Switch 2 fans are being targeted by scammers: Nintendo warns of phishing emails
While pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have already started in some parts of the world (and in some places have closed instantly due to the high demand), Nintendo has to warn potential buyers about the rise of fraudsters trying to swindle personal data from eager fans. In Japan, where Nintendo holds lotteries to pre-order a new console to minimise speculation and avoid the chaos of online queues, attackers have found new ways to make money.
Here's What We Know
Some users received emails informing them of their "queue" to purchase Switch 2 and asking them to follow a link that, of course, did not lead to the official Nintendo store.
"We have confirmed cases of phishing emails disguised as the results of the Nintendo Switch 2 lottery sale on My Nintendo Store," Nintendo said in a statement.
"The lottery results sent out today will not contain a URL for the purchase procedure due to a change in processing time. If you received an email with a booking or purchase URL, it was not sent by our company. Please be careful."
Nintendo of America is running a similar, albeit more limited, registration process where users who meet certain requirements can register their Nintendo accounts for a chance to pre-order the Switch 2 on the Nintendo Store. Nintendo will send out invitations to purchase the system in May, although some may not receive them until after the official launch on 5 June. Phishing attempts related to the Japanese Switch 2 lottery have sometimes used difficult-to-detect methods to hide their tracks, such as minor spelling errors or URLs associated with other regions. If you receive an email like this, be sure to verify that it is genuinely from Nintendo before clicking on the link. Be vigilant and don't let scammers take advantage of your desire to be the first to get a new console!
Source: @nintendo_cs
