Online Scams Spread Apple Gives Big Discount in Cambodia
As Facebook becomes the hub of online sales and promotions, some promotions on social media said the American tech company Apple launched a big promotion for its AirPods Pro Gen 2 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the company by clicking on the provided links. However, we found the promotions were false and online scams.
SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIM
A Facebook page called Apple Cambodia posted information that the American giant tech company launched a big promotion of up to 70 percent off on the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. The page required clients to click on a link provided with the post.
The promotion by the social media user had been shared many times along with many reactions and a mixture of comments from Facebook users.
Below is the capture of the Facebook post on June 05, 2024, saying “Don't forget to drop by and take advantage of Apple's biggest gifts of the year, with discounts of up to 70% off to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. Apple is offering up to 70% off on AirPods Pro Gen 2 as a token of appreciation for our loyal customers who have been with us every step of the way and have supported our growth. Please click the link attached to this post and take part in the event as soon as possible! The promotion only lasts for three days. Terms and conditions are fully applied by Apple Cambodia without the involvement of any third party. You can place your order via the official website https://www.applestore-official.com/airpods-pro-gen2.”
The same Facebook page also post the same piece of information saying Apple AirPods Pro is discounted by up to 80% on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the company.
The post had been shared up to 62 times along with comments and reactions from Khmer-speaking Facebook users.
Below is the capture of the Facebook post on May 20, 2024, saying “On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the establishment of the Apple brand 1976 - 2024, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us during the past time with a lucky draw program with the opportunity to receive discount vouchers of up to 78% for the best-selling headphone product line of 2023 - AirPods Pro Gen 2. Thank you customers for always accompanying us in using Apple products over the past time. AirPods Pro Gen 2: https://www.appleasia.website/airpods-pro-2nd-generation. Wish you have great experiences at Apple Cambodia. Note: The program applies for 10 days. After 10 days the discount code will expire.
The same promotion was also posted by another Facebook page called SORYA Center Point, a name after a supermarket in the central part of Phnom Penh. The post got a lot of shares, reactions, and comments.
Below is the capture of the Facebook post on June 03, 2024, saying “Apple Cambodia is offering a special discount of up to 70% on AirPods Gen 2 in celebration of Apple company's 48th anniversary. This offer is available to customers at all branches of the SORYA Center Point. Take advantage of this great opportunity to purchase this gadget. Grab your chance to enjoy a new and exciting experience. Visit the website https://www.applecambodia.shop/airpodspro2_kh to place your order. Hurry, as the discount is only available for three days. Terms and conditions apply.”
The same promotion was also posted by another Facebook page called Chip Mong 271 Megal Mall, a name after a supermarket located southern part of the capital city of Phnom Penh. It got a lot of shares, comments, and reactions.
Below is the capture of the Facebook post on June 07, 2024, saying “A great gift from Apple for you in June, the Apple store – the first store in Cambodia opened at Chip Mong 272 Megal Mall - celebrates the great occasion and surprises customers with 60% off for AirPod Pro Gen 2.”
For the same promotion spread by other Facebook pages, visit them via links 1 (archived), 2 (archived), 3 (archived), and 4 (archived).
FACT CHECK
Fact Crescendo Cambodia began debunking the information by sending inquiries to Apple and its authorized resellers in Cambodia. Then, we discovered the following facts.
Firstly, when we attempted to access the links provided in the Facebook posts, our antivirus blocked them, indicating that the links were not secure. This indicates that they are online scams.
According to a report by Kiripost in July last year, there are no official Apple stores in Cambodia. However, Apple products are sold and distributed by three local companies that have been authorized by the American tech giant. These local resellers are in Cambodia, Cactus Cambodia, and Digibox.
In response to an email from Fact Crescendo Cambodia, Cactus Cambodia clarified that it has never run a major promotion like the one in question and has no involvement in fraudulent promotions.
The company clarified that it operates only one Facebook page, called Cactus Cambodia, and emphasized that there is no official Apple Store in Cambodia.
Fact Crescendo Cambodia also sent an inquiry to iOne Cambodia by email and Messenger. The company responded via Messenger, saying it has no relation with the big promotions spread on social media platforms.
The company also warns the promotions are fake and online scams, urging Apple customers to stay away from the scams.
Fact Crescendo Cambodia discovered a Facebook page called Chip Mong 271 Megal Mall is not the official Facebook page of the Chip Mong Megal Mall. This page was created on June 06 this year and has only two followers.
The official Facebook page of the supermarket shares the same name as the page above, but it has more than 190K followers and was created in 2020.
Another Facebook page called Sorya Center Point is also not the official page of SORYA Center Point because this page was created in April this year and has more than 300 followers.
The official account shares the same name, but it has gathered over 100K followers since its establishment in 2011.
CONCLUSION
Fact Crescendo Cambodia discovered the promotions mentioned above are false. The American tech giant has no official store in Cambodia. Its products are sold and distributed by the company's authorized resellers who clarified they have no connection with fake news and fraudulent promotions.
