Scam Alert: Faux iPhone offer
THE SCAM: Get an iPhone here!
From Modbee.com
HOW IT WORKS: As perhaps the most popular consumer item to hit stores this year, it was only a matter of time before Apple's iPhone became a magnet for scams and trouble. And, indeed, experts said a bit of malicious software has begun circulating that targets consumers looking for the device. The scam takes advantage of alreadyinfected computers by sending them a pop-up ad when users surf the Web to either Google or Yahoo. The pop-up ad links to a Web site to buy the iPhone, with an option to choose the color. That's one sign the offer isn't legit, because iPhones come in only one color. The site then asks consumers to send money by Western Union or MoneyGram for the iPhone, which never arrives.
WHAT'S AT STAKE: Your money and your computer's hard drive.
HOW TO BEAT IT: Make sure your computer's virus and firewall software is up to date and fortified against spyware and adware. If by chance such an ad pops up, resist temptation. Though the iPhone is in short supply, there will be more of them available eventually.
Contact Bee staff writerBen van der Meer at bvandermeer@modbee.com or 578-2331. For past Scam Alerts, go to www.modbee.com/ business/scam.
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