Expert Warns Of 5 Popular Scams Gamers Need To Be Aware Of

Expert Warns Of 5 Popular Scams Gamers Need To Be Aware Of

With gaming’s rise in popularity comes, unsurprisingly, some costly pitfalls that you can easily avoid

Key Findings:

• Gaming expert reveals top scams affecting gamers

• Gaming expert examines how these scams work, including NFT and crypto scams, fake currency generators, and virtual item trading scams

• Expert shows how to avoid these scams without compromising your gaming experience

Gaming as a past-time has always been something we’ve enjoyed. However, gaming as an industry is approaching a value of half a trillion dollars with popular franchises like Roblox, Fortnite and Call Of Duty amassing eight-digit player counts daily, across multiple platforms (PC, console and mobile). 

As with any booming business, be it online or not, there comes a shady criminal element to it. “When it comes to online scammers, we’re not talking about people using aimbots on Call of Duty. There’s some real life-ruining activity taking place with some of these games, as well as apps related to gaming, like Discord,” Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, video game developer and CEO of FreezeNova Games, tells us. 

Here, he offers insights into what scams to watch out for when playing online:

1. Free Coin Generators

Fake currency generators are scams that promise free in-game currency for popular games, such as Fortnite’s V-Bucks or Roblox’s Robux. These scams are pervasive and often appear as third-party websites, apps or social media ads, drawing in gamers with the promise of easy, instant rewards.

How to avoid it: “To protect yourself, stick to official channels for purchasing in-game currency, whether through the game’s app store or certified vendors,” advises Marin. “Avoid third-party websites, especially those requiring personal information, and be wary of ads or messages offering free resources. If a currency offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

2. NFT and Crypto Scams in Games

With blockchain technology booming, many gaming projects have started using NFTs and cryptocurrencies. Sadly, this has opened the door to scams like ‘rug pulls.’ A rug pull happens when developers promote a game with appealing NFTs or digital assets, building up hype and attracting buyers—only to vanish with the funds once investments peak. 

CryptoZoo, an NFT-based game associated with Logan Paul, is a notable example; it promised unique animal hybrids and potential profits but left many investors with nearly worthless assets when the project failed to deliver on its promises.

How to avoid it: “Before investing in any NFT or crypto-based game, do your homework on the development team and the project. It also helps if they’ve not been investigated by the YouTuber ‘Coffeezilla’ prior to the project!” Marin jokes. “Look out for red flags like anonymous developers, overly aggressive marketing, and unrealistic returns. Never invest more than you’re willing to lose, and steer clear of projects pressuring you to act quickly.”

3. ‘Free’ Downloads 

Offers of ‘free’ extension packs, downloads, or cheats can seem tempting, but they often come with hidden risks. These downloads may be advertised as a way to enhance gameplay or provide advantages, but they frequently contain malware or viruses that can infect your device. 

Scammers rely on the allure of ‘free’ content to trick players into downloading files that compromise security. Once downloaded, the files can cause serious technical issues, from slowing down your system to stealing personal information.

How to avoid it: “Only download extensions, cheats, or add-ons from reputable and official sources,” Marin says. He advises players to avoid any downloads that aren’t verified by trusted gaming platforms, as, “Unless you can prove that the download is from a reputable source, it’s likely a virus. This goes for anything you download, not just gaming, as even seemingly harmless files can carry hidden threats.”

4. Cheat Software Scams

Cheat software scams target gamers looking for a competitive edge by offering ‘free’ or ‘premium’ cheats, like aimbots or wallhacks which most Call of Duty: Warzone players will argue the game has been rife with over the years. 

These scams usually involve fake software downloads or dubious websites that claim to provide enhancements for popular games. Instead of delivering helpful cheats, the downloaded files often install malware on the user’s device, compromising security and causing potential data loss.

How to avoid it: “In a way, getting cheated out of cheating software is a cruel form of poetic justice. The best way to avoid this in my opinion is simply to avoid downloading any cheat software, no matter how much you feel you need it,” Marin suggests. “Cheating software from untrusted sources is almost always a scam designed to steal your data or install viruses. Just stick to playing fair – not only is it safer but it also keeps your device secure and your accounts intact.”

5. Virtual Item Trading Scams

Virtual item trading scams are schemes in which scammers trick players into trading or giving away valuable in-game items – such as rare skins, weapons, or collectibles – often with promises of better items in return or real-world money. 

These scams are common on trading forums and marketplaces where players exchange items. Instead of receiving the agreed-upon trade or payment, victims are left empty-handed, having lost their valuable in-game assets.

How to avoid it: “Even if the options available aren’t as good as you want them to be, stick to the game’s official marketplace or use trading platforms approved by the game’s developers,” cautions Marin. “Scammers rely on players bypassing these official channels, so sticking to trusted, secure options is the best way to keep your virtual items safe. Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and avoid giving access or transferring items to strangers, especially if they’re pressuring you for a quick trade.”

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova Games comments:

“As gaming has grown, so too have the types of scams targeting players. Scams now range from fake offers of in-game currency to misleading ‘free’ downloads, all designed to trick players into giving up personal information or installing harmful software. It’s especially common to see scams that promise something for nothing, like free items or cheats. These are often just traps to gather account information or spread malware.

“For anyone in gaming – whether you’re trading items, buying add-ons, or considering in-game offers – it’s important to stay cautious. Stick to official marketplaces, verify sources, and avoid sharing personal information with unfamiliar sites or individuals. 

“I always recommend using two-factor authentication (2FA) and being especially wary of offers that seem unusually generous or urgent. The gaming world is full of genuine opportunities, but as a rule of thumb, remember: if an offer feels too good to be true, it probably is.”

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About FreezeNova Games

FreezeNova offers gamers the freedom to enjoy their favorite games without any restrictions. Dedicated to providing free access to a wide array of high-quality, unblocked games, FreezeNova ensures an enjoyable and addictive experience for gamers of all levels. Whether you prefer solo play or enjoy competing with friends, FreezeNova’s community features facilitate fast and easy connections with fellow gamers. The platform fosters a friendly and positive atmosphere, promoting engaging conversations and thrilling competitions. FreezeNova caters to diverse gaming preferences, offering everything from shooters and racing games to puzzles and survival simulators. 

CEO Marin Cristian-Ovidiu is a developer with 10+ years of experience in game design and development. Marin first introduced FreezeNova as a brand for indie games when he published Crazy Ball. Established as a start-up company in 2019, FreezeNova’s mission is to develop and publish fun, accessible games that can be enjoyed online by everyone.

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Expert Warns Of 5 Popular Scams Gamers Need To Be Aware Of

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Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]