Another angle: iPhone scams
Posted July 5, 2007 
Comments(0) Who wouldn’t want a free iPhone – or an iPhone free of a binding agreement to one voice service provider?
I would. But it’s likely that no such deals exist, unfortunately. But here are some details on scam emails and online advertisements that claim they do - as well as other swindles.
The PC Doctor’s Blog details recently discovered iPhone scams, one claiming “unlocked” iPhones are available on eBay.
“An iPhone but be free of AT&T? Dream on!
A number of “unlocked” iPhones seem to be on sale on eBay. Given that there’s no confirmed unlock method for the iPhone, their listings are either erroneous or deceptive. Many of the sellers, when questioned on this, seem to be retracting their statements about the iPhone being unlocked, but there’s still plenty of scope for buyers to be scammed into buying a phone that’s not suitable to their needs.”
- “iPhone scams to be wary of…” The PC Doctor’s blog, July 2
But the award for the most comprehensive webpage on iPhone scams has to go to ScamBusters.org, which predicts the top seven most common iPhone scams – updated post-launch.
“1. iPhone on eBay scams:
As we write the first version of this article on Wednesday evening, two full days before the launch of the iPhone, there are already 1,796 products listed when you do an eBay search for ‘iPhone.’
2. iPhone standing in line scams:
On sites like Craig’s List, as well as eBay, you can find many offers from people willing to spend the day standing in line for you - for a fee. The assumption behind these offers is that most Apple and AT&T stores will run out of iPhones, so those at the beginning of the line (who waited overnight or all day long on Friday) will be the ones to get the coveted iPhones.
3. iPhone scalper scams:
We expect that a lot of people will spend the day in line, buy an iPhone, and then try to sell it at a higher price. As we mentioned, some people will do this online at sites like eBay; others will sell their iPhones right outside the Apple and AT&T stores.
4. Free iPhones:
A few of these offers will no doubt be legitimate - but be VERY careful.
We’ve written about scams that use hot items (like designer handbags and plasma TVs) as lures to get email addresses and detailed personal information:
5. iPhone spam:
We predict an avalanche of iPhone spam. Most will probably offer iPhones at ridiculously low prices.
Our recommendation: NEVER respond to spam. As we always say, “If it’s spam, it’s a scam.” Don’t be tempted.
6. Fake iPhone websites and phishing scams:
We anticipate seeing lots of fake iPhone websites and phishing scams.
Many of these will probably be well done, and will look like the Apple online store or the AT&T website. Others will claim that you have purchased an iPhone and there was some kind of problem with your order that you need to correct.
7. iPhone viruses, trojans and spyware:
With the popularity of the iPhone, there is no doubt that we’ll see viruses, Trojans and spyware that use images, other attachments, or other iPhone-related information as bait.
Our recommendation: Never open attachments from people you don’t know or that you aren’t expecting. Keep your anti-virus software and anti-spyware software up to date. Use a firewall.”
- “iPhone scams: ScamBusters.org predicts the Top 7 iPhone Scams,” ScamBusters.org, updated July 3
