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Safe Gaming in India: Protect Your Children from Fortnite Scams and Fraud

Who doesn’t love playing games? I believe most people enjoy playing games; it can be outdoor, indoor, or online.

Though video games existed earlier, PlayStation (PS) was also extremely popular among youngsters and even adults. But the pandemic gave an unprecedented rise to online games. No matter the age or gender, online games have gained importance like never before. Today, video games have become more accessible, as you can play almost any game on your phone, anywhere, anytime.

However, these online games are not without risks, as scammers can easily access users’ information, leading to financial loss. The number of games going online is countless. According to a survey, the number of game development studios in India grew from just 15 in 2009 to 275 by 2021. The vast majority of development is concentrated in the mobile sector, which accounts for over 90% of India’s total gaming revenue. With 8.45 billion mobile game downloads in FY25, India leads the world in mobile game installs.

One such game that keeps the gaming scams buzzing is Fortnite. You must have played it sometime, or may even be playing it now. But the risks it brings are not something everyone is fully aware of.

Years after its launch, Fortnite remains one of the most popular battle royale games worldwide, drawing millions of young players to its servers each month. Unfortunately, its massive player base also attracts cybercriminals looking to exploit them both inside and outside the game.

The reason Fortnite has become such fertile ground for scams lies in its virtual economy, centred around V-Bucks, a digital currency purchased with real money. This makes it a lucrative target for fraudsters.

Among the most common traps is the so-called “free V-Bucks generator” scam. These schemes tempt players with promises of free or heavily discounted currency in return for filling out online forms, sharing account credentials, or downloading suspicious software. In reality, these offers are fake. No external tool or service can produce V-Bucks, and players who interact with such sites risk stolen login details, malware infections, and even financial fraud.

What is Fortnite?

Fortnite is a competitive multiplayer game where up to 100 participants face off either solo, in pairs, or in teams of four. The action unfolds on a vibrant, cartoon-style island, with the battlefield gradually shrinking as the match progresses. Players collect weapons and resources by opening loot chests or scavenging items dropped by opponents they’ve defeated. While Fortnite offers multiple gameplay options, its most famous and widely played mode is Battle Royale, where the ultimate goal is to be the last player—or team—standing.

 

Is Fortnite Free to Play?

At first glance, Fortnite is free to download and play. But like many modern games, it features a built-in economy powered by its virtual currency, V-Bucks, which players purchase with real money. V-Bucks can be bought directly through the Fortnite Item Shop or via official gift cards sold online and in retail stores.

These digital coins are then spent on a variety of extras—most notably cosmetic upgrades such as character outfits and avatars, popularly called “skins”. Many of these skins are inspired by pop culture, including superheroes, musicians, and other entertainment icons. V-Bucks are also used to buy Battle Passes, which unlock additional challenges, rewards, and exclusive items, as well as Loot Llamas, bundles containing weapons, outfits, and gear that can sometimes also be earned during gameplay.

This money-driven system has, unfortunately, made Fortnite a hotspot for scams. Wherever real currency is involved, fraudsters follow—and in Fortnite’s case, the strong demand for V-Bucks often leaves younger players especially vulnerable to online schemes.

 

What are Fortnite scams, and what do they look like?

Fortnite’s allure lies in its vibrant world and the ability to customise avatars with unique skins and items. This customisation has become a status symbol among players, especially the youth. However, this very appeal has attracted cybercriminals aiming to exploit young gamers.

Common Fortnite Scams Targeting Indian Gamers:

• Phishing Scams: Scammers create fake websites or apps that mimic Fortnite’s official platforms, offering “free V-Bucks” or exclusive skins. Players are tricked into entering their login credentials, leading to account theft. These scams are prevalent on platforms like YouTube and social media, where links to such fraudulent sites are shared widely.
• Social Engineering Scams: Cybercriminals pose as fellow gamers, building trust over time. They then request personal information, passwords, or credit card details under the guise of offering discounted V-Bucks or exclusive items. Some even convince players to download malicious apps that promise in-game upgrades, but instead steal personal data.
• Account Takeovers and Ransoms: Scammers persuade players to share their login information by promising free items or upgrades. Once they gain access, they may steal V-Bucks, skins, and other valuable items. In some cases, they lock the player out of their account and demand ransom for its return.
• Malware and Data Theft: Malicious files, often disguised as “free V-Bucks generators,” are distributed to infect users’ devices. These files can steal personal information, including login credentials and financial data. Some scams even exploit vulnerabilities in Fortnite’s login process to gain unauthorised access to user accounts.

 

Impact on Indian Players

India has seen a significant rise in online gaming, with millions of young players engaging in games like Fortnite. This growing community has, unfortunately, become a prime target for cybercriminals. The promise of free in-game currency and exclusive items lures players into scams, leading to financial losses and compromised personal information.

