Sony is warning fans looking into beta programs for the PlayStation 4 that all websites dedicated to beta testing the next-gen console are scams. The company has released a statement on Twitter with the following message:
"Just a reminder: Any sites asking you to enter details to sign up for PS4 beta testing are scams," PlayStation Europe.
It's hardly a surprise that con artists and scammers would pull this trick with the PlayStation 4, considering that similar stories have been reported concerning the next-gen Xbox and Grand Theft Auto 5. Usually, the fake sites attempt to have users spread the websites' information across social media sites, before tricking a user to download malicious software. The best way to avoid such sites is to check to see if beta programs are run through a company's official website.
The PlayStation 4 is slated for a holiday release, and the same is expected for the next-gen Xbox. The PlayStation 4 was unveiled to the public in a news conference last month. The next-gen Xbox has yet to be officially shown to the public, but April is heavily rumored to be the month the console is finally revealed.
Both companies have used Twitter to warn fans of malicious sites. With such high stakes concerning the release of the next generation of consoles, Sony and Microsoft will not tolerate these false beta sites attempting to scam fans. Rockstar has taken scam sites to court over fake beta sign ups for Grand Theft Auto 5, so it would not be surprising if Sony or Microsoft will do the same. Readers are encouraged to discount any third-party website that promises beta access to any new consoles or games