Online gaming has become a popular pastime, and the industry has grown exponentially in recent years. This has attracted more players, along with scammers who see it as an opportunity to exploit them. Online gaming scams have been on the rise due to increased digital transactions and in-game purchases.
Common scams include phishing, fake giveaways, and account takeovers, affecting millions of players globally.
Let’s get into the details to understand how scammers are targeting players and you can protect yourself from such scams.
Online Gaming Scams in India
Online gaming scams generally begin from social media ads, where scammers lure people by providing an opportunity to make big wins just by completing levels in games.
Without realizing the risks, many people click on these ads. Now post this, there are different ways by which scammers scam people. Here are some of the ways:
1. Fake Payouts to Lure Bigger Deposits
Scammers build fake gaming apps that initially allow small withdrawals to build trust. Once players deposit larger amounts, the payout stops, and the scammers disappear.
2. Scams Offering Freebies or In-Game Currency
This is another way to loot people. This scammer, asks players to share their bank details to provide them with freebies or the amount they have earned.
3. Fake Game Apps That Steal Bank Details
Now, this is the most common way of online gaming scams. Scammers create fake apps for some of the most popular games. They run ads to make it download.
However, when the player downloads using the link, the scammer gets access to their device from which they steal away their sensitive and personal information.
4. Phishing Emails
Another common way is phishing email that redirects them to a fake website and asks for personal details that make it easier for a scammer to access their banking account.
Online Gaming Scams: Case Study
Now these scams are common and one with no technical background might get trapped in such a scam. But one shocking news came out from Bhubneshwar where one techie lost ₹1 lakh due to an online gaming scam.
As per the report, a victim named Mohan was browsing social media after returning from the office when he came across an ad for an online game. The ad displays an opportunity to win money in the range of ₹50 to ₹1,000.
This lured Mohan and he clicked to complete the registration step. However, after finishing game levels he was requested to link his bank account to avail prize money.
For this he was asked to enter OTP, however as soon as he entered the OTP, ₹1,00,000 was deducted from his account in three installments.
When he tried to contact the game provider, he got no response and soon reported the case to the cyber police.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Gaming Scams?
With the rise of online gaming scams, it’s crucial to take preventive measures to safeguard your money and personal data. Here are some effective ways to protect yourself:
- Verify Gaming Legitimacy: Always download apps from the Play Store or App Store. Before downloading don’t forget to check for reviews & ratings.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never share sensitive details like bank credentials, OTPs, or passwords with anyone claiming to offer in-game rewards or bonuses.
- Beware of Unrealistic Offers: Avoid clicking on ads promising guaranteed money or free in-game purchases.
- Use Strong Passwords: Protect your gaming accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
How to Report Online Frauds in India?
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Conclusion
Online gaming scams are a growing threat, and scammers are constantly finding new ways to exploit players.
While gaming can be an enjoyable pastime, it’s essential to remain cautious and vigilant. Always verify gaming platforms, avoid suspicious offers, and educate yourself about digital fraud.
By taking proactive measures, you can enjoy online gaming safely without falling prey to scams.
Stay alert and report any suspicious activities to protect yourself and others.
