Beware of the Black Desert Scam: What Content Creators Need to Know
What is the Black Desert Scam?
The Black Desert Scam is a deceptive phishing scheme primarily targeting content creators, such as YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and social media influencers. Scammers pose as representatives from Pearl Abyss, the official developers of the popular MMORPG Black Desert Online, and offer fake collaboration opportunities or promotional deals. These scams are designed to steal personal information, gain unauthorized access to accounts, or install malware on the victim’s devices.
This scam has been circulating widely, affecting numerous creators who may be eager for legitimate promotional opportunities. The scam exploits the desire of creators to collaborate with reputable gaming companies, making it easy for victims to overlook warning signs.
How Does the Black Desert Scam Work?
The scam starts with an unsolicited email that appears professional and uses official-looking branding and language. The email typically offers the recipient a chance to collaborate on promoting Black Desert Online, often promising attractive incentives like early access to new game content, financial compensation, or in-game rewards for their audience.
- Email Offer: Scammers send a message that praises the creator’s channel and offers a collaboration. The message usually includes a sense of urgency, encouraging a quick response.
- Malicious Attachments or Links: The email may include attachments disguised as contracts or promotional assets, or links that direct recipients to fake websites mimicking official Pearl Abyss pages.
- Credential Theft: If the recipient clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, they may be prompted to enter sensitive information or unknowingly install malware, leading to credential theft or unauthorized access to their accounts.
Example Email
From: Black Desert <collaboration24@onet.eu>
Subject: John Daniels // YouTube Promotional offerGood morning,
You have a very interesting YouTube channel, which we would like to use to promote our game.
Black Desert is an MMORPG that combines elements of several genres at once: real-time strategy, role-playing game, and life simulator.
If you are interested and want more details, we are waiting for your reply to this message! It will be unforgettable!
We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible!
Welcome, Black Desert
BD Team
What Happens if You Respond?
Responding to the email puts you at immediate risk. Scammers may request further personal details, such as account credentials or financial information, under the guise of verifying your identity for the collaboration. You might be asked to download a file, which could contain malware that infects your device, compromising security.
In other cases, you could be directed to a fake login page where your credentials are harvested as soon as you attempt to sign in. This can lead to unauthorized access to your YouTube, Twitch, email, or even financial accounts, causing significant damage that may take weeks or months to rectify.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Suspicious Email Addresses: Official Pearl Abyss emails will come from a verified domain (e.g., @pearlabyss.com). Addresses like <collaboration24@onet.eu> are not official and should raise immediate suspicion.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use urgency, such as “We need your response quickly,” to bypass your usual caution. Legitimate companies rarely rush decisions like these.
- Generic and Poorly Written Content: Be wary of emails with poor grammar, odd phrasing, or over-the-top flattery that feels insincere.
- Attachments and Links: Do not click on links or download attachments unless you have verified their authenticity independently through official channels.
How to Protect Yourself from the Black Desert Scam
- Verify the Source: Always verify the sender’s email by contacting Pearl Abyss through official communication channels found on their official website.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Secure your accounts with 2FA to prevent unauthorized access, even if your credentials are compromised.
- Use Security Software: Keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up to date to detect and block threats from suspicious downloads or websites.
- Educate Your Audience: If you are a content creator, educate your followers about scams like these to prevent them from being targeted as well.
- Report Suspicious Emails: Report any phishing attempts to your email provider and warn your community to stay vigilant.
How to Report the Black Desert Scam
Reporting scams not only helps protect you but also helps others avoid falling victim. To report the Black Desert Scam:
- Report the email as phishing within your email client (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).
- Contact Pearl Abyss directly through their official support channels to notify them of the scam attempt.
- File a complaint with your local cybercrime unit or consumer protection agency, which can provide additional resources and support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: How can I tell if an email from Pearl Abyss is legitimate?
- A: Verify the sender’s email domain, and reach out to Pearl Abyss through their official website or known communication channels to confirm any collaboration offers.
- Q: What should I do if I clicked on a suspicious link?
- A: Disconnect your device from the internet, run a full security scan, and change all relevant passwords immediately. Monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.
- Q: Can these scams impact my followers?
- A: Yes, scammers might use compromised accounts to target your audience with similar scams. Always inform your followers if your account has been compromised and advise them on what steps to take.
- Q: How can I contact Pearl Abyss?
- A: You can contact Pearl Abyss through their official support page. Visit their support website at support.pearlabyss.com to submit your inquiry or report any issues.