 

How to Secure Your Game Account

• Be Skeptical: Treat any offer for free V-Bucks, exclusive skins, or game upgrades with caution. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Download from Official Sources: Only install Fortnite and related game files from verified platforms such as Epic Games, Google Play Store, or the official game website, as recommended by cybersecurity experts.
• Use Antivirus Software: Keep antivirus software like Protegent up to date and regularly scan devices to detect and remove malware.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra security layer helps prevent unauthorized access to accounts.
• Educate Children: Talk to young gamers about the risks of sharing personal information online and clicking on suspicious links. Awareness is a key defense.
• Monitor Accounts Regularly: Check in-game accounts frequently for unusual activity or missing items to catch potential issues early.
• Report Scams: If you encounter fraudulent sites, apps, or suspicious behavior, report it to the platform and local authorities to help protect others.
• Keep Accounts Personal: Never buy, sell, or share Fortnite accounts. Doing so not only violates Epic Games’ policies but also increases the risk of scams, chargebacks, or permanent account loss. If someone else has your login details—or if account ownership is disputed—support may not be able to help. Always keep your credentials private and your account strictly for your own use.
• Be Cautious of Suspicious Offers: Avoid websites, messages, or social media links that promise free or discounted V-Bucks, skins, or creator perks. These are often phishing attempts or malware traps designed to steal your credentials or infect your device. Only make purchases through official Epic Games channels or in-game menus.

 

If You Suspect Your Account is Compromised

• If you can still access your account: Change your email password first, then update your Epic Games password, and enable two-factor authentication. Check recent login activity and disconnect any unknown devices.
• If you cannot log in: Follow Epic Games’ account recovery process, starting with your email and password reset. Keep purchase receipts or transaction details ready to verify account ownership.

By combining awareness, safe practices, and the right security tools, Indian gamers can enjoy Fortnite while minimising exposure to scams and cyber threats.

 

Parental Controls for Fortnite in India

Online games like Fortnite are hugely popular among Indian children and teenagers. Unfortunately, scammers often try to exploit young gamers, communicating through in-game chat or external links. To protect children, Fortnite offers several parental control options that allow parents to manage social interactions, purchases, playtime, and age-appropriate access.

 

Key Fortnite Parental Controls

• Social Permissions: Parents can manage who their child interacts with in Fortnite and other Epic Games titles. Options include controlling friend requests, enabling or disabling voice and text chat, and filtering mature language.
• Purchasing Controls: Limit or block in-game purchases to prevent unauthorized spending. This helps children avoid accidentally spending real money on V-Bucks, skins, or Battle Passes.
• Age-Appropriate Restrictions: Set content limits based on your child’s age, ensuring they only access games and features suitable for them.
• Time Limits and Reports: Monitor how long your child plays Fortnite or uses Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). You can set weekly time limits and receive email reports summarizing their gameplay.
• Cabined Accounts for Younger Players: For children under 13 (or the local age of digital consent in India), Epic Games offers Cabined Accounts, which restrict voice and text chat and block real-money purchases. Kids can still enjoy the game safely while parents maintain full control.
• Avoiding Fake V-Bucks and Scams: Never trust websites, social media posts, or YouTube links claiming to provide free V-Bucks, skins, or upgrades. Epic Games only distributes legitimate promotions through the official Epic Games Store, website, or verified social media accounts. Scammers often use these false offers to steal login credentials, install malware, or commit financial fraud.

 

Protegent Parental Control: Enhancing Safety

For Indian parents, Protegent Parental Control using Total Security Software adds another layer of security:

• Web and App Filtering: Blocks unsafe websites and malicious links, preventing children from accessing scam sites offering “free” in-game items.
• Screen Time Management: Limits the duration of gameplay to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other activities.
• Activity Monitoring: Provides detailed reports on app usage, websites visited, and time spent online.
• Safe Social Interaction: Helps manage online interactions and prevents children from sharing personal information with strangers.

By combining Fortnite’s built-in parental controls with Protegent’s features, parents can create a safer, controlled gaming environment, protecting their children from scams, malware, and overspending.

Additional Tips for Parents in India

• Explain Virtual vs. Real Money: Teach children that in-game currency like V-Bucks represents real money. Set allowances for in-game purchases if needed.
• Use Official Payment Methods: Always purchase V-Bucks or other game items through official Epic Games channels.
• Set Device-Level Parental Controls: Use parental controls on consoles or devices such as PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Windows, iOS, and Google Play to manage gameplay and chat settings.
• Educate About Online Friends: Teach children that online “friends” may not always be trustworthy and to report suspicious behavior.
• Enable Scam Detection: Tools like Protegent or antivirus software can detect phishing links, malicious apps, or fake websites.

With these measures, Indian parents can ensure their children enjoy Fortnite safely, stay protected from online scams, and develop healthy gaming habits.