Scam breakdowns
Gaming scams, taken apart
Ten scams that target players, from free-currency generators to fake support agents. Each breakdown shows how the trick unfolds, an invented example with its red flags marked, and what to do if you were caught out.
Try it: find the flags in this message
An invented example of how this scam often reads. Tap the parts that feel wrong, or reveal all 4 flags. The sender and addresses are invented for teaching; please do not type them into a browser.
Hello, this is the official safety team.Your account was reported for fraudulent purchases and will be banned in 2 hours2.To prove ownership, send the code3 you are about to receive.Do not tell anyone4 about this case, it is confidential.
- 1
Safety Team (Official)
Anyone can choose this display name. Official notices come through the platform's own systems. - 2
banned in 2 hours
A short deadline is a pressure tactic. - 3
send the code
That code lets them sign in as you or reset your password. - 4
Do not tell anyone
Secrecy stops you checking with a friend or parent.
Know the tricks
All ten scam breakdowns
Scam breakdownFree currency generatorsA website or video promises thousands of free coins, credits or skins if you enter your username and finish a few quick…
Scam breakdownPhishing login pagesA phishing page copies a real sign-in screen so closely that it is hard to tell apart.
Scam breakdown'Test my game' malwareSomeone messages you, often from a friend's account, asking you to try a game they have made.
Scam breakdownTrade and item scamsTrade scams take items rather than passwords.
Scam breakdownFake support agentsReal platform support teams rarely contact you first in a chat message, and they do not ask for your password, your…
Scam breakdownAccount buying and sellingWebsites and chat groups sell levelled-up accounts with rare items, and buyers approach players offering cash for…
Scam breakdownQR code login scamsMany apps let you sign in on a computer by scanning a QR code with your phone.
Scam breakdown'I accidentally reported you'A message, often from a friend's account, says they reported you by mistake and your account will be banned unless you…
Scam breakdownFake giveaways and streamer impersonationScammers copy the name, picture and style of streamers, creators and esports teams, then announce giveaways.
Scam breakdownCheat and mod malwareCheat programs, cracked copies of paid games and 'unlockers' often ask you to switch off security software and run them…
The pattern behind nearly all of them
Almost every scam on this list needs you to do one of three things: hand over a sign-in code or password, run a file, or pay first. They push you there with something you want (free items, a prize, a rare trade) or something you fear (a ban, a report, a locked account), and they add a deadline so you do not stop to check.
The defence is the same each time. Slow down, go to the platform yourself rather than through a link, and never share a code that was sent to you. If you are not sure, ask someone you trust before you click.
Report a scam in the UK
Reporting helps platforms and police spot patterns, even when they cannot act on every single case.
Report Fraud
National fraud and cyber crime reporting service for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, run by City of London Police. Launched on 4 December 2025, replacing Action Fraud.
Report online at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Police Scotland
Fraud and cyber crime reports for people living in Scotland.
Call 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in danger.
Your bank (159)
Suspected fraud involving your bank account or card.
Call the number on the back of your card, or 159, which connects you to many UK banks.
NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service
Phishing and scam emails, including fake game or platform emails.
Forward the email to [email protected]. Screenshots of scam texts or QR codes can also be sent here.
7726 scam text reporting
Scam text messages, supported by most UK mobile networks.
Forward the text to 7726 (spells SPAM on a keypad).
NCSC scam website reporting
Websites you believe are fake or fraudulent, such as fake login or generator pages.
Use the NCSC's online 'report a scam website' form.
Advertising Standards Authority
Scam or misleading adverts, including paid adverts for fake giveaways or fake support numbers.
Make a complaint through the ASA website.
CEOP (National Crime Agency)
Concerns about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with a child online.
Make a report through the CEOP Safety Centre. In an emergency call 999.
Childline and NSPCC
Support for children and young people (Childline) and advice for adults worried about a child (NSPCC helpline).
Childline: 0800 1111. NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000.
The platform's own reporting tools
Scam accounts, impersonators, malicious links and account takeovers on a specific game or chat service.
Use the in-app report option on the user or message, and the platform's official help site for account recovery. Never use support contacts sent to you in a message.