Hongkongers hit with unauthorised charges for new iPhone as banks launch probes

Scores of Hongkongers have complained about unauthorised transactions on credit cards used to pre-order Apple’s latest iPhones, prompting HSBC and Hang Seng Bank to launch investigations.

One internet user on the social media platform Threads said she received a message on Saturday night saying she had unauthorised transactions of HK$33,598 (US$4,280) from Apple on her HSBC credit card.

“When I called Apple customer service, they hung up on me immediately. What should I do?” she asked.

It took her half an hour to reach an HSBC customer service officer to suspend her credit card, and she subsequently filed a police report.

Another internet user said she had at least four unauthorised transactions with Apple of HK$11,499 each on her Hang Seng credit card.

“Only after browsing Threads did I realise so many people had their credit cards stolen tonight to buy an iPhone 18 Pro on Apple … After seeing the posts and checking my own card, I realised I fell victim to it too,” she said.