Criminals are preying on young gamers with a cunning new tactic. Posing as friendly contacts, scammers initiate video calls with children, enticing them with bonuses or gifts - such as free in-game currency, rare skins, or virtual items like a "limited-edition sword" - and requesting a peek at their phone screens.
While the child displays their gaming account, a verification code is sent to the device, which the fraudsters exploit to hijack the child’s messenger app and gain access to their contacts. For instance, a scammer might pose as a “game moderator” offering a free upgrade, claim to be a friend from another platform with a “special gift code,” or pretend to be a contest organizer promising a “grand prize” like a gaming console.
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Other examples include scammers acting as “tech support” for the game, offering to fix a glitch in exchange for screen access, or posing as a popular streamer inviting the child to an “exclusive event” requiring screen sharing. They might also impersonate a game developer offering a “beta test reward” or a fellow player suggesting a “secret trade” that needs screen verification.
Talk to your kids: It’s crucial they never share their screen with strangers - even for promised rewards.
