{"id":208512,"date":"2025-01-31T03:16:56","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T11:16:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=208512"},"modified":"2025-07-21T22:40:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T05:40:30","slug":"scam-alert-fake-minecraft-roblox-hacks-on-youtube-hide-malware-target-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/scam-alert-fake-minecraft-roblox-hacks-on-youtube-hide-malware-target-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Scam Alert: Fake Minecraft, Roblox Hacks on YouTube Hide Malware, Target Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Video games are a favorite pastime for millions of kids and teenagers worldwide, offering exciting challenges, epic battles, and opportunities to connect with friends online. But what happens when the search for an edge in these games\u2014like cheats or special hacks\u2014leads to something far more dangerous? <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

McAfee Labs has uncovered a growing threat aimed at gamers<\/span><\/a>, especially kids, who unknowingly download malware disguised as game hacks, software cracks, and cryptocurrency tools.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know about this sneaky scam <\/span>and how to stay safe<\/span><\/a>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Games and Platforms at Risk<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Popular games like <\/span>Minecraft<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>Roblox<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>Fortnite<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>Apex Legends<\/span><\/b>, and <\/span>Call of Duty<\/span><\/b> are <\/span>among those targeted by these scams<\/span><\/a>. Gamers searching for cheats to gain an advantage\u2014like seeing through walls, speeding up characters, or unlocking premium items\u2014are being lured to malicious links. These links often appear on GitHub, a platform where developers share and collaborate on code, or in YouTube videos claiming to offer step-by-step instructions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GitHub is typically trusted by programmers and tech enthusiasts, but cybercriminals exploit this trust by uploading malware that masquerades as game hacks. By naming their repositories after popular games or tools, scammers trick users into downloading malware instead of the promised cheat software.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How the Scam Works<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The process starts when someone searches online for free cheats or cracked software\u2014like tools to unlock premium features of Spotify or Adobe\u2014and stumbles upon a GitHub repository or a YouTube video. These repositories often look convincing, with professional descriptions, screenshots, and even licenses designed to appear legitimate.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Figure 1: Attack Vector<\/em><\/p>\n

Once users follow the instructions, they\u2019re often asked to disable their antivirus software or Windows Defender. The reasoning provided is that antivirus programs will mistakenly identify the hack or crack as dangerous. In reality, this step clears the way for malware to infect their device.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Happens After the Malware is Downloaded?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Instead of receiving a functional cheat, victims unknowingly install a dangerous program known as <\/span>Lumma Stealer<\/span><\/b> or similar malware variants. This software quietly:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n