Rubik's 360 scam hits the net

With the launch of a brand new Rubik's puzzle, the Rubik's 360, less than a month away, fans are warned to be aware of fraudulent emails advertising the product.

The Rubik's 360 does not go on sale in the UK until 15 July, but a number of imitation models have turned up on eBay's UK auction site.

On the official Rubik's website customers are being warned that the "web is being flooded with fake Rubik's 360 products".

A search on eBay confirmed that there are "360 models" available for as little £5.99, even though on Hamley's website the pre-order price is £18.



The 360 represents a major departure in terms of design from the classic cube designed by Emo Rubik, a Hungarian professor, in 1974.

As you can see from the video, the 360 is spherical shaped, with a number of coloured balls inside the main ball.

On the Rubik's forum page members have mostly been receptive of the bold design.

"I reckon it's a pretty good idea to go with something that's not another version of the original cube...Pretty good idea from old Rubik I think!" wrote one member.

The Rubik's cube is the world’s biggest-selling toy ever, selling in excess of 350 million units worldwide.