POLICE are warning gamers about Fortnite scams that try to trick you out of money.
Action Fraud and several UK police forces have alert players about cons relating to V-Bucks, a virtual currency.
Fortnite is a hit video game that’s taken Britain by storm, with players spending millions of pounds on it every month.
The game itself is free, but players can purchase virtual V-Bucks, which can then be traded for in-game costumes and items.
And it’s easy to access because you can play it on Windows, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and even iPhone and Android handsets.
But police say scammers are preying on gamers with phoney V-Bucks offers.
“Do you or your kids play Fortnite? Beware of fraudsters offering free V-Bucks,” said police forces, including Cheshire Police and Cambridgeshire Police.
“They will seek access to your account and create charges or may ask for your phone number and sign you up to premium rate subscriptions.
“Be careful with your personal data.”
The Sun has reported on a number of Fortnite scams before, including fake V-Bucks offers, and dodgy iPhone and Android download links.
According to Action Fraud, Brits have lost thousands of pounds thanks to Fortnite scams.
Between April 2017 and March 2018, Action Fraud received 35 reports of Fortnite related fraud, with a total loss off £5,119 – that’s an average of £146 per victim.
The figure is almost certainly higher, given that Fortnite launched on both iPhone and Android since then.
Fortnite fraud – how to avoid being scammed
Here's the official advice from Action Fraud...
- HMRC, or any other government department, will never ask for payment in the form of V-Bucks, Steam Cards, or any other gift card, such as iTunes
- Personal information – Always question requests for personal or financial information
- The promise of ‘free’ vouchers or credits is a common tactic used by fraudsters to persuade people to give out sensitive, personal or financial details.
- Listen to your instincts – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information
- Every Report Matters – If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to us online or by calling 0300 123 2040
“It is vital that both parents and those playing games online are able to spot the signs of fraud, as fraudsters will go to great lengths to try to steal your money,” said Pauline Smith, Director of Action Fraud.
“It is also important that parents make their children aware of the threat of fraud online.
“If you are downloading or purchasing game add-ons, make sure you use the official website. You should never reveal your password or banking details to someone you don’t know, or be tempted to click on links to unknown.
“If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud.”
According to Action Fraud, the most common scam involves gamers seeing adverts on social media channels that offer free V-Bucks.
You’re asked to click a link and enter information, seemingly in exchange for Fortnite’s virtual currency.
But you’ll simply end up handing your information over to scammers, who can then log in and create fraudulent targets.
What is Fortnite Battle Royale?
If you're new to the game, here's what you need to know
- Fortnite’s Battle Royale is free-to-play
- It’s available on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, iPhone and most recently Nintendo Switch
- In the game, up to 100 players are dropped onto a fictional island
- Players are then forced to battle it out in a last-person-standing deathmatch
- To help, players can collect a range of weapons hidden all over the island
- You can also collect resources – like wood, bricks and metal – to build defensive structures
- The area you can play in on the island is constantly shrinking thanks to an encroaching storm
- This means players are forced together over time, until just one person survives
- The game also has a paid-for co-op story campaign
MOST READ IN TECH
Fraudsters may also get you to provide your phone number, and then sign you up to premium rate subscription services.
Other scams include selling access to other people’s Fortnite accounts, and offering V-Bucks for free – but actually charging for it.
Have you ever seen any Fortnite scams online? Let us know in the comments!
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Link
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News Pictures Fortnite V-Bucks scam warning issued by police as gamers lose THOUSANDS to fraudsters
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