Don’t Fall for the Freetendo.com “Free Nintendo Games” Scam

Freetendo.com is a malicious website that scams users by pretending to offer free Nintendo games. The site uses deceptive techniques to trick visitors into installing unwanted apps, completing bogus offers, and handing over their personal information.

Freetendo.com Scam Overview

The Freetendo.com scam begins by promising free Nintendo game downloads to lure in victims. The site displays what appears to be full versions of popular Nintendo Switch and other console games ready for free download.

Upon clicking the prominent “Get Free” button, visitors are prompted to enter an email address or Nintendo Network ID, supposedly to add the game to their Nintendo account. However, this information is collected for malicious purposes.

After entering an email or Nintendo ID, a fake notification pops up stating: “Suspicious activity detected! Please verify you are a human to get the selected game added to your Nintendo account. Verify.”

Unsuspecting users then click the “Verify” button, which redirects them to other scam sites. These scam sites also use the Nintendo’s logo and brand without permission to appear legitimate.

Freetendo.com prompts visitors to download an app, fill out surveys, sign up for questionable services, or provide personal information. However, completing these fake “human verification” steps will not unlock any free games.

The entire process is a scam designed to spread malware, steal personal data, and generate illicit ad revenue for cybercriminals behind Freetendo.com.

What are the Dangers?

The Freetendo.com scam puts users at risk in several ways:

• Malware infections – Apps downloaded from third-party sites like other scam sites often contain malware – spyware, trojans, adware – that can infect devices and steal personal data.
• Spam emails – By collecting email addresses, scammers can sell them or use them for phishing scams and spam campaigns.
• Personal info theft – Nintendo Network IDs, survey info, and other data entered on scam sites can be used for identity theft and hacking Nintendo accounts.
• Payment scams – Some scam site offers request credit card information to unlock free content, leading to fraudulent charges.
• Advertising clicks & revenue – Scam sites earn money by driving traffic to ads, affiliate offers, and sites with paid signup options. Users are the product.

How the Freetendo.com Scam Works

The Freetendo.com scam relies on increasingly deceptive tactics to hook unsuspecting Nintendo fans. Here is an overview of how the site operates and tricks visitors:

1. Appearing legitimate: The site is made to look like an official Nintendo site or partner offering free games. It uses Nintendo branding, logos, characters, and intellectual property extensively.
2. Offering free games: The site claims to offer free downloads of popular Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, and classic console games. Visitors are enticed by the promise of free games.
3. Requesting personal information: To get the offered free games, users have to “verify” they are human by entering an email address or other personal details.
4. Deploying fake account verification: After entering info, users are shown a fake notice about “suspicious activity” and the need to complete human verification via a survey/offer.
5. Redirecting to offer pages: The verification redirects to sketchy offer and survey pages designed to get users to install unwanted apps, sign up for subscriptions, or enter credit card data.
6. Spreading malware: The offers often try to get users to install malicious apps and software like premium SMS subscription services.
7. Harvesting emails: Email addresses entered on the site are collected and then used for phishing scams or sold to spammers.
8. No free games: After completing sketchy offers users are not rewarded with any free games, as promised originally.

The deceitful site benefits cybercriminals in several ways, from spreading malware to harvesting personal information. All while users receive nothing they were promised.

What to Do if You Fell Victim to This Scam

If you entered any sensitive information or downloaded anything from Freetendo.com, take these steps right away to limit the damage:

• Scan for malware: Use trusted antivirus software like Malwarebytes to scan all devices that accessed the site. Delete anything suspicious that is detected.
• Reset passwords: Change the passwords on any accounts used on the scam site, especially email accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Enable two-factor authentication if possible.
• Contact banks: If credit card or any financial information was entered on the site, notify those institutions immediately to watch for fraudulent use.
• Beware phishing scams: Be extra cautious of any emails you receive going forward, as your email address may have been collected. Do not open attachments or click links in suspicious emails.
• Report the site: File a complaint about the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help authorities investigate and shut the site down.
• Spread awareness: Let family and friends know about this scam site so they can avoid it in the future. Post warnings about it on social media and gaming forums as well. The more informed people are, the less victims the scammers can claim.

Stay vigilant for any signs of misuse of your personal data moving forward. Acting quickly can help limit the damage caused by scam sites like Freetendo.com that prey on eager gamers.

Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan

Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.

The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:

• Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
• Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
• Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
• Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for

👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.

Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android

Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

1. Download Malwarebytes

   Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.

   

   Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost

   Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium

2. Install Malwarebytes

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

   The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:

   • Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.

     

   • Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.

     

   • When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.

     

   • On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.

     

4. Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan

   You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.

   If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:

   1. On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
   2. Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
   3. Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
   4. When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.

   Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.

5. Start the Scan

   Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.

   

6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.

   

7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.

   

   Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.

   

8. Restart Your Computer

   Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.

   

When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.

Keep your PC protectedStop the next infection before it starts

If your antivirus let this threat through, it may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malware, ransomware, and malicious websites before they can infect your computer.See Malwarebytes Premium

If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

• Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
• Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.

Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac

Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Mac

   Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.

   

   Malwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost

   Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium

2. Open the Malwarebytes setup file

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

   The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.

   

   

   

   When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.

   Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.

4. Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”

   Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
   

5. Start the Scan

   Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
   

6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
   

7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
   

8. Restart Your Mac

   Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
   
   

If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.

Keep your Mac protectedStop the next infection before it starts

If your Mac got infected, its built-in protection may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium for Mac adds real-time protection that blocks malware and adware before they can infect your Mac.See Malwarebytes Premium

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.

Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android

Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Android.

   You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.

   

   Malwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost

   Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for Android

2. Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.

   In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.

   

   When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
   

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process

   When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.

   Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.

4. Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android

   On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.

5. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

   Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
   

6. Remove the detected apps.

   When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.

7. Restart your phone.

   When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.

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If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.

Keep your phone protectedStop the next infection before it starts

Malwarebytes for Android Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malicious apps and scam links before they can harm your phone.See Malwarebytes for Android

If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

• Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
• Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.

A factory reset erases everything on your phone. Your apps, photos, files, and settings are deleted, so use it only if the problem continues after the steps above and after you’ve asked for help. Before you reset:

• Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
• Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
• On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
• If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.

On a Google Pixel, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). On a Samsung Galaxy phone, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Menu names differ on other phones, so check your manufacturer’s support site.

Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites

No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.

We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.

👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely

Freetendo.com Scam FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Freetendo.com scam:

Is Freetendo.com an official Nintendo site?

No, Freetendo.com has no affiliation with Nintendo whatsoever. It is a scam operation using Nintendo’s branding without permission. Nintendo does not partner with or authorize any sites offering free game downloads.

Can I really get free Nintendo games on Freetendo.com?

No, the site does not actually provide any free games. The offers are a scam to trick users into installing malware and sharing personal information. No free Nintendo downloads will be awarded.

Is it safe to enter my information on Freetendo.com?

Absolutely not. You should never enter any personal information on suspicious sites like Freetendo.com. Entering your email address or other info will only lead to identity theft or inboxes flooded with spam.

Can children safely use Freetendo.com with supervision?

No, the site should be avoided entirely. The scam tactics can infect adult and children’s devices equally with malware. All users are at risk and no one should access the site.

I completed a survey but didn’t get my promised free game. What should I do?

Unfortunately, you will not receive any free games. The offers are a scam to trick users, and no rewards will be honored. Scan your device for malware, change account passwords, and report the site instead.

Is it legal for Freetendo.com to use Nintendo’s name and intellectual property?

No, the site is operating illegally by masquerading as an official Nintendo site. Nintendo condemns scam sites like this and takes legal action to stop infringement wherever possible.

I downloaded an app from Freetendo.com but now I’m getting spam emails. Help?

Uninstall any apps, run antivirus scans, and change passwords immediately. The app likely contains malware or adware. Your email was also harvested to be used or sold for nefarious purposes. Stay vigilant for other signs of identity theft moving forward as well.

Conclusion

Freetendo.com is fraudulent scam operations seeking to capitalize on Nintendo fans. By luring visitors with promises of free games for email addresses and downloads, they can distribute malware, steal personal information, and profit from illicit ad revenue. These scam sites have absolutely no connection to or endorsement from Nintendo itself. Protect yourself by recognizing signs of the scam, avoiding entering any personal info, and reporting the sites to the proper authorities. Stick to official sources like the Nintendo eShop and Nintendo.com website to enjoy Nintendo content safely. Don’t become another victim of the “free Nintendo games” scam!