If you’re unable to get your paws on a new iPad 2 even at an Apple flagship store, you may be fighting organized grey-market forces. The New York Post reports today on a group of scammers who use strength in numbers to buy iPads from the Fifth Avenue Apple store in New York:
“The illicit, highly orchestrated scheme was in full gear yesterday, with a ringleader doling out massive wads of $100 bills to about five cohorts. The sidekicks then went up and down a line of about 200 Asians outside the store and around the corner, handing out the money.
“The scammers in line then went inside and bought iPad 2’s — wiping out the store within minutes.”
The slabs of scarcity are then sold on the street for up to $2000, or immediately sent to Asia for resale.
According to the Post, Apple staffers are aware of the operation but can do little to stop it.
“Listen, we all know what’s going on here. I find it sad and disgusting,” the worker said. “These people are preventing ordinary folks from getting their hands on an iPad.”
“A legitimate would-be customer said she’s been to the store three times since Friday — only to be thwarted by the creeps.”
Another blunt reminder of the laws (or lack thereof) of supply and demand. I think I’ll just wait.
[Full Story: NY Post – iPad cads scalping buyers]
