Warning over dangerous ‘Cyberpunk 2077 deals’ that could rinse your bank – and hack your logins

SECURITY experts have issued a warning over a dangerous online scam offering free copies of the year’s most sought after game.

Cyber crooks are hoping to trick gamers into handing over their data in exchange for a download code for Cyberpunk 2077, which is out this week.


Warning over dangerous ‘Cyberpunk 2077 deals’ that could rinse your bank – and hack your logins
Opportunistic hackers are looking to take full advantage of the buzz surrounding Cyberpunk 2077

They’re carrying out the hoax through phoney websites, according British cyber security firm Kaspersky.

Anyone who follows the instructions on one of the sites runs the risk of surrendering their computer logins or bank details to crafty hackers.

“We found several websites supposedly giving away Cyberpunk 2077,” Kaspersky researchers wrote in a blog post on Monday.

“Alas, visitors are sure to be disappointed, or worse.”



A scam website offering free downloads of Cyberpunk 2077 unearthed by researchers

Cyberpunk 2077 features the voice and likeness of Matrix star Keanu Reeves and is tipped to be one of the biggest games of the year.

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the sci-fi shooter ahead of its release on Thursday, and it appears scammers are looking to take full advantage.

According to Kaspersky, people hunting for Cyberpunk downloads on search domains like Google are at risk of landing on a dodgy scam site.

The websites they found are all very similar, with URLs containing words such as PC, games, and download.


Warning over dangerous ‘Cyberpunk 2077 deals’ that could rinse your bank – and hack your logins
The shooter features the voice and likeness of Matrix star Keanu Reeves

Users are directed to a convincing installer page for the game, but ultimately, are led through a series of pointless “install actions”.

These actions require the user to fill out endless surveys which at no point lead to the user getting a working download code for the game.

Many of the sites also request a phone number and e-mail address.

“That contact information is the likely target of the attack; contact information is useful for spamming,” researchers wrote.


Warning over dangerous ‘Cyberpunk 2077 deals’ that could rinse your bank – and hack your logins
Pop star Grimes voices the character Lizzy Wizzy in the game

Once the user has handed over their details, they are given a fake download key for the game that ultimately doesn’t work.

In some cases, the victim is sent to another website to complete even more surveys.

While landing your email and phone number in a spam database may sound fairly harmless, similar scams have taken far more from victims.

“For example, instead of a survey, the cybercriminals might ask for money in exchange for the key,” Kaspersky said.

“Or instead of a dummy installer, they might provide malware.”

The researchers added that they had already registered several thousand infection attempts through fake Cyberpunk 2077 downloads this year.

To avoid getting caught up in similar scams in future, the team gave a few tips for keeping your private details away from snoopers.

They highlighted that if something looks too good to be true – such as a free copy of a new game – then it probably is.

Additionally, they recommended that netizens think twice before giving any website their personal information or payment details.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a role-playing action game developed by CD Projekt and set in a dystopian Sci-Fi world where humans are part machine.

You play as V, who you can customise throughout the game with new cyborg implants and augmentations.

Keanu Reeves, 56, plays Johnny Silverhand, a “legendary rockerboy” who is a key character in the game.

The RPG will be out on Xbox One, PS4, PC and Google Stadia, as well as the new consoles from Microsoft and Sony: The PS5 and Xbox Series X.

In other news, check out our review of the iPhone 12 Mini.

Read our verdicts on the Xbox Series X and PS5 – if you can buy either.

And take a look at our 2020 Christmas tech gift guide.

Are you excited for Cyberpunk 2077? If so, let us know in the comments!