Genshin Impact Scam Alert: The Most Common Tricks Used Against Players

Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG developed by HoYoverse. The game features a large, story-driven world, but it also has a multiplayer component and real-currency-based ecosystem that makes it a prime target for scammers.

Multiple reports from official alerts, forums and gaming news websites detail how people get their accounts stolen, are hit with chargebacks or suffer bans.

Most of the incidents occur after players interact with fake websites, phishing domains, shady sellers or straight-up fraudulent shops.

Imagine this: you log in to Genshin Impact but as you type your login credentials or click a "free Primogems" link, you are actually handing your account to someone else. Scammers exploit a sense of urgency, the promise of prizes and in-game money, deceptive ads and "discount deals" to create a trap.

Below are some of the most common Genshin scams in 2026. Heed and take care.

1. Fake "Free Primogems / Genesis Crystals" generators

One of the scammers' favorite tools is building and advertising "Primogem generators." These promise unlimited crystals or other free stuff if you log in or provide your UID (user ID). Of course, they never deliver. Instead, the fake websites collect login credentials and sometimes even deliver malware.

The developers even issue security advisories about this kind of danger.

"We have received feedback from Travelers through community and customer service channels that some Travelers have logged in to phishing sites from unknown sources, resulting in problems such as unauthorized logins and account theft."

2. Phishing websites imitating the official login / top-up pages

Scammers often duplicate the real login or top-up pages from HoYoverse / Genshin, and then distribute their links through ads, DMs, or "too-good-to-be-true" offers. When users enter their username and password, they may unknowingly hand their accounts over to the attackers.

3. Discounted third-party top-up/recharge scams

Some scammers pose as "discount sellers” promising cheaper Primogems or in-game currency via third-party top-ups. They offer 20–30% off official prices, which makes them really attractive to players.

Unlike other scams that target credentials, in this case, they accept payment and then vanish. In the worst-case scenario, they might use the stolen payment information, which can lead to chargebacks and bans.

4. Fake giveaways from fake content creators (on YouTube, Discord, Social Media, HoYoLAB)

Scammers pretend to be generous players or "content creators" and promise various freebies, such as Battle Passes or Primogems. To "claim" the gift, players must log in or provide verification codes. The result is credential theft.

The scammers sometimes contact players via DM or via fake support channels, offering free passes or currency in exchange for credentials.

5. Discord DM scams and impersonation

Some scammers contact players directly on Discord, posing as moderators, support staff, or "helpers." They may offer help, cheap top-ups or fixes. Their goal is to ultimately extract login credentials and personal data, or to persuade people to open malicious links or install malware.

Official security advisories warn that external plug-ins, third-party sites, and shady invite-links are some of the biggest risk factors.

6. Account buying, selling and middleman fraud

Genshin accounts often hold rare characters, artifacts, and other inventory, which means a shady market primed for fraud and rife with scams has emerged. Some sellers reclaim sold accounts, buyers reverse payments and "middlemen" vanish. And some players don't know that there's no official support for traded accounts.

HoYoverse explicitly advises against using selling accounts or sharing account credentials for that matter.

7. Fake support / age-verification & other seemingly important messages

Users might receive "official" emails in which they have to "verify your age to avoid account deletion," or "security warnings" that use domains very similar to legitimate ones. Players who follow them will expose their login data.

In fact, the fake support emails are widespread in the gaming ecosystem – not only Genshin Impact will get them.

8. Jockeys or professional players

Jockeys are players who offer to help regular users with their progress – for a price, of course. They might help a user by joining their world, but others request direct access to the account. While not all jockeys are scammers, it's difficult, if not impossible, to determine who is honest and who is not.

How players can protect themselves

• Only use official domains: hoyoverse.com, hoyolab.com and genshinimpact.com.
• Never trust "free Primogem" or "free currency" giveaways or tools.
• Avoid third-party top-up services, account sellers and shared-account offers
• Ignore DMs, invite links or QR codes promising top-ups, free items or account help, even if it seems to be from official support emails.
• Don't download unofficial clients, hacks, or mods.
• Use a unique password for Genshin and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• If you suspect compromise, change your password immediately and contact HoYoverse support.

Bitdefender Total Security: key features that protect gamers

Genshin Impact scams have grown increasingly sophisticated, but you don't have to face them alone. Strengthen your defenses with a security solution built with gamers in mind.

• Anti-Phishing: Blocks fake HoYoverse login and top-up pages
• Malware Protection: Stops infected cheat tools and all other malware
• Web Attack Prevention: Detects dangerous links, redirects Other types of scams
• Anti-Fraud Filtering: Warns you about suspicious payment sites and "discount top-ups"
• Secure Online Banking: Protects real purchases and payment info

Genshin Impact Scam FAQ

Is Genshin Impact trustworthy?

Yes. The game and official HoYoverse platforms are safe. The risk comes from third-party websites that pretend to be official.

What is Genshin Impact getting sued for?

In 2025, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced action against HoYoverse for selling loot boxes to minors under 16 without parental consent. As part of the settlement, the company cannot sell randomized paid items to minors without parental approval.

Can HoYoverse recover my Genshin Impact account if it gets hacked?

Often yes, if you can prove you own the game. Recovery becomes difficult if the account used illegal top-ups or broke the Terms of Service.

Do any "free Primogem" or "generator" websites actually work?

No. All Primogem generators are scams designed to steal logins, collect data or install malware.

Are cheap third-party top-up offers safe to use?

No. They often use stolen payment methods, trigger chargebacks or lead to account theft.