FBI Alerts Gamers – Be Wary of Crypto-Theft Scams in Play-to-Earn Games

Having trouble buying that new in-game item? Don’t let temptation lead you astray – according to the FBI, you might wind up a victim of cryptocurrency theft.

Recent reports have highlighted a growing trend among game developers and players, where a ‘play-to-earn’ system is used to encourage gamers to do more than just grind their way to victory. Players can earn real world rewards like tokens, gift cards, and cryptocurrency (the only kind of currency you can spend in the game) by playing.

Unfortunately, this has also opened up a new avenue for criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting players. The FBI is warning gamers about crypto-theft scams that are increasingly common in play-to-earn games.

So, put away your crypto wallet and keep an extra eye out for the following:

1. Upfront Deposits

Beware of any requests for you to deposit cryptocurrency or any other kind of payment first – this is a common ploy used by scammers. If they demand that you deposit something before they’ll give you a reward, it’s probably a scam.

2. Unclear Rules

Before you enter into any kind of play-to-earn game, make sure you know the rules. Scammers will often set up games with rules that are intentionally vague, allowing them to change them on a whim.

3. Excessive Transaction Fees

If a game charges an unusually high amount for transaction fees, don’t be so quick to brush it off as a scam. The fees may be designed to skim more cryptocurrency from you, so always double-check the fees before you enter any play-to-earn game.

4. Anonymous Promoters

Finally, don’t trust any promoters that don’t reveal their identity. Most legitimate play-to-earn games will include the name and contact information of the developers, so make sure to look it up before you sign up.

The Bottom Line:
Play-to-earn games can be a great way to earn rewards, but keep your eyes open for the scammers. Take the time to thoroughly research any game before you part with your hard-earned cryptocurrency, so you don’t become a victim of crypto-theft!