The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to stay away from offers to become a “tester” to get a free iPad.
Apple announced the iPad in January and U.S. consumers were able to pre-order in March for an April release. Because Apple changed the delivery date for later orders, rumors started circulating that the company didn’t have enough iPads to meet pre-order demand.
Scammers are taking advantage of the excitement over the iPad to rip people off, like they did with the iPod and the iPhone, reports the bureau. Bogus offers most claim you can become a tester or researcher and get an iPad for free.
The Web site Testitandkeepit.com claims it’s looking for people to test the iPad, according to the bureau.
Tester offers also have been seen on Facebook. The Facebook page “iPad Researchers Wanted – Get an iPad Early and Keep It” was designed to trick people into signing up for a cell phone subscription service that cost $10 a month. The site has been taken down.
Watch out also for e-mails offering free iPads but you have to buy items first and provide your credit card number.
The bureau recommends shopping through an authorized retailer or directly with Apple.
