Online gaming gained a lot of traction during the Covid pandemic. As more companies adopt work-from-home schedules, this has led more people into the excitingly addictive world of e-gaming.

However, online scams targeting gamers are still prevalent amid all the fun. According to studies, a fifth of gamers have been misled or know a gamer who has been impersonated. Sophisticated frauds make it more challenging to stay safe on the internet. You may dramatically lower your fraud risk by learning about the fundamentals of security and frequent threats.

In What Ways Do Cyber Thieves Target Gamers?

Fraudsters use social engineering techniques to take advantage of the growing popularity of in-game commodities.

Gamers aren’t the only victims of scammers. User contact information, such as email addresses, physical locations, and phone numbers, may be retrieved from social media accounts. Video game distribution systems like Steam, which monitor in-game purchases and monthly membership payments, are a prime target.

Information on your gaming profile can also be used to defraud people you love. You can always use Nuwber to verify the identity of persons you engage with online to avoid falling for scammers.

Hostile and malicious gamers use several strategies to deceive unsuspecting gamers, including:

1. Phishing

Phishing is a common scam that criminals use to get individuals to give up their personal information. Users’ login credentials can be stolen using phishing emails. Criminals use fake links to games, in-game bonuses, and other gaming-related gimmicks. These are usually bogus gaming applications that promise unique content and giveaways. These applications are used to steal financial and personal data from their victims and infect their devices with malware.

What Can You Do?

Internet fraudsters have a talent for making their ruses appear authentic. A common red flag with scams is poor language and misspellings in the URL or on the website’s home page. Additionally, you can get pop-up notifications about winning something, even without participating in any contest.

2. Unofficial Websites

Using third-party sites is another common tactic for obtaining personal information from gamers. As part of the game, players will be given the option to purchase add-ons, such as character outfits, weapons, and additional skills.

Users are then prompted to provide their financial information at the point of purchase to buy virtual cash that can be used in the game. Fraudsters use this tactic to steal the financial information of unsuspecting gamers.

What Can You Do?

There is a growing industry for fake download links due to the proliferation of free games. An Apex Legends smartphone link received 100,000 hits in a week despite the game being available for Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Avoid using files that have not been screened because they may contain malicious agents. Always visit reputable sources to avoid downloading bogus-free games or content drops. Verify the validity of a URL before entering sensitive information or downloading anything.

Additionally, secure your computer when playing online and offline games by installing a firewall, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software. Anti-hacking measures can be as simple as setting up a game with automatic updates.

3. Fraudulent Refunds on Credit Cards

In essence, a chargeback is an on-demand repayment for the benefit of a victimized client. However, scammers might perpetrate fraud by often reversing in-game transactions, like in the case of buying game bundles. Businesses in the gambling sector are particularly vulnerable to this form of fraud.

What Can You Do?

Make it clear what your return policy is and stick to it. Refund requests might be rejected when your policy makes it plain that they aren’t legitimate. To effectively combat chargeback fraud, you’ll need several reliable strategies, and this is one of them.

Also, utilize robust systems of verifying payment card information. Automate systems that ascertain a customer’s billing address is the same as the one on file with the card issuer. To be safe, set instructions to cancel a transaction if this is not the case.

4. Using Multiple Accounts

Fraudsters may perpetrate fraud by setting other unauthorized gaming accounts as a “backup” to your primary account. Anybody can create an unlimited number of accounts using just an email address and a password. Hackers do this from the same computer and IP address each time they do it. This is commonly carried out using a virtual private network (VPN).

Groups of fraudsters that employ emulators, virtual computers, or other techniques of obtaining new IP addresses are the next level of multiple account scammers.

What Can You Do?

Use two-factor authentication (2FA). It ensures that one needs two features as the primary login details. For instance, a one-time code (OTP) will be sent to a different device every time you enter your account password. One must, therefore, enter this OTP to access this account.

Scammers may target you using your confidential information posted online. Make sure you don’t divulge your address, card details, or age. Don’t provide unnecessary private information on gaming sites. It’s best to keep your online persona private. Only engage with people you know in person or can trust.

5. Possibilities of Item Trade

Many scammers take advantage of the popularity of hot skins or products, and players should be aware of this trick. You can get an email from a PayPal user who wants to sell or buy your goods or services using PayPal. The fraudsters will try to persuade you to accept their offer, and after they’ve paid, they’ll instantly dispute the transaction. Hence, PayPal withholds the funds, and you can’t withdraw this money without the sender authorizing it, which they won’t because they are scammers.

What Can You Do?

There are a lot of pop-ups and flashy offers on the internet. You should be skeptical of any offer that looks too good to be true. You should be particularly wary of competitions that appear out of nowhere and disregard any contest that does not include a link to a reputable website.

Conclusion

As the online gaming or iGaming market expands, so does the danger it poses to its fanatics. Children are a primary target for internet scams and phishing attacks. Companies need to think outside the box when it comes to protecting both themselves and their customers. Educating your children and yourself about safe gaming habits on the internet is in your best interest. Subsequently, this is the only way to enjoy the games without fear of being exposed to scam risks.