Game On, Scam Off: Tips to Avoid Gaming Fraud

As the gaming industry continues to boom, so have the number of ways scammers can target unsuspecting gamers. These sophisticated schemes are aimed at stealing your personal data and financial account information—or ruin your gaming experience entirely.

Gaming companies often place responsibility solely on players to be aware of scammers' red flags and will only provide scant support when fraud occurs. This makes sharing personal information on a gaming platform risky, especially for younger players, who are often primary targets for scammers.

Common Types of Gaming Scams

Phishing Scams: Fake emails, messages, or websites from game publishers or platforms that look official, asking for login credentials or payment information.
In-Game Scams: Fraudsters may pose as other players, offering upgrades or in-game features that are too good to be true, only to vanish once they've been paid.
Malware Links: Links promising free in-game currency or shortcuts often lead to malware downloads, compromising your device and data.
Fake Job Offers or Sponsorships: Scammers may target streamers or competitive players with fake opportunities that require "upfront fees" or personal information.

Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed

Verify Before You Click: Always double-check URLs, especially for login pages. Legitimate game publishers and platforms use secure websites (look for "https" and the padlock symbol).
Be Wary of Unrealistic Offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid purchasing items or accounts from unofficial sources.
Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Legitimate gaming companies won't ask for sensitive information like your password or bank account numbers through direct messages or emails.
Research Before You Buy: For in-game items or currency, stick to official stores or trusted vendors with good reviews.
Stay Updated: Familiarize yourself with the latest scams by following news from trusted gaming sites or forums. Visit our Fraud & Security Center to stay updated.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you suspect you've fallen victim to a gaming scam, act quickly:

Change Your Passwords: Update your login details for the affected account immediately. If you use the same password elsewhere, change it there too.
Enable 2FA: Safeguard your account with additional security measures.
Report the Scam: Contact the game's support team or platform provider and provide as much detail as possible. Reporting helps protect other gamers.
Monitor Your Finances: Check your bank or credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, and alert your financial institution if needed.
Run a Security Scan: Use reliable antivirus software to check for malware or spyware on your device.

For Parents: How to Protect Your Kids

Educate Your Child: Understand common scams and share tips with your child. Teach them to verify suspicious messages or offers and to never share personal information.
Monitor Your Kids' In-Game Purchases: It's OK to allow your child to buy items in a game, but only while you're there with them. Be there to ensure your credit card information isn't being saved onto their console, which would allow your child to purchase other things without permission.
Check Privacy Settings: Regularly review and check the privacy settings on your children's gaming accounts. Ensure settings are age-appropriate and consider turning off in-game chat if needed.
Set Passwords: If your child needs account passwords to buy things in a game, you should oversee them. Create strong, unique passwords to not only keep fraudsters away from the account, but also to ensure your child needs your permission to make in-game purchases.

Resources: Veterans Alliance, Eydle, IDSTRONG