Apple looking for iPhone 5 testers: Scam?

I just got a text from a (718) phone number to my iPhone 4S, which says,

"The first 1000 users that go to http://superhotcellular.com and enter this code will get to test and keep a new iPhone 5.

I went to the webpage on my laptop, but didn't type in the code they'd sent me. It certainly didn't look like anything from Apple, and of course I'm 99% convinced this is not how they'd go about testing out a new product. Just wondering if anybody else has received the same message, or if there are any Apple representatives out there who might add any information.

Thanks -- NICK

iPhone 4S

Posted on Feb 12, 2012 3:07 PM

18 replies

WillC37

Level 1

0 points

Feb 12, 2012 10:02 PM in response to msuper69

I know that I am just being paranoid, but are there any specific precautions that I can take to ensure that I am completely secure? Restoring to original setting then restoring from my backup? Encrypting my backup? Anything like that? Also, should I continue to have private browsing turned on? Thank you very much for your help!!

msuper69

Level 6

8,705 points

Feb 12, 2012 10:32 PM in response to WillC37

Just stay away from suspect web sites and don't open email from an unknown source. The same rules apply to the iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch as they do to the Mac.

Apr 2, 2012 12:26 AM in response to NicktheEditor

Received a text from (201) 912-9046 around 12:30 a.m. on April 2, 2012.

"Apple is looking for people to Test & Keep the New iPad 3! But only the 1st 1000 users that goto ____(website)____ and enter code BETA will Receive it!"

I actually assumed I had been spammed via Google Plus, as the telephone number was extremely similar to the messages I have received from Google Plus' SMS Notification service.

I did not attempt to visit the site. A general rule of thumb, is that if you ever receive a message about an Apple product, mobile phone, or weight loss; it is generally a serious scam. Don't visit the site.

ALSO, if you actually Google the term "Apple is looking for people to Test & Keep the New iPad 3! But only the 1st 1000 users," you will receive MANY results... from COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PHONE NUMBERS. All 201 area code--New Jersey.

I actually wonder if the spam is coming from the carrier. I use Verizon Wireless. This sounds like something Verizon would do.

Other information:

Carrier: Verizon Wireless

Service: Mobile Telephone

Communicated: ASCII/Unicode (plain text) SMS Message, No attachments.

My Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Apple looking for iPhone 5 testers: Scam?