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Key Findings:
- Gaming expert explains how to avoid scammers and keep your money and details safe while gaming
- Expert recommends staying anonymous, blocking freely, and researching before you download
- Expert explains the other effects gaming can have on your health
The number of scammers online seems to be increasing every day, and online gaming is no exception. A shocking one in five gamers has been, or knows someone who has been, the target of a scam while playing.
“Most online video games encourage you to work together. But when everyone feels like they’re part of the team, people might let their guard down. Scammers exploit that,” says Wai-Fai Cou of U4GM, an online marketplace for video gaming extras. “We’ve put together a list of tips that will help you stay safe and avoid the scammers.”
Stay Anonymous
Scammers in online games are always looking for more information about you. They want to know things like your name and address so they can commit identity fraud. Scammers will typically try to gain your trust and get you to open up, so look out for people who want to start talking about personal stuff immediately.
“I highly recommend not using any real personal information in a gaming profile or sharing it while playing,” Wai-Fai says. “Make up a username that has nothing to do with your real identity, use your favorite character as your avatar, and refuse to answer questions deeper than what country you live in, if that.”
Investigate Privacy Settings
The first thing you should do when playing any new game is open the privacy settings menu and set them to be as restrictive as possible. As you play, you may find you need to loosen up these settings a couple of times, but it’s best to start out with the most secure settings while you’re still figuring the game out.
Beware Of Cheat Codes Or ‘Free’ Items
Fake emails, pop-ups, and messages advertising cheat codes and free items or currency are the biggest scams gamers get targeted by. These scammers say they can give you brilliant deals like in-game currency for half the price, but in reality they’ll take your money and ghost you. “This is why you should only buy in-game currency and extras either from the game itself or reputable partner stores,” Wai-Fai says.
Research Before You Download
Even though a game might be hosted on a platform like the Appstore, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to download. This is even more true of mods and other player-made add-ons. Always research how safe a game or mod is before you download it.
Credit, Not Debit
If you’re attaching a card to your account, whether to buy games or purchase microtransactions, always use a credit card over a debit card if you have one. Credit cards have protections that debit cards lack, making it easier to get your money back if you get scammed.
Block Freely
While some people online believe blocking is insulting, you shouldn’t let that affect who you choose to block. If someone is making you uncomfortable, asking invasive questions, or aggressively harassing you, block them immediately, and don’t feel any guilt over it. “You don’t owe them your time or attention,” says Wai-Fai. “In many games you can also report people for being aggressive or harassing other players, so look into those options as well.”
Wai-Fai Cou from U4GM commented:
“Ensuring your safety in the gaming world involves more than safeguarding your personal and financial details,” Wai-Fai says. “You should also pay attention to the often-overlooked effects gaming has on your mental and physical health. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs of gaming-related stress or addiction, which can manifest as sleep disturbances, increased anxiety, or strained relationships with family and friends.
“Balancing gaming with offline activities is essential. This includes setting time limits to avoid excessive play that could lead to physical issues such as poor posture, eye strain, or repetitive strain injuries. Incorporating regular breaks, maintaining a comfortable and ergonomic gaming setup, and engaging in physical exercise can counteract these effects.
“Moreover, the social dynamics within games can contribute to emotional stress. Whether positive or negative, online interactions can affect your self-esteem and mental health. Players should foster a healthy gaming environment by seeking support if they experience online harassment and avoiding toxic communities that can exacerbate feelings of stress or isolation.”
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