Multiplayer video games have been gaining ground as the years have progressed. Before, the normal thing was games that only had a story mode (offline) or had both modes: both an offline game and an online game mode. However, online gaming is gaining more and more ground to the point that some companies only release video games to play online (such as Fall Guys or the new Battlefield 2042). However, this sector is very attractive to many people who are engaged in scams through online video games.
That is why we are going to bring you a series of tips to avoid being a victim of this type of scam. Although many deceptions are now made in this sector, there are still very common ones such as the different telephone scams that exist.
The effects of information theft
The pandemic caused it to further increase all players around the world playing online, as we were all confined to our homes. In fact, the video game industry made 18% more money in 2020 than in 2019, and surpassing other industries such as film or music.
Several companies have suffered data theft, as was the case with CD Projekt Red or EA this year. It was also the case of PlayStation Network ten years ago, causing that for weeks no player could connect to the service. Both in this attack and the one suffered by Riot Games in 2012 or Capcom in 2020, cybercriminals were able to access the data of millions of people.
Specifically, with the Sony hack, the Japanese company revealed that the name, address, email, date of birth, users, passwords or even credit cards of millions of people could be stolen.
This is why exposing our data to an online service is so dangerous . For users it is difficult since each company has its own cybersecurity system.
Tips to avoid being a victim of online scams
One way to avoid giving our bank details is to use virtual, rechargeable credit cards. You can also choose to use those that are sold in physical stores and that include a code that is redeemed.
Many players also choose to buy their games in some online stores to save money, since these online stores tend to be the cheapest games.
Even if you are safe, you have to make sure that the content we buy is from our country since we could buy a game in another language or a prepaid card that is not compatible with our country.
Of course, don’t ever share passwords or personal and banking details with untrustworthy people. It only gives the information absolutely necessary when making the purchase.
In the event that you see a game cheaper than normal, check that the same price appears in other online stores. In case it doesn’t match, the bargain-looking price is likely actually a scam .
In fact, it is better that you wait for official stores such as the PlayStation Store or Steam to take out their own sales , which in many cases equal or even lower the price of the games in some online stores.
Also, do not use the Bizum payment system or a similar method to pay, since in the event of a scam it would be impossible for you to get your money back.
Therefore, when both playing online and shopping online, keep in mind this series of tips to keep your private information safe and avoid being a victim of scams.
