Beware of Deceptive Payment Tactics: Recognizing and Avoiding Scams Utilizing Payment Links

As OffGamers, a global platform for digital entertainment, we are committed to the security and well-being of the wider online community. We have observed concerning patterns involving deceptive websites, such as JS Digital (js-digital.org) or similar platforms, that misuse payment option on our platforms to potentially defraud individuals. This advisory aims to inform the public about these tactics so you can protect yourselves.

How These Scams May Operate:

Scammers operating these deceptive websites may employ the following methods:

• Enticing Registration Processes: They might use registration forms that collect personal information, often followed by unusual OTP verification steps that can confuse users.
• Mentioning Third-Party Payment Platforms: These sites may explicitly state they will use platforms like OffGamers for payment processing, creating a false sense of security or legitimacy.
• Manipulative Support Interactions: When users encounter issues, particularly during verification or payment, the "support" offered by these scam sites may guide them through unusual steps, such as attempting to place orders without resolving the initial problem.
• Exploiting Direct Payment Links: A key tactic involves directing users to complete payments via direct links, such as PayPal links. In the context of platforms like OffGamers, these links might be genuine payment requests for digital goods (like gift cards) but are being presented as payment to the scam website.

The Potential Scam Scenario Involving OffGamers:

Based on our observations, a common scenario involves these scam websites misleading victims to make payment on OffGamers (or similar platforms) using a direct payment link such as PayPal. The victim believes they are paying for goods or services from the scam website, but the payment is actually for an OffGamers gift card. Once the scammer receives the gift card code, they gain immediate value, and the victim is left without the promised goods or services. The scam website then becomes unresponsive, and the victim may be wrongly directed to seek a refund from OffGamers for a transaction they were manipulated into making.

Protect Yourself from These Tactics:

• Be cautious of unfamiliar websites: Always thoroughly vet websites before providing personal information or attempting transactions. Look for clear contact information, privacy policies, and terms of service.
• Exercise extreme caution with direct payment links: Never use payment links sent by unverified sources or outside of a website's secure checkout process. Always ensure the payment recipient and the purpose of the payment are clear.
• Be wary of instructions to purchase gift cards as payment: Legitimate businesses rarely ask for payment in the form of gift cards. This is a significant red flag.
• Verify website claims: If a website claims to use a specific payment platform, independently verify this by visiting the official website of the payment platform.
• Report suspicious activity: If you encounter any of these red flags or suspect you are being targeted by a scam, report it to your local consumer protection agency and the payment platform involved.

OffGamers is committed to combating online fraud and protecting the public. By understanding these tactics, you can better safeguard yourself against these deceptive practices.