Far Cry 6 fans desperate for news on the game may be excited to see an e-mail in their feeds regarding a beta, but this message is not what it seems. According to one prominent YouTuber, a recent Far Cry 6 beta email is a well-hidden scam.
While previous Far Cry games have featured multiplayer modes, betas have not been a common occurrence — though the fact that this "beta" is aimed primarily at content creators explains the program. Likely described as an unfinished build of the game’s singleplayer that limits players to a few hours of playtime, this is not too different from what Ubisoft has been doing with the ad campaigns for recent entries in the Far Cry franchise. However, this advertising pattern has only served to make a new scam more effective.
Giving Twitch streamers and YouTube creators something exciting to play while doubling as a way to get viewers to buy the game, the strategy is an effective one when it is being used. According to Far Cry player and YouTuber theRadBrad, however, a fake beta for the latest game in the franchise is the basis of a scam aimed at popular video game influencers. Warning his peers about the fake email in the tweet, theRadBrad explains just how in-depth the trickery goes, and it is hard to blame anyone for believing the email is real based on what he says.
Per theRadBrad, the email looks as if it is coming from the official Ubisoft address, boasting the same name and formatting used by the company. Much like the fake PlayStation YouTube channel, it is impossible to notice a difference on first glance, and the scammer did not stop here. According to the YouTuber, an embargo date is given alongside a password for access, and while these are obviously fake, theRadBrad and other gamers that received the email could not have known this.
If the code is put in, the virus is downloaded, watching the screen of gamers and recording everything that they do. Identity theft and fraud are just some of the negative outcomes that this virus can lead to, with an invasion of privacy being the least concerning problem that can come from the virus being active. For now, the only “good” thing about the virus is that it is aimed at popular YouTubers and streamers, though it could only be a matter of time before the scammers attempt to fool regular Far Cry fans.
With Far Cry 6’s release date likely far off, a beta coming this early would not make much sense anyway. Regardless, theRadBrad has done fans a service by making them aware of this scam, a move that will hopefully make the person behind the virus less likely to try the same tactics again.
Far Cry 6 is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.