Beware "iPod" pyramid scheme.

If you search for "iPod" on eBay, you'll get several thousand hits, but beware. Some of the listings are offers to join pyramid-style scams. eBay is crawling with these "matrix" schemes, which appear to be buyers clubs but are really variations on classic pyramid scares. Here's how it works. You get an offer for some hot product--it could be a game system or a mobile phone, but iPods seem to be the most popular-at an incredible discount. Instead of directing you to an auction, the link takes you to a non-eBay site that asks you to fork over the money. Here's the hitch: You don't get the iPod until more people sign up, you're motivated to promote the deal to friends. Buzz is astounded that people fall for the scam, but apparently the matrix schemes are so common on eBay, some buyers think they're legit.