Fortnite Scams: What to Look Out For

Fortnite, one of the most popular video games in the world, attracts millions of players daily. With its colourful graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and a vast in-game economy based on the virtual currency V-Bucks, it's no surprise that scammers have targeted this fanbase. Unfortunately, Fortnite scams are becoming more sophisticated, leaving players vulnerable to losing their accounts, money, or personal data. Whether you're a seasoned player or a parent of a young gamer, knowing the most common Fortnite scams and what to look out for is crucial to staying safe in the gaming world.

If you are looking for more information on Fortnite check out our article titled Is Fortnite Good for Kids?

The Allure of Free V-Bucks

One of the most enticing scams in Fortnite revolves around the promise of free V-Bucks, the in-game currency used to purchase skins, weapons, and other cosmetic items. The prospect of getting V-Bucks for free is tempting to many, especially younger players who may lack the means to buy them directly. Unfortunately, scammers prey on this eagerness, often using social media, fake websites, and even in-game messages to lure victims into their traps. These scams usually follow a similar pattern: players are directed to a third-party website that claims to offer free V-Bucks in exchange for completing surveys, sharing personal information, or entering login credentials. Once the scammer has this information, they can steal the player's account or sell their data on the dark web. Some variations of the scam involve fake Fortnite generators, which claim to give players unlimited V-Bucks or special in-game items. These generators are often just malware in disguise, infecting devices and compromising security.

What to Look Out For:

• Too-good-to-be-true offers: If a website or social media post promises free V-Bucks with little effort, it's likely a scam. Fortnite's official stance is that the only way to obtain V-Bucks is through legitimate purchases or in-game rewards.

• Fake websites: Scammers often create websites that look like official Fortnite pages. Always check the URL for misspellings or subtle differences from the official domain.

• Suspicious requests for personal information: Fortnite does not ask for your login credentials or personal details to participate in promotions. If a website asks for this, it's a red flag.

Account Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are rampant in gaming, and Fortnite is no exception. These scams involve tricking players into providing their login information, which scammers then use to take control of their accounts. With access to a player's account, scammers can steal V-Bucks, skins, and other valuable in-game items or even lock the player out entirely. Phishing can occur through several avenues, including emails, direct messages, and fake Fortnite login pages. In some cases, players receive an email that appears to be from Fortnite or Epic Games, claiming that there's an issue with their account. The email may ask the player to log in via a link to resolve the problem, but the link directs them to a fake login page. Once the player enters their credentials, the scammer has everything they need to hijack the account. This type of scam often targets younger players who may not recognise the warning signs of phishing attacks and so parents need to educate their children on these things.

What to Look Out For:

• Emails from suspicious addresses: Always check the sender's email address carefully. Official Fortnite and Epic Games emails will come from verified domains, like "@epicgames.com"

• Urgent messages: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency, claiming that your account will be banned or that you need to act fast to secure a reward. Take a moment to verify the legitimacy of these claims before clicking any links.

• Check the URL: If you're asked to log in, ensure the website URL starts with "https://" and matches the official Epic Games website. Phishing sites often look very similar to the official page but will have slightly different URLs.

  
  

The Fake Tournament Scam

Fortnite's competitive scene is a massive draw for many players. Scammers have taken advantage of this by creating fake tournaments and events that lure players in with promises of significant cash prizes, rare in-game items, or exclusive skins. These scams often appear on social media or shady websites, offering players the chance to sign up for a small fee or by providing personal information.

The scammer often collects money from hundreds of players and then vanishes without holding the tournament or awarding any prizes. Alternatively, some scammers may use the registration process to gather personal information or access players' Fortnite accounts. This scam results in financial losses and risks players' account security. Fake tournament organisers may also ask participants to download special software, often malware disguised as a gaming tool. This could be in the form of 'tournament management software' or 'cheat tools' that promise to enhance your gameplay. This malware can steal sensitive data or cause significant harm to the player's device.

What to Look Out For:

• Unverified tournaments: If a tournament isn't advertised on official Fortnite channels or trusted esports platforms, it's likely a scam.

• Registration fees: While some legitimate Fortnite tournaments require a fee, double-checking the source is always wise. Most official Fortnite events are free to enter.

• Promises of extravagant rewards: Scammers often lure players by promising rare skins or substantial cash prizes. If the award seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Impersonation Scams

Another common Fortnite scam involves individuals pretending to be Epic Games employees or Fortnite support staff. Scammers may reach out to players through direct messages, emails, or in-game chats, claiming to be able to offer special deals, fix account issues, or help players recover lost V-Bucks or items. These scammers often request sensitive information, such as login credentials, or ask the player to make a payment in exchange for their services. Once they have the necessary information, they can hijack the account or steal payment details. Some scammers also impersonate famous Fortnite players or influencers, offering fake giveaways or exclusive content in exchange for personal information. These schemes are particularly prevalent on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, where players may follow influencers for tips and updates on the game.

What to Look Out For:

• Unsolicited contact: Epic Games will never contact players directly through DMs or emails to offer services. If someone claims to be an Epic Games employee and contacts you unsolicited, it's likely a scam.

• Payment requests: Official Fortnite support staff will not charge for account recovery or issue resolution.

• Verify influencers: Always check if an influencer or player promoting a giveaway is verified on social media. Look for official badges or markers that indicate their legitimacy.

Fortnite Scam Prevention: Tips for Staying Safe

With the rise of Fortnite scams, it's more important than ever to be proactive about protecting your account and personal information. Following a few simple tips, players can reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams and ensure they enjoy Fortnite safely.

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your Fortnite account is by enabling two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email as well as your username and password when logging in.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Always use a unique password for your Fortnite account and change it regularly. Avoid using easily guessed passwords or the same password across multiple platforms.

3. Be Sceptical of Free Offers: Whether it's free V-Bucks, skins, or items, always approach such offers with caution. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam or suspicious message, immediately report it to Epic Games. They have a team dedicated to investigating scams and can help protect you and other players.

5. Educate Young Players: Parents should talk to their children about the risks of Fortnite scams (and the risks of being online in general) and teach them how to recognise suspicious activity. Younger players are often more vulnerable to these schemes, so educating them early is critical to keeping them safe.

In Conclusion

By staying informed and cautious, Fortnite players can enjoy the game without worrying about being scammed. Always be vigilant, and when in doubt, refer to official Fortnite channels for guidance.

Fortnite scams are increasingly prevalent, but with the proper knowledge and vigilance, players can avoid falling victim. Whether it's phishing attempts, fake tournaments, or free V-Buck offers, staying informed is the first line of defence. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be able to enjoy the game while keeping your account and personal information safe.