But brand new iPhone but get a refurbished one?

Hello. So last year I preordered an iPhone 12 Pro. So bought what I thought was a brand new one.

Saw a thread about the serial number and if it’s starts with F it’s a refurbished phone.

mine starts with F.

Can this be right? Pre ordering and paying for a brand new phone but getting a refurbished phone does not sound right to be at the prices we pay.