Web-Savvy iPod Repairman Allegedly Outwitted Apple, Netted 9,000 Shuffles

A Michigan man who allegedly understood more about Apple's computerized repair system than the technology giant itself has been criminally charged for allegedly making off with 9,000 iPod Shuffle music players.

Nicholas Woodhams, 23, is facing federal fraud and money-laundering charges after allegedly tricking Apple into sending more than 9,000 free "replacement" Shuffles by entering actual serial numbers into the manufacturer's website, reports the Associated Press.

Woodhams, who worked as an iPod repairman, determined "through trial and error ...that he could guess valid, warrantied serial numbers and enter them into Apple's website for 'replacement' units without ever in fact purchasing or possessing the 'original' units," Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler wrote in material filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, Mich.

He allegedly resold the Shuffles for $49 each.

Related coverage:

Ars Technica: "Apple sues iPodMechanic owner for massive iPod-related fraud"