In Korolyov, a town near Moscow, a troubling incident unfolded that highlights a growing risk facing young players in online multiplayer games. A 12-year-old boy attempted to buy a leather item for 15,000 rubles within the mobile game Standoff 2 after being drawn into a marketplace where discounts on in-game currency and shooter skins are often advertised. The situation drew attention when a Telegram channel named Shot reported that the scam had led to a significant financial loss tied to the boy’s mother’s bank card.
The boy began searching social networks for sellers offering discounted in-game goods and virtual currencies. After evaluating several options, he connected with a seller who presented herself as an artist offering a deal worth 15,000 rubles. Trusting the supposed bargain, the boy transferred the money to the payment card provided by the seller and waited for the transaction to complete so he could receive the digital items he had paid for.
Problems arose when the seller requested access to the boy’s personal banking app to confirm that the money had been sent. Believing this was a routine security step, the vulnerable teenager granted login details and, in an unfortunate turn, the scammer gained access to the account. As a result, an additional 177,000 rubles were debited from his mother’s accounts, leaving the family to confront the financial shock and the broader emotional impact of the breach.
Shot notes that law enforcement is investigating this incident in connection with another case that occurred earlier in January. In that earlier event, a 10-year-old boy in Moscow reportedly took his father’s bank card and made an in-game purchase in Standoff 2, resulting in a loss of about 350,000 rubles for which the family faced substantial consequences. These cases underline a troubling pattern in which minors are targets in online spaces that blend gaming, social media, and financial risk.
Experts emphasize several practical steps for parents, guardians, and players to reduce exposure to such fraud. First, always keep financial credentials strictly private and never share login details with anyone, even if the request appears to come from a trusted contact within a game or social network. Second, enable strong authentication on bank accounts and monitor card activity regularly to spot unusual transactions early. Third, teach children to recognize red flags such as requests to reveal passwords, sudden money transfers, or offers that seem unusually easy or too good to be true. Fourth, set clear rules about in-game purchases, including using parental controls, spending limits, and requiring explicit permission before any payment goes through. Finally, report suspicious accounts or deals to the game’s support team and to local authorities when a potential scam is identified. This layered approach helps create a safer gaming environment and reduces the likelihood that a minor will become a victim of financial fraud. These recommendations are echoed by cybersecurity experts and consumer protection advocates who stress proactive guidance for families navigating the intersection of gaming and money. [Shot] [Public safety advisory]
While the immediate focus remains on the families affected, the incidents also trigger wider questions about platform responsibility and the effectiveness of protective measures in online marketplaces associated with games. Stakeholders including platform operators, game developers, and financial institutions are urged to collaborate on better verification processes, more robust buyer protection, and clearer warnings for young users about the risks of sharing credentials. As the digital landscape evolves, it becomes increasingly important for players to understand how their choices—and the choices of others—can have real, consequential financial outcomes. The incidents serve as a reminder that vigilance, education, and practical safeguards are essential for maintaining a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for people of all ages. [Public safety advisory]