TL;DR: Scammers target young gamers with fake free-currency generators (Robux, V-Bucks, Free Fire diamonds), phishing pages that ask for game logins, and friendly strangers in chat who want passwords or codes. The fixes are simple: turn on two-step verification, remove saved payment cards, set spending limits, and agree with your child that no login or code is ever shared. If an account is stolen, change passwords, screenshot the evidence and report it to the game.
Popular games run on virtual currencies and rare cosmetic items, and children want them. That combination of wanting and limited pocket money is what scammers rely on. The tricks are the same across Roblox, Fortnite, Free Fire, Minecraft and the rest.
The scams to know
- Free currency generators. A site or video promises free Robux or V-Bucks if your child logs in through it or completes a task. Parent guidance from SoFi explains that logging in through such a page hands over the game account. The same pattern is used for Free Fire diamonds and other in-game currency.
- Phishing pages. Kaspersky describes fake sites that invite gamers to sign in with their game credentials to open a "treasure chest". There is no treasure, only a hijacked account. Premium currency bought with real money is the prize criminals want, and some of these pages lead on to bank details.
- Friendly strangers. McAfee describes scammers who build trust over time, then ask for passwords, personal details or card numbers in exchange for "discounted" currency, or push a downloadable "generator" that installs malware. Stolen accounts can be held for ransom.
- Threats. Scambusters notes that scammers may use information they collect to threaten children with exposure unless they pay.
Red flags to teach your child
A guide from Verizon lists rules worth repeating at home. It also points out that the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has publicly warned about scams in video games.
- Anything that promises free currency, rare skins or rewards for clicking a link is probably a scam.
- Never share passwords, login details or verification codes, even with in-game "friends".
- Urgency ("act now or lose it") is a warning sign. It is fine to walk away and ask an adult.
- Talk after playing: "Was there anything weird in chat today?"
Settings that make a difference
- Turn on two-step verification for the game account and for the email address used to sign up.
- Remove saved payment cards from consoles, app stores and game launchers, and set spending limits or use prepaid cards.
- Use a unique password for each game. Our list of strong password examples helps, and a password manager makes it easy.
- Use the platform's parental controls to limit who can chat with your child.
If an account is stolen
- Change the account password and the password of the linked email from a clean device.
- Screenshot the scam messages, emails and pages, then report the account to the game with that evidence, as SoFi recommends.
- Check bank or card statements for purchases you did not make and dispute them.
- If a stranger threatens your child with shared images, see our coverage of sextortion scams and act quickly.
Wider habits matter too. Our guides on protecting your family online and teaching teenagers about their digital footprint cover what children reveal on games and social media, and Indian parents can read about children's data and the DPDP Act.
FAQs
Are free Robux or V-Bucks generators real?
No. They ask for a game login, a survey or a download in exchange for currency that never arrives. The real result is a stolen account, malware or a charge on a parent's card.
What is the Free Fire diamonds scam?
It follows the same pattern as Robux and V-Bucks scams: a generator, giveaway or video asks for the player's game login or a download and promises free diamonds. The diamonds never arrive and the account is taken.
What should I do if my child's game account was hacked?
Change the password and the linked email password from a clean device, screenshot the evidence, report the account to the game and check card statements for purchases you did not make.
How do I stop my child buying in-game currency by accident?
Remove saved cards from consoles and app stores, require a password or PIN for purchases and set spending limits, or use prepaid gift cards in fixed amounts.
Was my child's Roblox password leaked?
A game does not always tell you. Check the email address linked to the account with a breach checker, change the password, and turn on two-step verification. Our password-leak guide shows free ways to check.
Where do I report a gaming scam?
Report it to the game platform first, with screenshots. In the US you can also report to the FTC, and in India call 1930 or use the cybercrime portal if money was lost.
Kids leave traces in games and social apps, so see what is visible about your family with the free digital footprint checker.
Curious what's already out there? Scan My Shadow checks a phone number and email across 1,500+ sources and sends a clear report — no guesswork, just facts. Start your scan.
Sources
- Verizon: How to talk to your kids about online scams in games
- SoFi: Parent's guide to identifying online game scams targeting children
- Kaspersky: How scammers attack young gamers
- McAfee: Fortnite impersonation scams, a parent guide
- Scambusters: Tips to protect your kids from online gaming scams