The International Trade Commission reported that in 2023, the gaming industry generated $184 billion worldwide. And, it announced, 95 percent of the world’s 3.2 billion gamers buy their games online. Add up all the figures, and it’s obvious why scammers flock to the gaming universe to score. But you don’t have to become a victim. For starters, don’t take the gaming equivalent of candy (free currency, upgrades, and packs) from strangers.
Video games have come a long way, and they’re no longer just for kids. These days, it’s not unusual to see a grandparent and grandchild sharing the same couch, each wrapped up in their own game; grandma plays her favorite word game on her tablet while her grandkid wrestles with a Roblox game on their smartphone.
While it might seem like harmless fun, both players could unknowingly be at risk of falling victim to confusing or unintuitive game design choices. In December 2024, for example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began refunding $245 million to impacted Fortnite players who the game’s makers had tricked into making in-app purchases and more.
No matter your preferred game or age, here’s what to watch for in the world of online gaming.
Scams gamers should watch for
While the goal of most online gaming scammers might be the same (to get your login credentials or other personal information, steal financial details, and/or drain your in-game cash), their strategies may vary.
Phishing
Cyber crooks may send out legitimate-looking emails, texts, and direct messages that claim something went wrong with your gaming account, and you need to change your login credentials. Follow the provided links and your account gets hacked and everything from your email address to the credit card details you stored online gets stolen.
Other phishing scams involve fake gaming sites that crop up via search engine results or ads on social media. These fake sites may look real but are simply charade sites meant to lure you into giving over your account information.
For countermeasures, always triple check the URL before clicking on a link. Is it spelled the same as the real one? Does it have “HTTPS” in it? Besides vetting the URL, you could go straight to the gaming site and access your account there. Change your login information on the site itself.
Malware
Dedicated gamers know that secret tips can help you excel in video games. Scores of YouTube channels and Reddit threads are devoted to sharing these. Scammers also know that gamers thirst for these tips, so they send and post “secret tip” offers to entice their victims.
The traps may promise to share game secrets or enable you with winning attributes with a simple download, but none deliver. Instead, when a gamer downloads the freebie material, it infects their device with malware that steals and shares their data. The malware may even sabotage the infected device.
Only download material that you have thoroughly researched. Search for the offer and the word “scam” to see if negative reports exist. Check gaming community chats to see what others have experienced.
Bogus work ads
What gaming fan doesn’t fantasize about getting paid to play? The few pro gamers who actually do earn money this way are often revered as legends among their followers. So, who can blame the regular gamer who clicks when they come across a “developer’s offer” to beta test new games for cash?
The scam typically involves paying to initiate the scheme, which is as suspicious as it sounds. Avoid ever paying to do work of any kind.
Also, don’t accept work where the employer pays in gift cards or where an individual person (not a legitimate corporation) asks for your bank account information.
In-game shenanigans
An in-game scam is one you encounter while you are actively playing a game. One type masquerades as a commercial during an otherwise free online game. Some of these ads are legit; others are in-game scams.
Thieves also target victims directly via private messages and live chats while a game is underway. Because such scammers may target you while you're distracted, they have an advantage. As with other tricks, these scams offer freebies and tips. Some might even offer free or discounted game packs, upgrades, or bells and whistles for your avatar.
Avoid clicking on in-game commercials, and don’t accept gifts from gamers unless you know them personally. Try to only communicate with gamers you know.
Freebies
Other scams offer in-game currency offers (for example, Robux in Roblox, gold in World of Warcraft, or V-bucks in Fortnite) or gift cards supposedly redeemable on platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo.
Click on these offers, and you’re asked to enter your login credentials. Once you do, the scammer may steal your information to hack your account, use up or transfer your existing in-game currency, or even hijack your stored credit cards. Try to only buy game currency from the verified game itself and only accept currency gifts from players you know.
Avoiding gaming scams
Gamers know how to evade bad guys, monsters, and obstacles of all sorts. Outwitting scammers doesn’t have to be all that different.
Navigate the gaming world with eyes wide open—from a place of caution and wariness—and you’re less likely to be victimized. Here are more tips to play it safe:
Shop smart. Purchase upgrades, packs, and in-game currency from the app itself or from reputable sources that you have thoroughly vetted online.
When in doubt, don’t. The old saying “If it’s too good to be true, it’s too good to be true,” rings eternal because of its steadfastness. If you receive an out-of-the-blue chance to buy bonus points or get paid to test out a new game, smell a rat and skip it.
Forget the freebies. Accept in-game gifts only from friends you actually know. Don’t sign up for free games or other such offers.
Tighten up your security. Use strong passwords to create your unique login credentials and always enable two-step authentication on your gaming accounts if you have the option. Set safety and parental controls to the most stringent standards and keep personal information out of chats.
Stay current. As you scour gaming communities for tips and news, keep an eye out for reports of the latest scams.
Stick with the tried-and-true gaming sites. While even the best gaming sites can get infiltrated by scammers, the oldies like Minecraft, Roblox, and the like could tend to be safer and have more recourse when problems arise.
Reporting gaming scams
If you become the victim of a gaming scam, report the scam to the game via their “contact us” or help center. If it was another user who committed the scam, report them, too.
Taking additional security measures is also crucial. Change your login and account information, cancel credit cards associated with the account, and change your login credentials across other gaming platforms, too.
Plus, if you're an Allstate Identity Protection member, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the game. If you think you've been targeted by a scam, reach out to us and we’ll help you figure out what to do next.
