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SciTech

'iPhone 5' scammers feed on renewed online buzz


Scammers are exploiting recent rumors over the supposed upcoming release of Apple's newest smartphone, the iPhone 5, to dupe Internet users.
 
A new scam on Tumblr claims Tumblr and Apple have a joint promotion to give away "free" iPhone 5s - but asks prospective victims to click on a link below.
 
"Of course, the message is not true, and the post isn't really by Tumblr's staff," computer security firm Sophos said in a blog post.
 
"Scammers don't need to wait for the iPhone 5 to be released - they can start using it as bait right now," it added.
 
Sophos said the scam even urges users to reblog the post so others will have the same opportunity to get their own phone.
 
But in reality, Sophos said clicking on the link will take the user to a scam webpage that touts the supposed features of the new iPhone.
 
"But they'll put the pressure on you if you're not tempted and try to browse away from the page, displaying warnings that if you don't take the five minute survey, you'll be missing out on the chance of receiving Apple's latest gadget," Sophos said.
 
As in the past, the scammers want users to enter their email and other personal information.
 
Last month, new rumors sprouted indicating an iPhone 5 may be due to launch this summer.
 
Apple enthusiast site 9to5mac.com cited information from an employee of manufacturer Foxconn that the next iPhone is ready for production.
 
"We received word from a reliable source at Foxconn in China that the iPhone 5, as it is currently being called, is now gearing for production," it said.
 
The source is the same that indicated late last summer that the iPhone 5 was not happening against the prevailing tide of information, and that Apple was building the iPhone 4S model instead, it noted.
 
Among the possible new features are a 4in-plus display —possibly developed by LG— and a symmetrical body larger than current iPhone models. — TJD, GMA News
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