Nintendo Switch Stock: Scammers Target Gamers Desperately Looking for Console Amid Stock Shortage
Amid the growing demand and struggling supply of the Nintendo Switch, crooks found several ways to squeeze money from unsuspecting people desperate to get their own unit of the latest hybrid console.
Recently, security software company Symantec published a blog about how scammers are victimizing people with fake Nintendo Switch emulators. The methods vary, from luring people through YouTube videos, con websites, surveys and more.
Symantec spotted a long list of YouTube videos with contents that are commonly fake step-by-step instructions on "how to visit a website, download a file, and play Nintendo's 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' on a PC."
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Several YouTube videos contain, in its description box, some links that redirect to websites that either entice people to download a fake emulator installer or answer a bogus survey all of which will lead to a scam.
On the other hand, the number of scammers on Amazon has also been uncontrollable. If someone goes to Amazon now, all they can find are third-party resellers. However, people need to be extra cautious as Polygon reports of a lot of new accounts selling the Nintendo Switch that frequently carry a much lower price than the regular cost.
Everyone is advised to take extra effort to check the legitimacy of Amazon reseller accounts before buying a Nintendo Switch from them. An account that has signed up only recently, with almost no reviews and promises an obviously longer period of shipping time should be enough to raise suspicions.
The Switch is the latest console from Japanese video game company Nintendo. It is widely sought by many gamers around the world for offering the functionality of being an on-dock console and a handheld gaming device at the same time. It was released on March 3 along with the much awaited game "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."
Shortly after its launch, major retailers have run out of stocks. It took a couple of weeks before Nintendo was able to ship fresh batches of the Nintendo Switch. However, those have obviously sold out quickly as well.
Until now, there is a large number of people in the gaming community who are still trying their luck in acquiring the device. The desperation was an opportunity for crooks to jumpstart their tricks to make easy money.
