Even though online gaming can be very rewarding, it comes with its own risks: Between 2022 and 2023, online gamers lost more than $1 billion to online gaming scams and frauds. While the best online gaming platforms typically utilize an extensive security protocol to protect against scammers, it is necessary that you understand how to protect yourself, especially when processing large transactions.
This article aims to provide you with a practical guideline for staying safe when playing big on online gaming platforms. After reading, you should be equipped with the knowledge to navigate online gaming platforms even when playing big safely.
How to protect yourself during big gaming transactions
The following are some ways you can protect yourself when you play your favorite games on your choice of online platforms:
Play only on trusted platforms
While you are responsible for your safety while gaming online, the platform you choose to game on plays a significant role in your overall safety. Defi, esports, and even casino gaming, it is crucial that your preferred platform has measures in place that protect your interest.
Reputable platforms offer an extensive security setup that guarantees user safety, including fraud detection systems and secure payment methods. These sites also offer the best returns and bonuses across various virtual games.
Why it matters: Reputable platforms reduce the risk of falling victim to scams or hacks by offering verified trade systems and ensuring secure payment.
Actionable tips: Before choosing an online gaming platform, research it to determine its safety. Expert reviews are a great place to start.
Use a VPN for comprehensive protection
A virtual private network acts as a shield against hack attacks. It encrypts your internet connection, making it less likely that you will fall victim to a cyberattack. Additionally, the anonymity it brings adds a layer of extra protection, making it harder for malicious actors to target you.
Why it matters: VPNs make it difficult for hackers to access sensitive information like your login and payment details. Furthermore, they protect against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can make it difficult to have a smooth online gaming experience.
Actionable tips: Always use a VPN when processing a high-stakes online gaming transaction. Choose a reputable provider that combines high-speed connections with robust encryption protocols to guarantee a safe and seamless gaming experience.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Gambling experts often stress the need for a strong security protocol when playing big on an online platform. One security measure often cited is Two-factor authentication. This measure adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a one-time code sent to your phone or email.
Why it matters: Even if a scammer gets a hold of your password with Two-Factor Authentication, they can not access your account without the second form of authentication.
Actionable tip: Gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games, and Blizzard offer 2FA options. Before you start playing, make sure you enable this feature.
Strengthen your passwords
Choosing a strong password might seem obvious, but you may be surprised how often online gamers become victims of online scammers because they use weak passwords. A strong, unique password for each gaming account can prevent unauthorized access. For many, the onus lies in understanding what a strong password is.
A strong password is generally one that doesn’t include personal details such as your age, date of birth or other anniversaries, location, etc. Additionally, it typically includes a combination of letters, numbers, and unique characters. Most websites have password suggestion features to help you pick a strong password.
Why it matters: Hackers often use password-guessing tools or stolen credentials from other platforms to compromise accounts.
Actionable tip: Use a password manager to manage, create, and store complex passwords and add an extra layer of protection.
Monitor your account activity
Regularly monitoring your account allows you to spot suspicious activities quickly, helping you take immediate action to prevent fraud, unauthorized transactions, or potential security breaches before they escalate.
Why it matters: Hackers often act quickly. They transfer your assets or change your account settings before you even know that you have been hacked.
Actionable tip: Check your account history regularly to detect changes. Additionally, you should enable notifications for login attempts or transactions.
Use Antivirus and Antimalware
Cyber threats are a constant risk in the online gaming world, especially when large transactions are involved. Hackers deploy malware, such as in the fake League of Legends scam, spyware, and keylogger, to steal login credentials and financial data from unsuspecting gamers. Using a reputable antivirus and antimalware program can help detect and remove these threats before they cause harm.
Why it matters: Malicious software can compromise your gaming accounts, leading to unauthorized transactions or total account loss. Protecting yourself with robust cybersecurity tools significantly reduces these risks.
Actionable tip: Regularly scan your device for threats, keep your antivirus software updated, and avoid downloading files or clicking on links from unverified sources.
Keep software updated
Playing with outdated software can increase your vulnerability to hack attacks. To keep yourself safe, you should update your software and frequently update games to take advantage of advanced security features.
Why it matters: An unpatched game or outdated software is a sitting duck for hackers.
Actionable tip: Enable automatic updates for your games, devices, and antivirus software to strengthen your defense.
Consult gaming forums
While this may not look like conventional advice, it can save you from a lot of scams. Since scammers are always looking for new ways to outsmart online gamers, checking out an online forum can help you discover new scams and act protectively to protect yourself.
Why it matters: Securing your account often requires being proactive.
Actionable tip: Join gaming groups like those on Reddit and other popular gaming forums to get the most recent information in the gaming industry.
Common risks of large money transactions in gaming
The following are some common risks for gamers playing with sizable wallets:
Phishing websites and emails: This involves scammers creating fake websites that resemble official platforms of popular gaming platforms or sending emails that appear to be from established game developers. The aim is to get the user’s login details or payment information.
Fake giveaways and free currency offer: Scammers often advertise free giveaways on social media platforms to steal your personal details or account credentials. Be wary of giveaways that promise to offer free virtual currencies, such as V-bucks, Robux, etc.
Account takeovers: this involves Scammers posing as legitimate buyers or traders but exploiting opportunities to take control of your gaming account
Fake gift card or currency sales: Scammers may contact you with discounted offers on gift cards or virtual currencies. These scams often leave you with invalid codes or nothing at all.
Account recovery scams: Many hackers like to pose as experts who can help you recover your hacked account so that they can get access to your personal information and assets.
In-game trade scams: These scams occur when other players manipulate trades, swapping valuable items with counterfeit or low-value alternatives at the last moment.
