Phishers are now using the iTunes Store as a way to get personal information from iTunes customers, using emails similar to those that purport to be from banks or auction sites.

The Computerworld report says that users began receiving spam email messages on Monday telling them that they must correct a problem with their iTunes account; however, the link leads to a third-party site masquerading as an iTunes billing update page:

“that phony page asks for information including credit card number and security code, Social Security number and mother’s maiden name,” the report noted.

News of the phishing attempt comes by way of e-mail security firm Proofpoint, Inc. “We’ve gotten used to seeing the usual companies and brands attacked, like PayPal, eBay and Citibank. But we’ve never seen Apple as the target,”

Proofpoint’s Andrew Lochart said. “It’s probably indicative that the bad guys see Apple’s online presence as large enough to be a target. It’s part and parcel of the success that Apple has enjoyed lately.”