5 Quick Tips to Avoid Candy Crush Scams

Candy Crush Scams: Protecting Yourself

We've covered what these Candy Crush scams look like, and we've covered why they're such bad news. How should you protect yourself? Keep in mind these 5 tips, and you'll be much safer when surfing for info on Candy Crush or similar games.

5. Too good to be true

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. King (the makers of Candy Crush Saga) earns a ton of money off of this game, and any cheats are going to get shut down super-quick. Anyone who is promising you that they can help you cheat is probably lying.

4. Friends don't let friends click scams

Never, ever click on links if you don't know where they go or you don't trust the person posting them. This is doubly true in emails and on Facebook. This is a very common attack against unsuspecting computer users. Most browsers or email clients show the link destination at the bottom of the screen when you mouse over it. If it looks fishy, don't click. If you have a friend or family member that has a problem with being a little too trusting of the internet, warn them about Candy Crush scams.

3. Installation hesitation

Do not, under any circumstances, install software on your computer or your phone unless you trust where it came from. When you install programs on your computer, you risk getting all sorts of nasty software along with it. Bad software, or "malware", can make your computer run slow, lock you out, steal your private information, and even steal your money! Only install programs from places you trust and make sure you are careful about what you choose to install!

2. Use protection

If you use Windows, I suggest running a virus scanner and a malware scanner/blocker on your PC at all times. There are two programs I suggest to everyone, and both are free and from trusted sources.

The first is Microsoft Security Essentials which is published by Microsoft, the company that makes Windows. It does a good job of scanning for bad software, it's free, and it won't slow your computer to a crawl like some virus scanners do.

The second is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - the free edition is fine here, despite the fact that they will try to sell you something before and after the install. It's a solid program for removing the bad kind of software these scams will put on your computer.

1. Know when to call for help

If you've screwed up and installed some bad software, Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware programs can sometimes help, but sometimes you'll have to consult with a computer expert to get it all removed. If your computer is still acting odd after using removal programs and you don't have a tech savvy friend, you can take your computer to a shop and have it fixed. It's pricey, and certainly not your first line of defense, but it's the best way to get rid of some of the really nasty stuff that really seems to stick around. Just make sure you back up your files first!

Candy Crush Scams: Conclusion

Candy Crush is one of those really tough games that seems to throw up roadblocks at every turn that only serve to frustrate people. It's easy to go looking for a Candy Crush cheat, but beware! The shady sites on the internet that specialize in Candy Crush scams are really just looking to make a quick buck off your curiousity. Some might even be out to steal your identity and your secrets! Don't let them - browse smart, and keep crushin' safely.