Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police have launched a comprehensive awareness campaign to alert the public about the growing threat of financial frauds linked to online gaming.
With the rise of digital gaming platforms, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting players through various deceptive tactics.
In a recent social media post, the Berhampur Police outlined essential safety guidelines to help players protect themselves from potential scams and financial losses.
Online gaming has rapidly become a hotbed for cybercriminal activities, with risks extending beyond virtual theft and account breaches to real-world consequences such as identity theft and financial fraud.
Cybercriminals often exploit weaknesses in gaming platforms to launch phishing scams, spread malware, and engage in social engineering techniques aimed at stealing players’ sensitive information.
“Online gaming has become a hotspot for cybercriminals, with threats ranging from virtual theft and account breaches to real-world financial fraud and identity theft,” the Berhampur Police wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Attackers exploit platform shortcomings and target players through phishing scams, malware, and social engineering.”
Online gaming apps: Be cautious of addiction & financial loss. Verify legitimacy & set limits. Stay safe.#BerhampurPolice#OnlineGaming #FinancialAwareness pic.twitter.com/9oC8S2JEN5
— SP BERHAMPUR (@SP_BERHAMPUR) April 22, 2025
The post further advised players to exercise caution and adhere to safe online practices to reduce the risks of cybercrime.
Key Dos and Don’ts for Online Gamers
To safeguard players from potential cyber threats, the Odisha Police shared a list of essential tips under the categories of Dos and Don’ts.
Dos:
- Supervise Access: Parents are encouraged to supervise children’s access to online games to ensure they are playing safely and responsibly.
- Be Cautious with Real Money Apps: Many real money gaming apps may be fraudulent. Players should be cautious and avoid downloading or using apps that seem suspicious or untrustworthy.
- Judicious App Permissions: Always review the permissions requested by gaming apps, especially for sensitive data like Contacts, Storage, and Location.
- Protect Personal Information: Players must be vigilant in protecting their personal and financial information, including full names, addresses, and banking details.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Suspicious Sources: Do not download gaming apps from unverified or unreliable sources, as they could contain harmful malware or scams.
- Beware of Assured Returns: Be cautious of apps that promise guaranteed returns or substantial financial gains, especially those advertised on social media platforms.
- Keep Information Private: It’s important to refrain from sharing sensitive personal information with unknown players in the gaming community.
- Limit Social Media Sharing: Avoid oversharing gaming achievements or personal details on social media platforms, as this can make players vulnerable to cyberattacks and harassment.
The Odisha Police emphasize the importance of staying vigilant and cautious while engaging in online gaming to safeguard personal and financial security.
