The Holmes Beach Police Department is reminding residents and families to take precautions while playing online games as cybercriminals increasingly use digital gaming platforms to target personal information, financial accounts and electronic devices.
Online gaming ranges from mobile phone apps to multiplayer games played on computers and consoles. While the platforms provide entertainment and opportunities to connect with others, they can also expose players to scams, malicious downloads and attempts to steal account information.
One concern involves gaming accounts connected to credit or debit cards. If an account is compromised, criminals may gain access to stored payment information or make unauthorized purchases. Players should also avoid sharing personal information such as their full name, birth date, home address or other identifying details through gaming profiles or conversations.
Fake games, modifications and other downloads can pose another risk. Malicious software disguised as legitimate gaming content can infect computers, phones or consoles and potentially steal information or prevent users from accessing their accounts.
The Holmes Beach Police Department recommends using strong, unique passwords for gaming accounts and enabling two-factor authentication whenever it is available. Players should also review privacy settings and limit the amount of personal information visible to other users.
Before downloading a new game, app, modification or other gaming-related content, users should research it carefully, even when it appears on a familiar or trusted platform. Computers, gaming consoles and mobile devices should also be kept current with the latest software and security updates.
Players should be especially cautious about unsolicited emails, direct messages or other communications promising free games, virtual currency, special items or other rewards. Such offers may be phishing attempts intended to trick users into providing login credentials, clicking malicious links or downloading malware.
Parents can also help younger gamers by reviewing account privacy and security settings, discussing what information should never be shared online and reminding children to report suspicious messages or interactions.
The department’s message encourages gamers to treat their digital playgrounds with the same attention to security they would give other online accounts: protect personal information, secure accounts and think carefully before clicking links or downloading content.
Courtesy of Holmes Beach Police Department