Online Gaming: Is Your Kid Secured From Fraud?
Super Mario, Contra, Sonic 2, GoldenEye 007, Street Fighter II, Aladdin…
Do these game names take you down memory lane? Chances are, you played these classics back when you were your child’s age. Back then, games were simple. All you needed was a plug-in video game console and a wired remote—two players, one screen, and hours of pure fun.
Wow! Just writing this brings back a wave of nostalgia—those sweet, carefree moments of childhood. I’m sure you feel it too.
But times have changed. What used to be all about fun, with no worries about online theft or scams, has flipped completely with the rise of modern devices and internet-connected platforms. Now, kids play games on PlayStation, laptops, Smart TVs, smartphones, and even smartwatches. With so many gaming options, the risk of falling victim to online scammers and cybercriminals has grown just as fast.
In our time, games didn’t require payments. You just plugged in and played—no strings attached. But today, nearly every other game involves some form of monetary transaction. The further kids progress in a game, the more invested (and addicted) they become. There are those who are willing to spend a small fortune just to keep playing.
This is where your role as a parent becomes crucial. It’s crucial to educate your children about the dangers. Online scammers are always lurking, waiting to deceive young and inexperienced gamers. Once caught in that web, it’s hard for kids to escape. Because they might not be emotionally or mentally prepared to deal with fraud, they could end up scared, manipulated, and even sending large sums of money—without ever letting you know.
Data Say’s It All
Recent data underscores a troubling rise in cyberattacks targeting young gamers, with a 30% increase in incidents during the first half of 2024 compared to the latter half of 2023. Over 132,000 unique users were targeted by cybercriminals using popular children’s games as bait – ITP.net
Between July 2023 and June 2024, Kaspersky’s security solutions detected more than 6.6 million attempted attacks disguised as children’s games. The most exploited titles included Minecraft, Roblox, and Among Us, with Minecraft alone accounting for over 3 million attempted attacks – CRN India
Cybercriminals increasingly employ AI-driven phishing techniques to craft personalized scams that are more likely to deceive young gamers. These scams often promise in-game rewards, such as exclusive skins or currency, and may involve fake surveys or downloads that lead to malware infections – Kaspersky
The surge in gaming fraud is also reflected in broader trends. For instance, AU10TIX reported a 250% increase in online gaming fraud cases in Q1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with payment fraud accounting for 62% of all fraud attacks that occurred in the quarter – sbcamericas.com
These statistics highlight the urgent need for parents and guardians to educate children about online safety and implement protective measures to mitigate the risks associated with online gaming.
Now, let’s understand how to protect our children from gaming scams while still allowing them to enjoy their gaming experience.
What Are Microtransactions?
These days, some of the biggest games out there—like Fortnite, PUBG, and Call of Duty—offer players the option to spend real money inside the game. Whether it’s buying cooler weapons, unlocking extra lives, or customising your character’s look, these small purchases are called microtransactions.
It might seem odd to pay for something that only exists in a game, but it’s actually a huge part of how game companies make money. A recent report from Forbes predicted that the video game industry would be worth over $200 billion by 2023, with microtransactions playing a major role in that growth.
If your kids are into these kinds of games, it’s likely they’ve already spent money on in-game items or are thinking about it. Here are a few simple ways you can help keep them safe while they play.
Tips to Keep Kids Safe While Gaming
1. Don’t share your payment info
Your bank details, UPI pins, or card numbers should never be easily accessible to your kids—even if they need them for something legit. Always make sure any purchase goes through you, so nothing slips through unnoticed.
2. Teach them to avoid sketchy links
Online games often involve chatting with strangers, and not everyone has good intentions. Talk to your kids about the risks of clicking on random links—they might lead to scam sites or download harmful software.
3. Only buy from trusted sources
There are plenty of people out there trying to trick gamers into paying for fake or unauthorised in-game items. A deal that seems too good to be true is likely not true. Always stick to the official game stores or platforms when making purchases.
Let Protegent Total Security Keep You One Step Ahead
Gaming should be fun—not stressful. That’s where Protegent Total Security comes in. With features like real-time virus protection, safe browsing, and parental controls, it helps you guard against online threats and gives you peace of mind while your kids explore the gaming world.
With a little awareness and the right protection in place, you can make sure gaming stays safe, secure, and full of fun.
