Makers Of 'Fortnite' Warn Gamers To Be Wary Of V-Bucks Scammers

As you'll no doubt be aware by now, people have fallen head over heels for Fortnite since the online game launched last year. And while some are getting very rich from playing it, others are trying to exploit its virtual currency, V-Bucks.

Fortnite's makers, Epic Games, are warning people about 'scam sites' that are offering free or discounted V-Bucks that are actually trying to steal your information.

According to the Sun, who reported on the Epic Games email warning about the scam sites, players spent an incredible $296 million (£222m) on V-Bucks in April alone, so it's no wonder scammers are trying to get in on the action.

"Beware of scam sites offering things like free or discounted V-Bucks," warned Epic. "The only official websites for Fortnite are epicgames.com and fortnite.com."

Would it be cynical to suggest that the game's makers just want to keep all that cash for themselves and give Jeff Bezos a run for his millions? It would? Well, we won't be doing that then.

The company said that scammers 'will work to replicate the look and feel of an official Epic website'.

It also advised that gamers should double-check any web addresses to make sure that Epic get their cash gamers don't get ripped off.

In the email, the company explained to players: "Unless you are logging in, Epic will never ask for your password or any other account information."

Epic also advised that gamers set up Two-Factor Sign In to make it harder for other people to log into your account. This way, you'll have a unique code sent to your email address each time you want to log in.

That may seem like a bit of a pain, but the extra few seconds it takes could save you a lot of trouble - and money - in the long-run.

While scams of this kind might seem as obvious as all those emails from 'Nigerian princes' asking you to help stash their millions, it's worth remember that a lot of Fortnite players are young children who may not be quite as savvy.

While Fortnite is a free game, in-game purchases with V-Bucks - which players can purchase with real bucks - are essential if you want to impress others in your virtual community and improve your chances of survival. Very clever, Epic. Very clever.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: GAMING, UK Entertainment, US Entertainment

Mischa Pearlmen

Mischa is a freelance journalist usually based in either New York or London. He has written for Kerrang!, Record Collector, NME, the New York Observer and FLOOD magazine, among others. Contact him at [email protected]