Avoid getting scammed by fake "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" websites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator"?
While investigating suspicious search results, we discovered multiple variants of the "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scam. It promises to generate V-Bucks – the in-game currency of Fortnite – free of charge.
In most instances, this scam aims to redirect users to other deceptive/malicious webpages. However, there is a chance that "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" may also operate as a phishing scam targeting Fortnite account log-in credentials.
"Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scam overview
As mentioned in the introduction, we have found several versions of the "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scam. The common throughline is a promise of free V-Bucks. Acquiring V-Bucks in the Fortnite video game involves purchasing them using real-world money.
This is a false promise that will not be delivered on, and although many of these schemes utilize content belonging to Fortnite (e.g., graphics, fonts, etc.) – they are not associated with this video game or its developer – Epic Games, Inc.
The scam typically begins with the user being requested to provide their Fortnite account username, gaming ID, or email address (that is linked with Fortnite). Afterward, they may need to choose the desired amount of V-Bucks.
The supposed process is interrupted by a necessary CAPTCHA verification. However, instead of any standard test, users are typically presented with multiple options for completing a survey or choosing an offer – following which they will allegedly receive Fortnite's in-game currency.
While there is a chance that these "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scams may operate as phishing pages and collect Fortnite account log-in credentials, we did not find any instances of these schemes requesting users to provide their passwords. Regardless, other data may be at risk – e.g., the email addresses entered into these scams could be recorded and sold to data brokers in the business of carrying out spam campaigns.
At the time of research, the direct goal of "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" was generating ad revenue. The fake CAPTCHA options redirected to a variety of suspicious, misleading, and potentially malicious sites. Survey-type scams (e.g., "TESCO Loyalty Program", "Customer Experience Survey", "Verizon Reward", "Mobile Survey Reward", "ONLINE BANK Reward", etc.) were particularly prevalent.
However, we also observed redirects to deceptive pages that promote software. By downloading content endorsed on such sites, users risk adware, browser hijacker, PUA, trojan, ransomware, and other infections.
It is worth mentioning that "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" could redirect to genuine websites offering legitimate products or services. The motivation behind this is for the scammers to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the sites' affiliate programs.
To summarize, by trusting a scam like "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" – users may experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
If you have already disclosed your log-in credentials to scammers – immediately change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and contact their official support.
Name | "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scam website |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Fake Claim | Users can generate V-Bucks (Fortnite in-game currency) for free. |
Related Domains | vbbv[.]store, vuxgou[.]com, an1[.]is, moviezone[.]shop |
VirusTotal Detections and Serving IP Addresses | vbbv[.]store (172.67.188.30), vuxgou[.]com, an1[.]is (172.67.202.214) |
Distribution methods | SEO poisoning, compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially 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 scam examples
We have researched thousands of online scams; "Robux Generator", "Memorama hack", and "PUBG hack" are merely a few examples of ones similar to "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator".
The Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. Online schemes use various lures to deceive victims into performing specific actions; they can offer benefits, discounts, payouts, products, services, and so forth. However, regardless of the bait utilized, the end goal of scams is the same – to generate revenue for scammers.
How did I open a scam website?
We have found "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scams promoted using search engine poisoning and malvertising techniques. This type of scheme is often endorsed on hijacked websites, wherein cyber criminals gain access to legitimate sites and create pages for hosting this deceptive content.
"Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scams could be pushed by utilizing other methods as well. Various types of spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, browser notifications, social media/ forum posts, etc.) are used for this purpose.
Deceptive webpages may also be accessed via websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs (typosquatting), intrusive ads, and installed adware.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
We highly recommend vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements and spam browser notifications may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable/hazardous sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
Our recommendations include paying attention to URLs and entering them carefully. It is necessary to be selective about which pages are enabled to display browser notifications. Suspect sites must not be permitted to do so; instead, notification requests have to be ignored or denied (i.e., by clicking "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.).
We advise against using websites that offer pirated programs/media or other questionable services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as they typically use rogue advertising networks.
Additionally, incoming mail must be treated with caution. Attachments or links found in dubious emails and other messages must not be opened, as they can be harmful/virulent.
Downloads must be made from official/verified sources, and installations must be treated with care (e.g., by studying terms and options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.) – to prevent bundled/dangerous software from infiltrating the system.
If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.
The appearance of "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scam (GIF):
Screenshots of "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scam variants:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scam website?
- 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 an online scam?
Basically, online scams are deceptive messages. Their goal is to push users into performing certain actions, such as disclosing sensitive information, making monetary transactions, downloading/installing software, subscribing to services, purchasing products, visiting suspect/harmful webpages, calling fake support lines, etc.
What is the purpose of online scams?
Online scams are intended to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals may profit by acquiring funds through deception, endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.), selling/abusing private information, and spreading malware.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by an online scam, what should I do?
If you have provided your account credentials – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you've disclosed other private information (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the relevant authorities.
Why do I encounter online scams?
"Fortnite V-Bucks Generator" scams have been promoted using SEO poisoning and malvertising techniques. Other common scam endorsement methods include: websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs (typosquatting), spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, browser notifications, social media posts, etc.), intrusive ads, and adware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams?
Combo Cleaner can scan visited websites and detect rogue, deceptive, and malicious ones. Hence, should you visit such a webpage – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be blocked.
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