Hey IF Community - SCAMMERS ARE HERE
Within the Discord IF Servers there have been several Phishing scams popping up in the past few months. Several have also messaged me. And while I do know how to protect myself (plus- I love annoying scammers), I also know that their are users within the IF community who might not. Or have never been in a scenario involving a phishing scam. So might fall victim to it. Which, no its not your fault. Phishers play on victims FEAR and PANIC.
It IS NOT YOUR FAULT if you fall for it.
But try not to, because fuck scammers and you really don't want them touching your private information.
Now what is Phishing?
Phishing, is the practice by assholes to send fraudulent communications to a user in an attempt to steal their information. They use Social engineering to motivate you to give them your information. Be that a link, going to a fake website, or even sending them your money directly.
What is the scam running through the Discord IF Community?
Currently I have Three different scams. One is the 'Advance Fee' or colloquially known as the 'Nigerian Prince' (God I hate that name) scam, the 'I'm in a crisis go-fund-me' scam, and the 'I reported your Discord/Steam Account' scam.
What is the Advanced Fee scam?
The advanced Fee scam is a scam that starts off with the scammer offering to give you, the victim a large quantity of money. They'll usually start by either asking what you'll do with the money, or saying that they are in need of transferring a great deal of money quickly. Their goal is to prey upon people's desperation, kindness, and (in some cases) greed. Their goal is to swindle you out of your own money to fuel their own means.
If you see any messages that start like this:
Or this:
BLOCK AND RUN.
What is the I'm-in-Crisis scam?
Probably the most disgusting scam I've seen. Especially given the situations in Ukraine and Palastine. These scammers use peoples good will and empathy to swindle money from them through lies about being involved in these horrific events. Most of the time they will beg for money that does not actually go to those effected by these Crisis.
When you see/receive this scam. I know in our hearts we want to help our fellow man, but report and block them. Especially if you go to their profile and see 'FREE ONLY FANS' added to their list of 'SUPPORTS'. Then, if you still want to donate, go to one of the official donation pages found here on tumblr or discord.
Currently I haven't seen any issues with @northern-passage raffle.
Over 50 authors and artists from the Interactive Fiction community here on tumblr have come together to offer an array of prizes for a focus
What is the 'I reported your account' scam?
The I reported you scam, usually it happens when one of your discord mutuals/someone in a server with you has been hacked. They'll usually message you, out of the blue with a 'Hey... so I got hacked but I thought it was you, so I reported you on accident 'discord support said to contact this random user' owo'. It's a scam. The second they say that they reported them- Uno reverse those fuckers. Because that isn't how Discord does account bans.
They are going to take over your account and If they're lucky, steal yours and your friend's banking info.
If you see anyone post this message:
or this screenshot:
BLOCK.
Stay safe out there,
Shibes
Below are a few videos and articles I compiled to help users better understand scams found here on the internet.