EA warns against fake Battlefield 3 beta keys

A bit of a public service announcement from EA and the site BF3blog, warning of a different Battlefield 3 “fansite” (BF3nation) that claims to be distributing (non-existent) beta keys.
Battlefield3Online has also been following the story, and posts a handy run-down of events so far. Initially, EA tried to use an infringement notice to get BF3nation offline, on the basis that it was using official artwork from the game without permission. This always seemed a little strange, however, as multiple other fansites had done exactly the same thing with no warning (and, really, why would EA be concerned about free advertising of this kind?).

But it transpires that EA may have an ulterior motive for attempting to get BF3nation taken down: a dubious offer being run from the site. This “promotion” is offering supposed beta keys and gift certificates, but users must first sign up and hand over personal details. According to both BF3blog and Battlefield3Online, neither beta keys nor gift vouchers actually exist – this is merely a way for BF3nation to receive a share of revenue for data collection.
EA’s attempt to get the site offline has been unsuccessful so far, perhaps due to the legal grey area in which web-based “promotions” like this exist.
The message seems to be this, though; don’t sign up for any dodgy beta keys because they don’t yet exist.