Why does the PCSX4 scam still exist

[Ondrashek06]

A few years ago, a fake emulator scam for the PS4 appeared, called PCSX4. Its website looked like a real emulator with even a GitHub page, but upon trying to download, you get the usual "complete a survey to continue".

The fake GitHub was then deleted (it never hosted any code for any emulator anyways), but the site is still alive.

How can a single scam website be alive for years? Has no one reported them to the hosting provider? Do they not care? Usually scam websites run only for a few days each before shutting down or being shut down, yet this fake emulator still exists.

 

[CeeDee]

You see, it's because...

Spoiler: Complete this survey to continue!

people are dumb enough to fall for it

 

[LagunaLoire88]

Scams like this make money so it will never end

 

[Lostbhoy]

Have you reported it to the hoster or is it always some elses job??

 

[SylverReZ]

This fake emulator has been around for more than a decade, yet people continue to fall for it. You get a well-designed website and a GitHub page. However, after clicking the download button, you are prompted to complete surveys - the same tactic used for free eShop card generators, which I almost fell for as a kid.

There is also the possibility that it will offer you a download to an executable with the said "emulator," but in exchange, you will end up with malware on your computer.

https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulator_scams

 

[Ondrashek06]

This fake emulator has been around for more than a decade, yet people continue to fall for it. You get a well-designed website and a GitHub page. However, after clicking the download button, you are prompted to complete surveys - the same tactic used for free eShop card generators, which I almost fell for as a kid.

There is also the possibility that it will offer you a download to an executable with the said "emulator," but in exchange, you will end up with malware on your computer.

https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulator_scams

I doubt the malware part is even there though - the main scam is in the "survey", as all the survey offers require you to insert your phone number to sign up for an useless subscription for $10/wk with no way to cancel it besides changing your phone number.

 

[SylverReZ]

I doubt the malware part is even there though

There are some that do.

 

[LagunaLoire88]

Have you reported it to the hoster or is it always some elses job??

It if it has no executable to download and it is only just a survey after survey to steal info then the hoster can't take it down as you can't prove the info collected in the surveys are used malicously.

 

[Lostbhoy]

It if it has no executable to download and it is only just a survey after survey to steal info then the hoster can't take it down as you can't prove the info collected in the surveys are used malicously.

It was a rhetorical question...

 

[IndianaTaylor]

You see, it's because...

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The PCSX4 scam sticks around because scams often prey on hope, just like some shady gambling platforms out there. It reminds me of the importance of sticking to trusted options, whether it’s emulators or gambling. For anyone into gaming and betting, reliable betting sites not on Gamstop can be a safe choice if you're careful. I’ve found useful resources like this https://uk.notgamstop.com/betting-sites-not-on-gamstop/ site link. Always research before diving into anything, be it emulators or wagers!

hahaha, and yes, I opened it. lol