Recognising and avoiding scams
Online gaming can be a lot of fun. But sometimes, there are people who try to trick you with scams.
What is a scam?
A scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving them your personal information or money. Scammers can be very sneaky and use different ways to trick you.
Here are some common scams you might come across while gaming:
1. Phishing scams
Phishing scams are when someone sends you a message or email pretending to be from a trusted source, like the gaming company. They might ask you to click on a link and enter your personal details. This is a trick to steal your information.
2. Fake offers
Sometimes, scammers will offer you free game items, currency, or upgrades. They might ask for your account details or payment information in return. These offers are usually fake and can lead to your account being hacked.
3. Impersonation scams
Scammers might pretend to be your friend or someone you know in the game. They could ask for your personal information or try to get you to send them money.
How to recognise scams
1. Suspicious links:
be cautious of links sent by people you don’t know. If a link looks strange or has a lot of random characters (letters, numbers and symbols), it might be a scam.
2. Too good to be true:
if someone offers you something that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Free items or upgrades without any effort are usually scams.
3. Urgent requests:
scammers often try to make you feel that something is very important right now, telling you that you need to act quickly. If someone is pressuring you to give information or click a link, be careful.
How to avoid scams
1. Don’t share personal information:
never share your personal information, like your full name, address, or passwords, with anyone online.
2. Verify sources:
if you receive a message from someone claiming to be from the gaming company, check that they are through their official website or by contacting customer support.
3. Use strong passwords:
make sure your passwords are strong and unique. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and never share them with anyone.
4. Enable two-factor authentication:
two-factor authentication means you need two things, like a password and a code sent to your phone, to log in and keep your account safe. Even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor.
5. Report suspicious activity:
if you think someone seems suspicious or is asking for personal information, report them to the game moderators. They can investigate and take action.
Talk to a trusted adult
If you’re ever unsure about something online, talk to an adult you trust. They can help you understand what’s safe and what’s not.
