What is an ONLINE Gaming scam
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 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 installs malicious software onto your device which logs your keystrokes. Another tactic is account takeovers where fraudsters exploit a real games online 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 weapons or tokens if they click on a link. There are even a fake game apps which can be downloaded at a cost from the Google Play or Apple’s 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 own 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 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;
- Use YIMA, a website vulnerability scanner, where you can do website security check for scams, known vulnerabilities and security headers.
- Create strong complicated passwords that are not easy to decipher and change them 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.
FAQs
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 installs malicious software onto your device which logs your keystrokes.
What should I do if I encounter an online scam? ›
Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff's office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
Do cash app games really pay? ›
Keep in mind that not all games pay real money instantly, and it might take some time before you can expect the credit in your Cash App account. However, many of these games on your phone give you a chance to win real money or even Amazon gift cards but also have a payout option that you can transfer to Cash App.
What are the chances of getting scammed online? ›
What Age Group Gets Scammed the Most?
| Who Gets Scammed the Most by Age | | |
|---|
| Age | Exposed to a Scammer | Likelihood of Losing Money From a Scam |
|---|
| 18-24 | 6.1% | 45.6% |
| 25-34 | 16% | 50.1% |
| 35-44 | 20.1% | 58.2% |
3 more rowsJun 10, 2024
- Do not make any decisions in the moment. ...
- Hang up if you are feeling pressured. ...
- Do not share any personal or financial information (your social security number, checking account information, etc.). ...
- Ask for their name and the name of the business/organization. ...
- Ask for additional information to be mailed to you.
If you're convicted, the consequences could include being sentenced to time in a state prison, massive fines, and felony probation. The number of victims involved in the scam as well as your criminal history can also play a huge role in how much time you spend in jail as a result of internet crimes.
How do you tell if you're talking to a scammer online? ›
If you Google their name and don't find much, you could be dealing with a scammer. Their social media accounts look suspicious. Look for anything that feels off, such as a low friend count, no recent posts, or only the same photos as on the dating site. They may appear to have an overwhelming intensity.
What information does a scammer need to access my bank account? ›
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
How to track down someone who scammed you online? ›
Utilize social media platforms to search for the scammer's name or usernames. Look for any profiles or accounts that match details they provided you with. Employ reverse search tools designed to connect names, phone numbers, or email addresses to publicly available information.
How to spot a fake Cash App? ›
Cash App service representatives will never ask for or demand the following:
- Your sign-in code. ...
- Sensitive information. ...
- To send a payment to any Cash App account. ...
- To download any application for “remote access,” or to complete a "test" transaction of any kind (such as AnyDesk)
The top money-making apps include Swagbucks, Ibotta, Upside, Acorns and Capital One Shopping. Money-making apps are a popular way to earn extra spending money because the tasks require minimal effort and the payout is quick.
Are there any gaming apps that pay real money? ›
Cash Giraffe is a platform that pays you for playing games or scrolling apps like TikTok. I like that Cash Giraffe offers a lot of variety with its available games and apps. If you see an offer you like, be sure to download it right away, as the offers on Cash Giraffe change.
Can I get my money back if I was scammed online? ›
Your card provider can ask the seller's bank to refund the money. This is known as the 'chargeback scheme'. If you paid by debit card, you can use chargeback however much you paid.
Who gets scammed online the most? ›
The Deloitte survey shows that Gen Z Americans were three times more likely to get caught up in an online scam than boomers were (16 percent and 5 percent, respectively). Compared to boomers, Gen Z was also twice as likely to have a social media account hacked (17 percent and 8 percent).
Who handles online scamming? ›
The Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, is the Nation's central hub for reporting cyber crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating cyber crime.
What is considered an online scam? ›
An online scam is a deception carried out over the internet with the aim of tricking individuals into giving away personal, financial, or other sensitive information, or directly stealing their money.
What is a video game scam? ›
The most common types of gaming fraud that affect Veterans
Credit card fraud: Credit card details are stolen and used illegally. Account hacking and takeovers: Hackers gain access to financial information, personal details and contact lists. Affiliate fraud: Gamers paying out rewards to non-existent players.
What is considered online gaming? ›
Online gaming describes any video game that offers online interactions with other players. Video games used to be classified by an Online Content PEGI descriptor to signify whether they were online or not.
What is online purchase scam? ›
Online shopping scams involve scammers pretending to be legitimate online sellers, either with a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine retailer site. While many online sellers are legitimate, unfortunately scammers can use the anonymous nature of the internet to rip off unsuspecting shoppers.
