SCARS™ Guide: Fraudsters Targeting Online Gamers
Don’t Let Fraud Ruin Your Fun – SCARS Warns Against Scammers Targeting Online Gamers!
This is a warning for parents and online gamers themselves of the risk of fraud involving Steam Cards and Fortnite.
- In the United Kingdom, U.K. Police report that between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018, they received reports of Fortnite related fraud, with an average of £146 per victim.
- In the same period, the U.K. Police received reports of Steam Card fraud, with an average of £123.88 per victim.
While this is just the tip of the iceberg, the real level of scamming associated with online games is staggering and growing. Why? Because game players of every type are far more unsuspecting the potential victims of other types of scams. Plus these victims – at least 5 times out of 10 – are children.
HOW IS FORTNITE FRAUD HAPPENING?
According to CNN:
You were just getting used to your kid’s obsession with “Fortnite,” and now, all you hear about is V-Bucks. V-Bucks, like Robux on Roblox, are “Fortnite’s” in-game currency. Players use them to buy the fun “skins” (characters and outfits) and “emotes” (those hilarious dances like “Flossing” and “Take the L”) that kids will say they totally need to make “Fortnite” even cooler. For the record: You don’t need V-Bucks to play “Fortnite,” and if you do spring for them, they cost real money. Also, online scammers are all over V-Bucks.
“Fortnite’s” incredible popularity among kids has made it an easy target for rip-off artists trying to make some actual bucks while the game is hot. A recent study from online security company ZeroFox discovered more than 4,700 fake “Fortnite” websites, and the company sent out more than 50,000 security alerts about “Fortnite” scams in a single month. Kids are particularly vulnerable to requests to turn over personal information, including names and email addresses or even credit card numbers. Here’s how you can spot the scam and protect your kids.
What To Watch Out For
V-Bucks generators. “V-Bucks generators” are one of the biggest online “Fortnite” scams. These are often websites that offer people points for watching or clicking on ads, and these points can supposedly be traded in for free V-Bucks within “Fortnite.” Not only do these free V-Bucks never appear, these sites often try to collect people’s Fortnite usernames and passwords or have them take surveys where they submit personal data under the pretense of verifying that they’re human.
Fake Domains
Similar to V-Bucks generators, there are also tons of sites that offer free V-Bucks or trick people into buying fake ones. These fake domains mimic developer Epic Games’ and Fortnite’s real styles, colors, and fonts to fool people. Some even put “Fortnite” in the URL. These sites also collect personal information, but they often go a step further indirectly charging a credit card or bank account.
Social Media Scams
One of the most popular ways that scams are spread is through social media. Fake sites and V-Bucks generators often encourage people to share their links to get more points, which helps expose the scam to more people. Plus, these links often direct users to suspicious apps and malware that can also target your kid’s personal information.
Youtube Video Scams
Similar to link-sharing scams on social media, there are tons of YouTube videos offering free V-Bucks and more. These fake videos and accounts have millions of views and send gamers to other sketchy sites.
Fake Android Apps
After Epic Games made the controversial decision not to offer their Android app in the Google Play Store, scammers took advantage by putting up fake “Fortnite” apps. Although they’re designed to look like “Fortnite,” they’re really data theft and malware distributors in disguise.
Tips To Avoid Getting Scammed
Talk to your kids about how to spot and avoid “Fortnite” scams and other scams online. Here are some tips to keep your kid’s information private and your money safe:
Be cautious when you give out private information. Tell kids to check with you before filling out forms, quizzes, registration pages, and the like on a website or app. For older kids, teach them to think carefully about why a site or app might want your data.
Only spend real money through official platforms.PlayStation, Xbox, Epic Games’ official website, and the official “Fortnite” app are the only places to buy V-Bucks. Anything else is a scam.
Double-check URLs and domain names. Talk to kids about scams and how some sites or apps look very similar to the official ones but are designed to trick you into giving up money or information. Domain names and URLs might have only one letter or symbol that’s different from the original, so look carefully.
Fraudsters Are Targeting Victims In Many Other Ways
These include asking for people’s phone numbers in return for Vbucks to then sign the victim up to a premium rate subscription service, selling access to other people’s Fortnite accounts, and offering VBucks for free then actually charging for it.
HOW IS STEAM CARD FRAUD HAPPENING?
There has also been a spike in fraudsters requesting Steam Cards as a way to gain upfront fees from unsuspecting victims.
Victims are being called by scammers, claiming to be from well-known organizations. The victims are instructed to purchase Steam Cards in order to pay for the processing of tax refunds or rebates, PPI refunds, administrative costs for processing loans and for providing anti-virus software.
As with iTunes gift cards, the scammer doesn’t require the physical Steam Card to redeem the value. Instead, the victim is asked to read out the serial code on the back over the phone.
Remember
It is vital that both parents and those playing games online be able to spot the signs of fraud, as fraudsters and scammers will go to great lengths to try to steal your money. It is also important that parents make their children aware of the threat of fraud online. If they are downloading or purchasing game add-ons, make sure you use the official websites only. You should never reveal your password or banking details to someone you don’t know, or be tempted to click on links to unknown sites or apps.
- No government department will ever ask for payment in the form of Steam Cards, or any other gift card, such as iTunes.
- Always question requests for personal or financial information. The promise of ‘free’ vouchers or credits is a common tactic used by scammers to persuade people to give out sensitive, personal or financial details.
- Listen to your instincts – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.
Every Report Matters
Every Report Matters – If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to us (see below) online and to your national police such as the FBI (www.IC3.gov) of in the UK to ActionFraun (www.actionfraud.police.uk)
SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
TAGS: Online Gamers, Online Gamers, Gaming Scams, Gaming Fraud, Steam Cards, Fortnite, Game Apps, App Scams, fraudsters, Scammers, Scams, Online Fraud,
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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- Your National Police or FBI (www.IC3.gov »)
- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
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To learn more about SCARS visit www.AgainstScams.org
Please be sure to report all scammers HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
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