Avoid being scammed by "Fortnite Hack Generator"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is the "Fortnite Hack Generator" scam?
"Fortnite Hack Generator" is a scam, promoted on deceptive websites. This scheme is presented as a tool for generating hacks/cheats for the Fortnite online video game. Rather than delivering any real value (i.e. giving player benefits), however, "Fortnite Hack Generator" operates as a phishing scam.
The scheme attempts to trick people into revealing their personal information and/or otherwise abuses their trust. When deceptive/scam sites are accessed unintentionally, it is often due to mistyped URLs, redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or unwanted applications.
This software does not need explicit user consent to be installed onto systems.
More about the "Fortnite Hack Generator" scam
The "Fortnite Hack Generator" scam claims that it can give Fortnite players various benefits and advantages, however, all of its claims are false. The "Fortnite Hack Generator" is in no way associated with Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite.
To receive the promised content, users are asked to provide various sensitive data and/or they are redirected to other deceptive and dangerous web pages. Phishing sites typically ask users to reveal their names, surnames, addresses, telephone numbers, emails, bank account and credit card details.
The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (similarly seeking to misuse it for profit), and used to facilitate other scams targeting the same victim. Financial information (e.g. credit card details) can be used to make fraudulent transactions and online purchases, etc.
Additionally, these types of scams can also ask users to make various bogus payments, often through dubious payment portals that gather entered data. To summarize, trusting the "Fortnite Hack Generator" scam can lead to financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft
More about programs that promote scams
As mentioned, one of the main causes of rogue redirects to dubious and malicious websites, are shady apps. These apps may seem legitimate and offer various "useful" functionality (which is usually nonoperational), however, these apps can have undisclosed, dangerous capabilities in varied combinations.
Adware-types run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e. deliver dangerous ads). Once clicked, intrusive ads redirect to harmful pages, and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software. Browser hijacking apps make modifications to browser settings and restrict/deny access to them in order to promote fake search engines.
The promoted web searchers are rarely capable of providing search results, and so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google and other legitimate sites. Furthermore, most dubious apps have data tracking capabilities that are employed to monitor users' browsing activity.
Information of interest includes browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations and other personally identifiable details. The data is then monetized by sharing with and/or selling to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To ensure device integrity and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | Fortnite Hack Generator pop-up |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud. |
| Fake Claim | Scam claims it can generate Fortnite hacks/cheats. |
| Related Domains | toolcoins[.]com, reapinfo[.]org |
| Serving IP Address (toolcoins[.]com) | 104.28.4.96 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar scams in general
"Amazon loyalty program", "Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)", "$1000 Venmo Gift Card" and "FBI CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION" are some examples of other phishing scams.
This type of scheme can target a wide variety of information and use different techniques to obtain it (e.g. via sites disguised as log-in pages of legitimate platforms/services, ones promising gifts, etc.).
The internet is full of deceptive websites, and regardless of what they claim/offer, the purpose is identical: to generate revenue for the scammers/cyber criminals behind them. Therefore, you are strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.
How did unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some rogue apps have "official" download web pages, which are often promoted by deceptive/scam sites. These applications are also proliferated via the download/installation set-ups of other programs.
This deceptive marketing tactic of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is termed "bundling". Rushing downloads/installations (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. When clicked, intrusive ads can execute scripts to download/install unwanted apps without users' permission.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Avoid untrusted download channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, functions, etc. Intrusive advertisements typically seem normal and harmless, however, they can redirect to highly dubious pages (e.g. gambling, adult-dating, pornography, and so on).
If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, check the system and remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
The appearance of "Fortnite Hack Generator" pop-up scam (GIF):
Another variant of "Fortnite Hack Generator" pop-up scam:
Yet another fake Fortnite Buck generator website (fortnitevbuckgenerator[.]cyou):
Yet another example of a fake Fortnite currency generator (free-v-buck[.]net):
Additional examples of fake Fortnite currency/skin generating websites:
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Quick menu:
- What is Fortnite Hack Generator pop-up?
- How to identify a pop-up scam?
- How do pop-up scams work?
- How to remove fake pop-ups?
- How to prevent fake pop-ups?
- What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?
How to identify a pop-up scam?
Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.
While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.
Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:
- Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
- Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
- Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
- Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
- Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.
Example of a pop-up scam:
How do pop-up scams work?
Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.
Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.
How to remove fake pop-ups?
In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.
In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.
How to prevent fake pop-ups?
To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.
To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?
This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.
- If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
- If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
- If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
- Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
A pop-up scam refers to a deceptive technique employed by cybercriminals to trick users into taking certain actions.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
The purpose of a pop-up scam is to deceive users into providing personal information, such as usernames, passwords, or financial details, which can be used for identity theft or fraudulent activities. Scammers may also aim to deceive users into downloading malicious software or making payments for fake products or services.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are typically distributed through malicious websites, and users often encounter them indirectly. Instead of intentionally visiting these websites, users may be redirected to them by existing malicious applications or when visiting a site that utilizes questionable advertising networks.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner is specifically designed to scan every website you visit, allowing it to identify and detect malicious websites. This includes websites that are specifically designed to deliver pop-up scams. With Combo Cleaner, you will receive immediate warnings and restrictions when accessing such malicious sites, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
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