First announced in July 2020, Ubisoft Toronto’s highly anticipated Far Cry 6 was originally scheduled for release this past February 2021, but like many games was delayed to an unspecified date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In February, as fans eagerly awaited more news about the next installment in the popular Far Cry franchise, some targeted gamers may have fallen victim to a scam email claiming to be an invitation to a Far Cry 6 beta. This email, aimed primarily at content creators who could be easily baited with the enticement of exclusive content to share with their viewers, contained a link that installed a virus on the user’s computer when clicked.
A warning went out to alert content creators and anybody else who may have received the official-looking email, but unfortunately that seems to have not been the end of the phishing attempt. On March 17, Ubisoft issued another warning about scam emails originating from a Ubisoft domain that is targeting media outlets and content creators, inviting them to an early access version of Far Cry 6.
The statement issued by Ubisoft explained: “Some of our media and content creators are being sent fake emails using the Ubisoft domain inviting you to take part in early access for Far Cry 6. Please ignore such emails. Our security teams are investigating.”
In the phishing attempt in February, YouTube creator theRadBrad explained that the email appeared to come from an official Ubisoft address and included warnings about an embargo. The email provided a link and special password for access to a Far Cry 6 beta, and the virus that then got installed on users’ computers would record everything that happened on the screen, opening the door for identify theft and other serious repercussions.
Although these phishing emails have apparently thus far targeted only the media and content creators, it may be just a matter of time before hackers turn their sights on the general public. It’s important to remember that Ubisoft has only stated that it intends to release Far Cry 6 sometime before September 30, 2021, and the company has made clear that there is no beta or early access planned for the game yet. It’s also good practice not to click on links in emails, but rather go directly to the desired website.
Far Cry 6 is not the only game to have recently been targeted by scammers and hackers. Before its release, players began receiving scam emails about a closed beta for Cyberpunk 2077, causing CD Projekt Red to announce that there would be no beta for the game. Fans looking forward to Experiment 101’s upcoming open-world action RPG Biomutant have also begun receiving phishing emails with fraudulent links. And fake early access invitations that appeared to come from an official Capcom email address recently went out for Resident Evil Village.
Far Cry 6 is currently in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: DSOGaming