Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The November 19th release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is set to be one of the biggest films of the year in a dramatic end to one of Hollywood's largest franchises, but security software company PC Tools warns fans – be careful when you search.

Cybercriminals are targeting unsuspecting fans for identity fraud and spam with websites popping up in online searches promising to offer a free download of the movie, and fake users of the sites are posting attractive blog comments like "Me and my wife watched this movie here. This movie is great =)"

Here's how the scam works:

• First, a user searches for previews and other release information for Harry Potter online
• Results claiming to offer a free download of the new movie appear
• Users are directed to complete "offers" asking them to give away personal information or download a potentially malicious toolbar that may collect personal IDs and passwords.
• Here, users are asked to fill in personal details and are informed they may also be able to win an iPad
• Once personal details are entered and the registration is activated, users are then asked to enter a survey, after which the web page remains stuck in a "checking for completion" phase