The modern gaming world is packed with scams, misleading offers, and rip-offs. If you are not a well-informed consumer, it is incredibly easy to fall for something that seems legitimate on the surface. Below are ten real examples of scams in today’s gaming landscape, explained in clear paragraphs for better readability.
1. GTA 6 Early Access Scams
GTA 6 hype is at an all-time high, and scammers are taking full advantage of it. Fake ads across YouTube and Facebook claim to sell early access for $200 or more. Some send users to malware-filled Dropbox links, while others list fake “alpha access” keys on platforms like G2A. Many players have also reported phishing emails pretending to be from Rockstar, promising early access to content creators with zero NDA requirements. Rockstar would never release early access through random ads or require payment through suspicious links. If early access ever becomes real, it will come directly through official Rockstar channels.
2. Aftermarket Hardware Rip-Offs
Graphics cards are harder than ever to get, especially the new NVIDIA 5090 series. Scammers take advantage of this by sending gutted GPUs with the internal components removed, leaving buyers with nothing more than a decorative paperweight. Some buyers have also received CPUs with the main chip ripped out, covered by packaging with a fake “opening voids warranty” warning. Even major marketplaces cannot always ensure seller honesty, so researching individual sellers is crucial.
3. Failed Gaming Conventions
In August, the National Gaming Expo in Tampa, Florida, became the gaming world’s version of Fire Festival. The event promised 30,000 attendees and appearances from major voice actors. Instead, the convention center was mostly empty, vendor booths were missing, and schedules fell apart. Some attendees were even asked to volunteer on the spot. Eventbrite later issued instant refunds, acknowledging the disaster. While more gaming conventions are always welcome, they must deliver what they advertise.
4. Fake Steam Game Listings
Fake listings on Steam have become a new form of scam. After Helldivers 2 gained popularity, a low-effort game called Figorality renamed itself to Helldivers 2 and copied its trailers, screenshots, and descriptions. Priced at a steep discount, it tricked unsuspecting buyers before Steam took it down. Other popular titles like Palworld and Escape From Tarkov have experienced similar fake listing scams. The easiest way to detect them is by checking user reviews, tags, and developer credibility.
5. Fake Job Offers in the Gaming Industry
Scammers have started targeting game developers looking for work. They impersonate major companies like Riot Games or Rockstar and use fake interviews, documents, and contracts to extract personal details such as bank information or Social Security numbers. Some even request upfront payments for equipment. Riot Games has previously pursued legal action to uncover these networks. Anyone receiving a job offer should always verify it through official company channels.
6. Crypto Mining Malware in Pirated Games
Cracked games downloaded from unofficial sites often contain malware designed to hijack your computer and use its processing power to mine cryptocurrency. Victims notice their systems overheating, running slow, and behaving strangely even in sleep mode. Malware found in pirated copies of Garry’s Mod, GTA 5, and NBA 2K has also been used to steal crypto wallet information. Downloading cracked games remains one of the fastest ways to compromise a system.
7. Game Key Reseller Scams
Game key websites like G2A and GameFlip allow users to sell unused digital game codes. However, many keys sold there were originally purchased using stolen credit cards. After a scammer refunds the purchase, the keys become invalid even though buyers initially receive working codes. Developers lose money, the marketplace gets blamed, and buyers suffer. It is a system that resembles Whac-A-Mole, with scams reappearing constantly.
8. Malware Hidden in Game Updates
Small indie games on Steam have begun pushing malware through game updates after passing initial verification. A simple 2D platformer called Block Blasters made headlines when an update added crypto-stealing malware that activated when the game launched. Other titles like Pirate Phi and Keemia used the same strategy. While Steam works to remove these games, players must rely on antivirus software and community reports for protection.
9. AliExpress GPU Scams
AliExpress is notorious for hardware scams. Listings for NVIDIA 5090 cards priced under $2000 with hundreds of units in stock are major red flags. These listings often use promotional images instead of real product photos and come from sellers with either zero or extremely low positive ratings. Even mid-range cards like the 4090 appear at suspiciously low prices, tricking buyers into losing significant amounts of money.
10. Web3, NFTs, and Crypto Games
One of the biggest gaming scams of the last decade revolves around NFT-driven Web3 games. These titles promise money-making opportunities through NFT skins, characters, and tokens. However, many developers disappear overnight, leaving players with worthless digital assets. Ubisoft tried entering the space with its Quartz program, which quickly failed after offering meaningless cosmetic NFTs. Epic Games Store hosts dozens of such low-quality crypto-based titles that exist solely to extract money from players.
The gaming world is evolving fast, and scammers are evolving with it. From fake hardware to bogus job offers to misleading digital marketplaces, players must remain cautious and informed. With hype surrounding major titles like GTA 6 and the growing demand for powerful GPUs, scams will only increase.