Steam, the online gaming platform, has topped the list for the most imitated brand in the first quarter of 2025, according to research from Guardio.

The cybersecurity firm’s Brand Phishing Report for Q1 2025 found that for the firs time, Steam beat out big tech competitors such as Meta and Microsoft for the most imitated brand in phishing scams.

Scammers have been targeting the massive gaming community by impersonating Steam to warn users about supposed account issues, like payment failures or suspicious login attempts. These fake messages are designed to trick victims into entering their login credentials on counterfeit websites, which then steal their account information.

In addition to account-related scams, some phishing attempts will claim you’ve won a Steam gift card or a special promotion, prompting you to click on fraudulent links to claim your prize.

Besides Steam, Microsoft, Meta, and Roblox rounded out the top four most impersonated brands in phishing scams.

For Microsoft scams, scammers typically impersonate Microsoft support, contacting users over account problems or security breaches. Users are often directed to fraudulent websites that prompt them to enter personal information or download malware.

Meta has seen a rise in scams related to account security, with scammers sending fake login issues or security warnings. They typically try to crease a sense of urgency, asking users to click on a link that leads to a phishing page designed to steal personal information or login credentials.

Scammers on Roblox often impersonate Roblox support, claiming account suspensions or payment issues, while others falsely inform users they’ve won a gift or prize, and asking for payment details to claim it.

Guardio also found a range of rising scam trends in their Q1 2025 research, including toll fee scams.

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Toll fee scams – scams surrounding toll roads mainly in the US – surged dramatically in Q1 2025. Scammers have been sending out text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll fee, directing victims to fake websites designed to steal sensitive information – Guardio saw this increase by 604% in Q1 2025.

Tax season scams were also on the rise, with scammers impersonating tax services, including the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), sending phishing emails, texts, or phone calls claiming issues over people’s tax filings.

Closing down sales also contributed to 2025’s phishing scams.

Guardio recommended using security tools, verifying sources, and being skeptical of offers with urgency when trying to dodge scammers online.