If you’re a massive multiplayer online gamer (MMOG), pay close attention to this scam alert so you don’t get hooked by a circulating phishing scam. Scammers are sending fake emails warning that your account is about to be suspended due to your trying to sell your in-game character or virtual goods for real money. The email goes on to claim that you could be sued by the gaming company for up to $2,700 if you ignore the notice and continue selling virtual goods for real money. The email prompts you to click a link and fill in a “verification” page if you want to check the status of your account or challenge the suspension. In reality it’s a setup designed to steal your personal information, such as your account and banking information.
The scammers are very crafty with their emails. They may use popular logos or company names to con people into believing they are legitimate. Don’t fall for their tricks. If you receive one of these types of emails, heed these tips to protect yourself:
-
Don’t reply, click on links, or call phone numbers provided in the message.
-
Locate the company’s real contact information and get in touch with them on your own to verify the message’s authenticity.
-
Never open attachments or download files from unexpected emails as they may have viruses that can harm your computer. Always hover over the link or URL in emails to reveal the address destination of the link. If it looks suspicious, or if the link in the email differs from the link you are being directed to, don’t click it or download the material.
-
Always use caution about opening emails from unfamiliar individuals. Be safe and even take a close look at emails you receive from familiar individuals. Hackers often hijack user accounts and use them to send spam and fraudulent emails.
-
Be suspicious of any unsolicited email requesting personal information. Never enter your personal information on any website that you are unfamiliar with and do not email your information to anyone asking for your credit card or banking information, social security number, identification number, or other sensitive data.
-
Ignore pop-up windows. Schemers often use these tools to get you to enter your information. Close out of the window by clicking the “x” instead of the “cancel” button that may be available in the advertisement. Clicking on the button could lead you to a fraudulent website or may contain malware or a virus.
If you have been scammed, file a complaint with BCA to warn others of your experience.
Before you pay, check BCA!
About Business Consumer Alliance
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit company that started in 1928. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint information, along with other relevant information such as customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to defraud the marketplace. BCA also helps businesses promote themselves by providing services and tools to protect their business and reach out to their customers. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.