Baku – September 11, 2025
Ahead of Apple’s official launch of the iPhone 17 line, scammers in Baku are trying to cash in by selling fake devices under the guise of unreleased models at staggering prices.
Azerbaijani blogger Ramal Isayev warned followers on social media about the scheme, noting that ads are circulating online for iPhone 17s that Apple has yet to release. The company only begins pre-orders on September 12, with official sales slated for September 19.
“Apple has not yet released these devices, but some dishonest sellers are already offering them in Baku. They exploit people’s lack of awareness, passing off counterfeit devices as genuine Apple products,” Isayev said.
According to him, the knock-off phones show clear flaws — off-color finishes, misplaced Apple logos, and details that don’t match the official design. Despite that, the fakes are being advertised for 6,500 manats (about $3,820).
For comparison, the official price for an iPhone 17 Pro in Dubai is 4,699 dirhams (roughly 2,200–2,300 manats, or about $1,300–$1,350).
Even with customs fees, Isayev noted, the real device would cost significantly less than what Baku sellers are demanding.
Local tech watchers say the case is part of a recurring pattern: fake or “grey market” phones appearing in Azerbaijan weeks before global releases, targeting eager buyers willing to pay a premium.
Source: Qafqazinfo
