🚨 Caution: Phony Beta Invitations for The Witcher 4 Spreading Online, Alerts CD Projekt Red
Enthusiasts of The Witcher franchise, exercise caution: counterfeit invitations for a supposed closed beta test of The Witcher 4 are circulating online. Developer CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has released an official alert, stating that these invitations are fraudulent and part of a scam aimed at eager players.
No Closed Beta Exists
In a recent announcement made via social media and a post on the Bluesky platform, CD Projekt Red clarified that there is currently no closed beta for The Witcher 4 planned or in progress. The studio highlighted that any communications or invitations circulating through email, Instagram advertisements, or other social media are completely bogus.
“We have recently received reports from members of our community claiming they received invitations to a beta test for The Witcher 4 – this is a scam,” CDPR mentioned. “We are taking steps to eliminate these deceptive messages. If you happen to receive an invitation or see such a message, please report the scam using the reporting tools in your email application or on the social media platform you are using.”
The studio also reassured fans that any forthcoming beta programs or testing phases will be communicated exclusively via CD Projekt Red’s official channels, including their verified social media accounts and website.
Understanding the Scam
The scam seems to target unsuspecting fans through ads and messages that appear to be legitimate. A Reddit user, u/clevverguy, recently issued a warning after discovering a phony Witcher 4 beta signup advertisement on Instagram. The post quickly garnered attention, with multiple users confessing they had been tricked by the scam.
One commenter, HoboHagrid, recounted their experience: “This showed up in the middle of the night while I was mindlessly scrolling. I signed up without a second thought. Thankfully, I regained my senses and hurried to change my email and password.”
These scams frequently take advantage of the excitement surrounding anticipated game releases, employing urgency and seemingly official branding to deceive users into giving away personal data, like email addresses and passwords. Some may even try to install malware or phishing applications on victims’ devices.
Identifying a Scam
To steer clear of such scams, CD Projekt Red and cybersecurity specialists suggest the following guidelines:
1. Verify the Source: Always confirm the sender of any email or message. Official announcements will be issued from CD Projekt Red’s verified accounts or website.
2. Watch for Warning Signs: Poor grammar, spelling errors, and strange formatting are typical indications of phishing schemes.
3. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: If you receive an unsolicited invitation or message, refrain from clicking any links or downloading attachments.
4. Use Search Engines: A quick Google search can often verify the authenticity of a beta test or promotion.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Safeguard your accounts by activating 2FA whenever possible.
What to Do If You’ve Been Affected
If you suspect you’ve engaged with a false Witcher 4 beta invitation, take immediate steps:
– Change your passwords, particularly if you reused the same credentials elsewhere.
– Activate two-factor authentication on your accounts.
– Perform a malware scan on your device.
– Report the scam to the platform where you encountered it (e.g., Instagram, Reddit, email provider).
Looking Forward
As excitement for The Witcher 4 increases, CD Projekt Red has not yet revealed a release date or any official testing phases. Fans are encouraged to remain patient and rely solely on information from the developer’s official communication channels.
In the meantime, stay vigilant and informed. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but by maintaining alertness and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can avoid falling prey to their schemes.
For the latest news on The Witcher series and other CD Projekt Red initiatives, follow their official Twitter account @thewitcher and visit their website at thewitcher.com.
Stay safe, and enjoy your gaming experience!