Xbox Series X and PS5 pre-order fraud is booming as the...

The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are all set to hit the ground running in November to take the next big leap in performance and usher in a new breed of console gaming. Both Sony and Microsoft have run extensive pre-order campaigns in advance, with high demand selling out inventory in seconds and now proving difficult to lock down systems. The pre-order process has already proven to be chaotic, and a recent surge in scams appears to be taking advantage of the FOMO as the launch emerges.

Over the past week, various Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5-related scams have been highlighted in an attempt to raise money from unsuspecting buyers waiting for pre-orders. In the reported cases, individuals posed as third-party retailers, leaving each console out of their own pocket a few days after its launch date.

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In one case, an email was issued as Amazon in Australia warning users that their pre-order was postponed to early 2021 because “Sony did not deliver the agreed amount of inventory”. The incident had even fooled outlets such as PressStart AU, who later revised their coverage and raised awareness of the tactics.

UK-based retailer GAME has also warned shoppers of potential scams, including a now-banned Twitter account that is collecting payment details for customers. Reports also highlighted an unofficial website posing as a retailer, which aims to scam users who have not yet received pre-orders for next-gen consoles.

“We were made aware of a fake ‘GAME’ Twitter account that is responding to customer tweets and encouraging customers to provide alternative card payment methods for pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles,” the company said about

⚠⚠⚠ pic.twitter.com/VovDFk8Qz3

— GAME.co.uk (@GAMEdigital) November 3, 2020

on Tuesday. “We want to assure you that we will never ask for your payment details on social media. We are working with Twitter and the relevant authorities to take action against this account. ”

The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 remain a hot product close to launch. The demand from online retailers will be reduced, and the limited availability of pre-orders is expected to continue until 2021. We’ll keep track of the latest pre-orders for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S if you do. I am still looking. However, it is important to stay vigilant online and make sure you know who You are talking while holding personal information out of the wrong hands.

During startup and in everyday life, watch out for suspicious calls, emails or text messages that show personal information only through trusted channels. Never trade directly from unverified email. Visiting a retailer’s website on your own will give you many of the necessary order updates you need. And when you need to reach out to a retailer, watch out for tactics that can mislead unwary shoppers in our digital age.

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