What is an online gaming scam?
Online gaming scams are used to steal personal information and could take several forms. Fraudsters may send you a link to click on to download a gaming file which then instals malicious software onto your device which logs your keystrokes.
The growth of the internet and digital platforms have made it possible for industries to flourish, and the online gaming industry is no exception.
In 2018, the global gaming industry consisted of 2.3 billion consumers, who spent nearly $138-billion (approximately R2 005-trillion) on games.
Where previously, it only attracted the younger men, these days people of all genders and ages play online games for recreation or even professionally.
As the online gaming industry has expanded, so too have opportunities for fraudsters who know players are vulnerable and use social engineering to exploit them and steal money using fake apps and websites.
Modus operandi
Online gaming scams are used to steal personal information and could take several forms. Fraudsters may send you a link to click on to download a gaming file which then instals malicious software onto your device which logs your keystrokes.
Another tactic is account takeovers where fraudsters exploit an online game account to send other innocent players free skins and points when they put in their username and password.
In addition, players could be offered free trials or other ‘freebies’, such as weapons or tokens, if they click on a link.
There are even fake game apps that can be downloaded at a cost from the Google Play or App Store onto one’s mobile phone.
Fake competition video games are also prevalent and are designed with the intent to dupe users into paying fraudulent entrance fees and steal personal banking details. Finally, legitimate online gaming marketplaces may sell ‘keys’ that are stolen or are fake.
Tips
• Never click on links in unsolicited emails, even if it refers to an online game you recognise.
• Do not believe the content of unsolicited emails blindly. If you are worried about what is alleged, use your contact details to contact the sender to confirm.
• Watch out for spam messages in your player mailboxes.
• Only download online games or extension packs from the website that you are familiar with and ensure it is a legitimate release.
• Always cross-check the name of the developer on legitimate websites or platforms to check if a game is genuine.
• Create strong complicated passwords that are not easy to decipher and change often.
• Protect your online gaming account login credentials.
• Be careful who you befriend in online gaming communities and never share any personal information with just anyone you play against online.
• Trust your gut – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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