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For students

Free skinsare the bait.

Game and DM scams don't hack you. They trick you into handing it over.

  • 2-minute lesson
  • Free · no sign-in
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  1. 1Why it matters

    How game and DM scams work

    Most game and social media scams do not hack anything. They trick a person into handing over a password, a code or an item. They work because they offer something you want and rush you before you think.

    Red flags to watch for:

    • Free currency, skins or rare items from a DM, a comment or a video description. Real events show up inside the game itself.
    • "Verify your account or it will be banned." A threat plus a link is pressure, not a policy.
    • A link that leaves the game or a website name that is almost right, like moonbase-rewards-claim.example instead of the real site.
    • A countdown or "tonight only." Hurry is the scammer's best tool.
    • "Don't tell anyone" or "keep this between us."
    • Trade scams: "You go first and I'll send mine," trades outside the game's official trade window, or a "middleman" you don't know who will "hold" items for both of you.
    • "Let's move to another app." Moving you off the game's chat also moves you away from its reporting and safety tools.
    • A friend acting off: different spelling, sudden urgency, asking for codes or gift cards. Their account may be compromised.

    The fix is the same every time: pause, don't click, and check another way. Text your friend on a number you already have or ask them at school. Open the game yourself instead of using any link.

  2. 2Do this

    • Pause on free stuff

      Real events show up inside the game, not in a DM, comment or video link.

    • Codes stay with you

      A sign-in code you didn't ask for means someone has your password. Never send it, even to a friend.

    • Check another way

      Friend acting weird? Text them or ask at school. Their account may be hijacked.

    Red flags
    • Free currency
    • Verify or be banned
    • Trade outside the game
    • Move to another app
    • Send me the code

    Already clicked? Change your passphrase from the real app, turn on two-step sign-in and tell a trusted adult. You are not in trouble.

  3. 3Quick check

    Your phone gets a sign-in code you didn't ask for. What does that most likely mean?
    Scenario: Your friend's account DMs, "I put your number in by mistake, send me the 6-digit code you just got." What should you do?

    Choose an answer for each question.

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Full course: Game chat, DMs and your accounts: spot the scam, keep control · 16 min

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