Are you spending hours battling monsters, raiding bases, or uncovering treasures on your smartphone? Don’t worry, you’re not alone—mobile gaming has taken the world by storm. These online games, played on smartphones and other devices, have become more popular than ever before.
In fact, the numbers are staggering. According to Statista, by the year 2027, over 398 million people worldwide will be diving into all kinds of games, from shooters to racers, treasure hunters to coin collectors. In the United States alone, more than 155 million individuals are joining in on the mobile gaming action. The global mobile gaming industry has a market size of $172.10 billion in 2023. But you know who else is excited about this surge in popularity? Scammers.
Yep, you heard it right. As the popularity of mobile gaming rises, so does the presence of scammers seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting players. They’re using a variety of tricks, including video game scams, in-game promotions and fake apps, all with the aim of gaining access to your personal info. Some even try to swindle you by charging a pretty penny for virtual power-ups and gear that they never actually deliver.
But here’s the silver lining: there’s a way to outsmart these scammers, regardless of whether you’re a parent or a young gamer. It all boils down to understanding tricks and being a bit savvy. We’re about to uncover the sneaky tactics these cyberthieves employ and show you how to stay one step ahead.
So, get ready to level up your knowledge and keep those scams far, far away from your gaming adventures!
Tricky online game scams and in-game promotions
Imagine stumbling upon an offer that promises you exclusive game perks, rare items, or unbeatable deals in your child’s favorite online game like Roblox or Fortnite. It sounds too good to be true, right? Well, sometimes it is.
These enticing game promotions often appear as shining beacons, tempting players with exciting rewards and shortcuts to gaming success. They might pop up on social media, community forums, or even within the game itself. The catch? Many of these promotions are cleverly disguised scams, aiming to exploit players, particularly younger ones who might be more vulnerable.
Here’s how the game begins: Scammers create fake accounts or websites that mimic the official game platforms or retailers. They design flashy banners, promising virtual currency, special items, or enhanced powers—all at jaw-dropping discounts. Some might even use the names of well-known characters or game developers to lend an air of authenticity.
The objective of these scams varies: scammers might trick players into downloading malicious software, revealing personal information like passwords or email addresses, or making monetary transactions for rewards that don’t exist. Some even go as far as to ask players to complete surveys or share the promotion with friends, expanding the scam’s reach.
Paradigm of the online in game promotional scams
A recent incident sheds light on the dangers of online transactions and game scams. A 15-year-old girl came across what seemed like a fantastic deal: a $100 Roblox gift card on Carousell. Considering it was priced at $112 on the official gaming platform, it looked like a steal. Excited to gear up her character in the game Murder Mystery, she planned to use the credits for new weapons and upgrades.
But here’s where things took a nasty turn. The seller vanished into thin air after taking the payment, leaving the kid empty-handed and upset. But it doesn’t stop there. The parents were also affected, upset that their daughter had spent money without their permission. This scenario is becoming all too common, with counselors noticing an uptick in young gamers under 16 seeking help after falling victim to online game scams.
In another article by 9 to 5 Mac, an app “Jungle Runner 2k21” that presents itself as child-friendly entertainment but secretly operates as an illicit online casino. This crafty scheme sidesteps Apple’s in-app purchase system, raising concerns about users falling victim to undisclosed losses.
With a description advertising it as a “fun running game” suitable for ages 4+, from the outside, the app seems harmless (although Apple appears to have taken it down in the US). Yet, for users accessing the app from Turkish IP addresses or via a VPN, a dark truth surfaces—it transforms into a fraudulent online casino employing its own payment methods.
The alarming spread of in-game promotion scams
Did you know that every year thousands of individuals and businesses fall victim to in-game promotion and offers scams, which can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.
The FBI disclosed that a staggering 14,919 cases of online game scams were reported by individuals aged 19 and younger in 2021 alone. Shockingly, these deceptive schemes led to losses totaling a whopping $101.4 million among the young victims who bravely reported these incidents.
According to Wired, many of the online game scams are aimed at kids, where scammers play a dirty game to get them to download apps or avail a paid in-game promotion – unknowingly sharing personal info – all for so-called rewards in games like Fortnite and Roblox.
Read more: Secure Online Gaming for All Ages
Inside the web of video game scams
The extensive world of video game scams, cleverly masked as tempting in-game offers and web promotions, all trace back to one source—a network that’s the hub of deception. This web of trickery leads right to CPABuild. This company, operating since 2016 and based in Nevada, calls itself a “content-locking network.” It’s like a puzzle where you might win money by sharing your email or postal code.
As you navigate through a maze of pages, you might end up downloading apps or giving away your personal info. The sneaky scammers behind it all make a profit from your actions.
Now, what’s unique about these scams is their connection to CPABuild and its network members. According to an expert, numerous websites compromised by these scams are communicating with CPABuild’s servers. This connection raises some red flags and urges us to stay vigilant. As parents, it’s crucial to be aware of these tactics to safeguard your kids from falling into their traps.
Tips to Safeguard Children from Online Gaming Scams
Online gaming can be a fun and enriching experience for children, but it’s crucial to ensure their safety from potential scams. As parents, it’s crucial to educate your kids about the potential dangers of falling for these enticing game promotions. You can teach your kids to safeguard their personal identity, sensitive information, finances and other information tby following strategies:
- Play together with your kids
Engage in gaming as a family activity. By participating, you create an open environment where your child is more likely to share their experiences. Have casual conversations about how to handle requests for money from other players which can help them stay cautious.
- Activate parental controls
Set up parental controls to prevent unauthorized purchases. Adding password protection for in-game purchases can prevent accidental or unwanted spending.
- Unlink your credit cards
Avoid linking your child’s gaming account to your credit card. Instead, consider using prepaid debit cards with a predetermined limit. This not only empowers responsible spending but also prompts communication between you and your child.
- Trustworthy sources only
Guide your child to purchase gaming credits from reputable platforms. Trusted e-commerce sites often provide buyer protection mechanisms to ensure secure transactions.
- Education
Discuss gaming scams when your child is not actively playing, so they’re receptive to the conversation. Explaining potential risks and how to identify scams equips your child with the knowledge to stay safe.
- Secure connections with VPN
Introduce a Virtual Private Network (VPN) like PureVPN to further enhance online safety. VPNs can encrypt internet traffic, shielding your child’s data from potential threats while gaming.
Read more: Get the Best VPN for Gaming that Enhanced Security
By following these steps, you can foster a secure gaming environment for your child, enabling them to enjoy their favorite games while remaining protected from online scams.
Read more: Cybersecurity in gaming: Protecting gamers from online threats
Bottom line
The gaming world is full of fun and excitement, but it’s also a prime target for scammers looking to exploit young players’ enthusiasm. By staying informed and helping your children navigate these virtual waters, you can ensure they enjoy their gaming experiences while staying safe from deceptive game promotions.
