Immediately following the announcement of the iPad in late January Apple-related spam shot up by more than 30%, but with the release now imminent and quantities limited scams have taken on a life of their own over the last few days.

The BBB warns of a Facebook page 3,500 fans strong under the title “iPad Researchers Wanted—Get an iPad Early and Keep It” – selling a cell phone service that will charge users $10/month.

GeekSugar.com has warned consumers of spam emails that are pushing users to a site called TestitandKeepIt.com that promises a free iPad and requests your email address and password to “tell your friends.” RED FLAG. 

The caveat for all of these “offers” is that they require you to make a purchase prior to receiving your “free” iPad or they require credit card information/personal information of some sort – and at the end of the day you will NOT be getting a free iPad.

As always: if you don’t know the source, never supply personal information or money of any sort.