Mobile gamers worldwide are set to reach 1.9 billion by 2027, taking the industry to a staggering US$118.90bn. While the projected market figures can vary between organizations, one thing is for sure—the industry as a whole is poised to experience phenomenal growth in the years to come as more phone users resort to gaming apps to unwind and take their minds off the world around them.
However, for some, it is much more than just a pastime. Serious gamers spend quite a bit of time and money on gameplay. For them, progressing to higher levels in a game can be an important source of achievement.
Obviously, the uber popularity of gaming apps bodes well for developers and other industry stakeholders. But it has also spawned a new wave of scams that relies on deception and trickery to siphon money.
Understanding the prevalent threats surrounding gaming apps is crucial for blocking criminal advances and ensuring a safe gaming environment for all. Here are six common scams plaguing these apps right now.
1. Phishing Attacks
Criminals are after only one thing when they launch a phishing attack—your identifiable data, from gaming account passwords to credit card information.
How can you encounter phishing? For example, you might get an email or message from a fraudster impersonating a gaming app. It could urge you to click a link and log into your account to verify information or to confirm a recent purchase. But instead of taking you to the relevant gaming site, it directs you to a spoofed one set up to steal login credentials.
With the details scammers acquire, they can target you for financial fraud or use your identity to commit various other deceptive acts. They may even sell your data on the dark web for a hefty price.
To avoid phishing threats, always verify unexpected communications before you respond. Inspect the email address for what might look like typos. If you receive the notification via an SMS or messaging app, run the phone number through Nuwber, a reverse phone search site that can look up personal and business numbers.
More importantly, never use unverified links to access your gaming account or share personal details based on unsolicited messages.
2. Malware Threats
App stores can harbor malicious software that looks like legitimate gaming apps. Once you download them, they could insert code that threatens your privacy and safety.
Malware could silently extract identifiable data from your device or use keystroke loggers to steal account credentials and payment information. Without your knowledge, some could even make premium international calls, which earn scammers money by the minute.
You can prevent many of these vicious apps from getting into your phone by using the Apple App Store, Google Play, or other reputed app stores. Checking reviews before downloading a gaming app is also critical.
Sometimes, emails, messages, and online ads could promote malware-laden applications. They can carry links that download viruses under the guise of genuine gaming apps. Practice caution when you see such messages and opt for well-known app stores for any downloads.
3. Cheat Code Fraud
Cheat codes allow gamers to level up faster or gain some other benefit that provides them with an advantage within the game. While these are often available for purchase from the original app developers, third-party providers have also become a popular option for those looking to advance through a game quickly.
But criminals can take advantage of this practice. They could approach you on gaming forums and social media platforms to offer a specific cheat code. But all communications will usually stop once you make the payment.
If you want a cheat code for whatever reason, it is always best to purchase from the original app developer. Avoid unverified strangers, especially those seeking payments via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and other untraceable methods.
4. Account Takeovers
Scammers can take over your gaming account using multiple techniques. They could purchase credentials in bulk on the dark web and deploy software to hack into profiles. Phishing attacks could provide them with the necessary login details, too.
What can they do once they gain entry into your account? Criminals can steal your credit card details and make expensive purchases until it is maxed out. They could also steal your in-game digital goods or purchase more and sell them to others.
If you have progressed far in the relevant game, your account could be worth a significant amount. In such an instance, scammers can block you by changing your profile information and passwords and selling your account to someone else.
To keep your account safe, adopting password best practices is crucial. Use strong passwords, opt for multi-factor authentication, and avoid reusing credentials across several accounts. Protecting your identifiable data from phishing attacks is equally essential.
5. Bogus Offers
From time to time, you may come across attractive gaming-related offers on social media, emails, and messages. If they look too good to pass over, there is a good chance they are not real.
For instance, you might receive a promotional email promising unlimited app downloads for a small one-off fee. After making the payment, the link downloads could differ from what was initially promised. Even worse, it could install dangerous malware on your device.
So, never allow your emotions to guide your decisions. Understandably, ignoring a tempting deal is not going to be easy. But it is the only way to ensure your safety from fraudulent offers.
6. Affiliate Scams
Shady actors can abuse gaming-related affiliate programs, incurring substantial costs to organizations. At times, this could even become a problem for you as a gamer.
For instance, these individuals could hijack and alter your affiliate links to steal your traffic. You can minimize such threats by cloaking your links, monitoring affiliate traffic, and choosing an affiliate program with strong anti-scam policies.
Sometimes, scammers could adopt deceptive practices to increase traffic to a particular page. They could, for instance, send you messages asking you to use certain links to download free gaming apps or promotional deals for in-app purchases. But when you click, they will take you to an unrelated affiliate web page for which they want to boost footfall. To avoid such spam, it is best to ignore unsolicited messages.
To Conclude
Gaming app fraud will continue to surge as more users enter the space. If you want to enjoy a safe gaming experience, be particularly mindful of phishing and malware threats, cheat code fraud, account takeovers, bogus offers, and affiliate scams.
