Consumers hoping to take advantage of the latest technology may fall prey to a bevy of scammers.
A recent Washington Post report noted that Apple’s iPad is a popular target for these cybercriminals, who can offer fraudulent $499 discounts on the device to those who enter an address or credit card number.
Using this stolen information, identity thieves can buy electronics and buy them abroad for resale. This is a less risky approach than money transfer and is particularly profitable with Apple products, which often fetch higher prices on the international market.
“Discrepancies like this can be tempting for black market buyers and sellers,” the report says.
The sweeping nature of these scams often gives thieves access to dozens of credit card numbers. Using them to make small purchases allows these scammers to determine which numbers are active, without arousing the suspicion of a lender or consumer.
Online fraud has become more prevalent in recent years, increasing 22.3 percent between 2008 and 2009, according to data from the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Criminals involved in these types of crimes often have an advantage over commercial banks and borrowers. Access to the latest technology can allow them to stay under the radar longer than other identity thieves.
There are a few steps consumers should take to protect themselves from these scams. First, it’s best to decline any online offer that seems too good to be true and be careful when opening emails from unknown senders. These emails can include attachments that contain malware, allowing senders to track a consumer’s online activity.
Consumers should also be careful when entering personal information such as a credit card or Social Security number online. Reading the fine print can help protect them from post-transaction marketing practices that place monthly fees on a credit card and electronic device scams.
“If the iPad turns out to be a blockbuster as Apple hopes, it’s safe to assume that the device will play a leading role in online scams for some time to come,” the report said.
Spotting fraudulent charges is the first step to stopping them. Credit monitoring services allow consumers to keep track of their credit history, which can be severely damaged by identity thieves.
Looking carefully at your monthly credit card bills can also alert consumers to fraud. Those who believe their information has been compromised should contact their lender immediately to avoid further charges and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.