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.

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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 scam

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? Check for Malware

If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.  

Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.

Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android

Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware

Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Windows

    You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.

    MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS DOWNLOAD LINK
    (The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
  2.  

    Install Malwarebytes

    After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.

    MBAM1
  3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

    When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.

    • You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.

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    • Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.

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

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    • On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.

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  4. Enable “Rootkit scanning”.

    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.

    MBAM8

    In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.

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    Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.

  5. Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.

    To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.

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  6. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

    Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.

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  7. Quarantine detected malware

    Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.

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    Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.

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  8. Restart your computer.

    When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.

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Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.

If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware

Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Mac.

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

    MALWAREBYTES FOR MAC DOWNLOAD LINK
    (The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes for Mac)
  2. Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file.

    When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.

    Double-click on setup file to install Malwarebytes

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.

    When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.

    Click Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac

    Click again on Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac for Mac

    Click Install to install Malwarebytes on Mac

    When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.

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

    The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
    Select Personal Computer or Work Computer mac

  5. Click on “Scan”.

    To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
    Click on Scan button to start a system scan Mac

  6. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

    Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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.
    Wait for Malwarebytes for Mac to scan for malware

  7. Click on “Quarantine”.

    When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
    Review the malicious programs and click on Quarantine to remove malware

  8. Restart computer.

    Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
    Malwarebytes For Mac requesting to restart computer

Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.

If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future.
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.

Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware

Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Android.

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

    MALWAREBYTES FOR ANDROID DOWNLOAD LINK
    (The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes 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.

    Tap Install to install Malwarebytes for Android

    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.
    Malwarebytes for Android - Open App

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

    When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.
    This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue.
    Malwarebytes Setup Screen 1
    Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step.
    Malwarebytes Setup Screen 2
    Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue.
    Malwarebytes Setup Screen 3
    Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
    Malwarebytes Setup Screen 4

  4. Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android

    You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.

    Malwarebytes fix issue

    Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.

    Update database and run Malwarebytes scan on phone

  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.
    Malwarebytes scanning Android for Vmalware

  6. Click on “Remove Selected”.

    When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
    Remove malware from your phone

  7. Restart your phone.

    Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.


Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.

If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

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!

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

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    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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