Gaming expert Marin Cristian-Ovidiu breaks down the most common scams affecting players, including NFT and crypto scams, fake currency generators, and virtual item trading scams. He also explains how these scams operate and provides practical tips to avoid falling victim, all while ensuring your gaming experience remains enjoyable and secure.
As the gaming industry rapidly approaches a valuation of half a trillion dollars, concerns over scams within the sector continue to grow. With millions of players engaging daily on platforms like Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty, the gaming community has become a lucrative target for scammers exploiting the industry’s popularity.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, video game developer and CEO of FreezeNova Games, has outlined the most prevalent scams in gaming today and provided crucial advice for players to protect themselves. His insights are particularly significant as gamers face increasing risks of data breaches, malware attacks, and financial loss through fraudulent activities.
Understanding the threats in gaming
The rise in gaming-related scams highlights how malicious actors take advantage of players’ enthusiasm for rewards, in-game advancements, and new technology. From deceptive offers of free in-game currency to virtual trading schemes, scammers employ a variety of tactics to exploit unsuspecting players.
“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,” explains Marin Cristian-Ovidiu.
Below are the top scams targeting gamers, as identified by Marin, along with strategies to avoid falling victim.
The Top Scams Targeting Gamers
- Fake In-Game Currency Generators
Fake currency generators claim to provide free in-game currency for popular games like Fortnite’s V-Bucks or Roblox’s Robux. These scams are widespread, appearing as third-party websites, apps, or social media ads, luring gamers with promises of 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.”
- NFT and Crypto-Based Gaming Scams
As blockchain technology grows, many games now involve NFTs and cryptocurrencies. Unfortunately, this has led to scams like ‘rug pulls.’ In these scams, developers promote games with exciting NFTs or digital assets, attract investments, and then disappear with the funds.
A well-known example is CryptoZoo, an NFT game associated with Logan Paul. It promised unique animal hybrids and potential profits but left investors with nearly worthless assets when the project failed to deliver.
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.”
- Fraudulent Downloads and Add-ons
Offers of ‘free’ extension packs, downloads, or cheats may seem tempting but often come with hidden risks. These files can include malware or viruses that infect your device, compromising security. Scammers use the lure of ‘free’ content to trick players into downloading harmful files.
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.”
- Cheat Software Scams
Cheat software scams target gamers seeking an edge by offering ‘free’ or ‘premium’ cheats, such as aimbots or wallhacks. These scams often involve fake software downloads or shady websites, but instead of cheats, they deliver malware that compromises your device.
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.”
- Virtual Item Trading Scams
These scams trick players into giving away valuable in-game items, such as rare skins or weapons, by offering promises of better items or real-world money. They are common in trading forums and marketplaces, leaving victims without their items or the promised trade.
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 sceptical 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.”
Preventative measures for gamers
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.”
With the increasing sophistication of scams, Marin emphasises the importance of proactive measures:
- Always use two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced account security.
- Be sceptical of unsolicited offers or time-sensitive trades.
- Verify the authenticity of any platform before sharing personal information.
About FreezeNova Games
FreezeNova gives players the freedom to enjoy their favourite games without limitations. Committed to providing free access to a wide selection of top-quality unblocked games, FreezeNova ensures a fun and engaging experience for gamers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer playing alone or competing with friends, FreezeNova’s community features make it easy to connect quickly with other players. The platform creates a welcoming and positive environment, encouraging lively interactions and exciting competitions.
FreezeNova caters to a wide range of gaming interests, offering options from shooters and racing games to puzzles and survival simulators.
The company is led by CEO Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, a developer with over 10 years of experience in game design and development. Marin introduced FreezeNova as a brand for indie games with the release of Crazy Ball. Established as a start-up in 2019, FreezeNova’s mission is to create and publish enjoyable, accessible games that everyone can play online.
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