March is recognized as Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the latest scam tactics and helping individuals protect their personal information.
This focus on fraud prevention is especially crucial in the online gaming space. Unfortunately, as online gaming continues to grow, so does the potential for cybercrime. In 2024, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received over 90,000 reports of online fraud, resulting in losses totaling hundreds of millions.
So how can you protect yourself while enjoying online games?
Below, we’ll walk you through the most common scams and what steps you can take to keep your money and personal information safe.
About Gigadat
We’re a recognized Canadian payment processor, and we partner with many reputable gaming platforms. As a Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) regulated organization, we strictly follow Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules and adhere to industry best practices.
Why do scammers use our name?
Because Gigadat is widely trusted, cybercriminals leverage our reputation to look legitimate. Rest assured: these scams do not originate from Gigadat. In fact, we collaborate with law enforcement and financial institutions whenever requested and encourage users to reach out to both authorities and our own support channels if they suspect they are a victim of a scam.
So, what does this mean for you as a gamer?
Unfortunately, criminals know that brand recognition fosters trust—and that’s exactly what they exploit.
In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the most common scams targeting online gamers, along with practical tips to safeguard your accounts and personal information.
Common Online Gaming Scams
Whether you’re into casino games, sports betting, or e-sports, here are the top scams you should be aware of:
1. Phishing Emails & Messages
What is it?
Phishing attempts often arrive via emails or direct messages that claim you’ve won a bonus or your account is at risk. They aim to steal personal information by prompting you to click on harmful links or enter login details.
How to Stay Safe
- Check the source: Authentic emails from gaming platforms or payment processors rarely come from random or misspelled email addresses.
- Enable 2FA: Use two-factor authentication wherever possible to make unauthorized access far more difficult.
- When in doubt, don’t click: If something feels off or the offer is too good to be true, verify by contacting the platform’s official support.
- Change your credentials: If you suspect any phishing attempt or accidental exposure of your information, update your passwords immediately to secure your account.
2. Vishing (Phone Call Scams)
What is it?
Vishing is when fraudsters call you pretending to be from a bank, a gaming platform, or even Gigadat. They might say there’s an urgent problem with your account, then request personal or financial information.
How to Stay Safe
- Hang up & verify: If you get a suspicious call, end it. Then call your gaming platform or bank using their official number to confirm if there’s really an issue.
- Don’t share sensitive data: Legitimate companies won’t ask for your PINs, passwords, or full credit card numbers over the phone.
- Remember: Gigadat will never call you to request private banking information.
3. Smishing (Fraudulent Text Messages)
What is it?
Smishing is phishing via text. These messages might promise “free credits,” say you’ve been sent an e-transfer from Gigadat, or claim you won a special gaming prize—all to convince you to click a fraudulent link.
How to Stay Safe
- Pause before tapping: If you didn’t request a payout or sign up for a promotion, the text is likely fake.
- Gigadat doesn’t send random “winnings”: We only facilitate legitimate transactions that you initiate through online gaming platforms.
- Report suspicious texts: Notify your bank, local authorities, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and 24/7 Gigadat Customer Support if you think you’ve been targeted.
- Change your banking credentials: If you suspect fraudulent activity, update your banking details immediately to protect your account.
Protecting Yourself: Practical Tips
Below are concrete ways to guard your information and finances while gaming online:
Use Strong Passwords & 2FA
- Unique, complex passwords: Avoid reusing the same password across multiple sites.
- Password managers: Tools like Google Password Manager can store and auto-generate strong passwords for you.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds a critical extra layer of security to your gaming and financial accounts.
Keep Personal Details Private
- Don’t overshare: Passwords, PINs, 2FA codes, and your Social Insurance Number (SIN) should never be provided in response to unsolicited messages.
- Gigadat inquiries: We only ask for basic details (like your name or email) for support. We won’t request bank login information or credit card numbers.
Use Secure Connections
- Avoid public Wi-Fi when gaming or banking: If you must use it, consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
- Beware of unsecured networks: Hackers can intercept traffic on open networks and steal sensitive information.
Report Suspected Fraud Immediately
- Contact your bank: If you suspect funds were removed from your account without your consent, or you’ve noticed any unauthorized transactions, call your bank’s fraud department right away.
- Notify authorities: File a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or local police.
- Contact Gigadat: If a scam involves our name, contact us by clicking here to let us know. We’ll assist and coordinate with law enforcement if needed.
- Change your credentials: If you’ve clicked on something suspicious, change your passwords and security settings.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
At Gigadat, we’re dedicated to ensuring your online gaming experience stays safe and enjoyable.
Remember: no legitimate transaction can be made from your account without you actively authorizing it through your bank or gaming platform. If anything seems odd—like unexpected “winnings” or urgent payment requests—pause, verify the source, and reach out to trusted support channels.
We’re not only here to provide secure payment solutions; we’re also here to help you navigate potential threats. In partnership with law enforcement and gaming platforms, we strive to keep the online gaming community protected from evolving scam tactics.
