V-Buck Generator scams plague Fortnite

Reports of Fortnite scams are growing as quickly as the game’s popularity.

Fortnite is currently the one of the most popular game across the globe with over 78 million active monthly players and counting. The game functions on a free-to-play model, but players can purchase an in-game currency called V-Bucks which can then be used unlock an array of cosmetics.

These costumes and accessories can cost up to $20 in real money. Players who are looking to save a few dollars might be interested in alternative ways to accrue V-Bucks., and this is where “V-Buck Generator” scams come into play.

V-Buck Generators are hosted on websites independent from the game and are designed to replicate the look and feel of Fortnite to attract unsuspecting victims. Once users arrive, the site asks the guest to enter their Epic Games username and their platform of their choice.

The guest is then asked to verify that they are human by answering some personal questions. These might include personal addresses, phone numbers, and credit card information. All of the guest’s submitted personal information will then be stolen away.

These V-Buck Generators are not the first scams of this type. Most games that have an in-game currency have seen such fraudulent sites pop up. But few games have the immense player base and the large number of children playing that Fortnite boasts.

IT security company ZeroFOX reported around 53,000 cases of Fortnite scams over a single month. The group also identified over 4,770 live scam domains that focus on obtaining player’s personal information.

These scams will likely only continue to grow as Fortnite’s popularity skyrockets.