing feedback to help improve the device.

To claim the offer, users are asked to fill out a form that requires sensitive information such as their name, full address, phone number, email and credit card details. Of course, there’s no M4 laptop to test as it hasn’t been announced yet and that’s something Apple would never offer.

Another scam campaign, detected by Kaspersky, involves a fake Apple website. Users are first asked to fill out a short survey, after which they are informed that they have won a free new MacBook.

Speaking about the new scams, Dmitry Galov, Head of Research Center, Russia, Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), said: “The recently released video of an unreleased laptop has created false expectations , leading people to believe that if an influencer managed to get their hands on the device, it might be available to regular users as well.

“Scammers are quick to capitalize on trends, using these moments to push even more convincing scams. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify information through official websites and stay away from you from third-party sources when you make purchases.”

So the advice is clear. Don’t be fooled by the appeal of cheap Apple laptops and only buy one from an official channel like Apple.

It’s also worth remembering that Apple has yet to reveal any new devices this month, although that could change in the coming weeks.

As always, Express.co.uk will keep you up to date with all the latest Apple launch news, so watch this space.