Mac geeks estimate that Apple presold 120,000 iPads on March 12, but it’s not just aficionados who are gearing up for the next big thing: The iPad is expected to be a target for credit card fraudsters and online scammers of all types. Antivirus software companies are already warning consumers not to fall for e-mails or ads promising a free or reduced-price iPad if they enter an address … and a credit card number.

Why is Apple so popular with scammers? Its business model gives them two ways to use stolen credit-card numbers, according to Robert Vamosi, research analyst specializing in security, fraud and risk for market research firm Javelin Strategy & Research. Electronics are a hot category for thieves.