Scammers Posing as Gmail Entice Victims with Free iPad

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There are two words that will create excitement for almost any tech-savvy consumer – free and Apple. After all, who wouldn’t want a free Apple, Inc. product?  While many legitimate companies’ raffle off Apple gifts to create buzz about their business, BBB wants consumers to remember that everything that glitters isn’t gold.

In fact, consumers should be on the lookout for a round of bogus emails claiming to be from Google’s Gmail provider. The e-mail states that random Gmail users have been selected to receive a free Apple iPad 3. “Winners” are instructed to click on a link to claim their prize. If this message finds its way into your inbox, delete immediately. Clicking on the link will direct you to typical scam surveys that request your personal information.

By completing the surveys, you invite the scammers to sign you up for premium SMS services which most victims later discover on an increased cellular bill. In worse cases, you may put yourself at risk for identity theft.

As in most scams, no one actually wins, except the schemers who earn thousands of dollars by fooling victims into completing surveys.

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